Illinois to South Dakota Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 715 miles from Illinois to South Dakota ranges from $805 to $1,127. Expect the trip to take around one–six days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota to Illinois car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Illinois to South Dakota car shipping companies

After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Illinois to South Dakota:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Illinois

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Illinois that can relocate your vehicle to South Dakota:

  1. Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: 3.92 out of 5 stars
  2. Dispatchray: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  4. Chicago Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  5. BKK TRANSPORT: 3.72 out of 5 stars

Van 3 Auto Transport & Car

106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525 US

starstarstarstarstar3.92 / 5.0

Van3 Auto Transport receives praise for its excellent customer service, prompt vehicle delivery, and competitive pricing. However, several customers reported serious issues, including delayed pickups, vehicle damage during transport, and lack of communication from the company, leading to significant frustration.

Get a Quote (224) 788-7777

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Dispatchray

6109 Jovic Ct, La Grange, IL 60525 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 5.0

Customers express strong satisfaction with Dispatch Ray, highlighting excellent communication, competitive pricing, and a professional approach in transporting vehicles. They detail positive experiences with knowledgeable staff and timely deliveries throughout various transport needs. However, there were no significant issues reported by clients, with many indicating no hidden fees or surprises in the process.

Get a Quote (708) 298-4203

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • USA Auto Carrier Incorporated

Karma Auto Transport

901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US

starstarstarstarstar3.78 / 5.0

Karma Auto Transport is known for its excellent service and reliability. Customers frequently commend their professionalism, quick communication, and affordable pricing. However, there are complaints regarding payment issues for transporters and some unexpected delivery hassles, which raised concerns about their overall accountability.

Get a Quote (312) 788-9315

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Chicago Auto Shipping Group

625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1000 PMB 165, Chicago, IL 60611 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0

Customers generally report a high level of satisfaction with Auto Shipping Group's services, highlighting exceptional customer service and efficient, timely car transport. However, some negative experiences include issues with communication and unexpected pricing changes.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

BKK TRANSPORT

77 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0

BKK Transport is appreciated for competitive pricing, effective communication, and timely vehicle delivery. However, some customers report issues with late deliveries, poor contractor reliability, and unexpected extra charges.

Get a Quote (773) 467-7917

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2248306

Alternative Business Names

  • BKK Transport & Brokerage, Inc

How we chose the best car shipping companies

We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.

Here’s what we considered:

  • Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
  • Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
  • Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
  • Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
  • Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.

Alternative ways to ship your car from Illinois to South Dakota

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Illinois to South Dakota, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.

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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 715 miles to your car on the trip from Illinois to South Dakota. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.

Hire a driver

You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Illinois to South Dakota. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.

Ship by train

If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!

Illinois to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times

Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Illinois and South Dakota. The average journey covers about 715 miles and takes roughly one to six days.

Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to South Dakota

From Illinois to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Chicago, IL to Sioux Falls, SD $689 – $919 573 miles 1 – 6 days
Chicago, IL to Rapid City, SD $861 – $1,284 911 miles 2 – 7 days
Chicago, IL to Aberdeen, SD $767 – $1,105 704 miles 1 – 6 days
Chicago, IL to Brookings, SD $708 – $1,015 621 miles 1 – 6 days
Chicago, IL to Watertown, SD $737 – $964 608 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Aurora, IL to South Dakota

From Illinois to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Aurora, IL to Sioux Falls, SD $668 – $996 564 miles 1 – 6 days
Aurora, IL to Rapid City, SD $853 – $1,310 902 miles 2 – 7 days
Aurora, IL to Aberdeen, SD $801 – $1,136 689 miles 1 – 6 days
Aurora, IL to Brookings, SD $686 – $1,066 612 miles 1 – 6 days
Aurora, IL to Watertown, SD $678 – $997 599 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Joliet, IL to South Dakota

From Illinois to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Joliet, IL to Sioux Falls, SD $703 – $967 573 miles 1 – 6 days
Joliet, IL to Rapid City, SD $845 – $1,272 919 miles 2 – 7 days
Joliet, IL to Aberdeen, SD $813 – $1,161 721 miles 1 – 6 days
Joliet, IL to Brookings, SD $737 – $1,032 626 miles 1 – 6 days
Joliet, IL to Watertown, SD $715 – $1,011 630 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Naperville, IL to South Dakota

From Illinois to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Naperville, IL to Sioux Falls, SD $661 – $910 573 miles 1 – 6 days
Naperville, IL to Rapid City, SD $804 – $1,259 912 miles 2 – 7 days
Naperville, IL to Aberdeen, SD $748 – $1,049 698 miles 1 – 6 days
Naperville, IL to Brookings, SD $722 – $975 622 miles 1 – 6 days
Naperville, IL to Watertown, SD $730 – $964 608 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Rockford, IL to South Dakota

From Illinois to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Rockford, IL to Sioux Falls, SD $631 – $913 500 miles 1 – 6 days
Rockford, IL to Rapid City, SD $780 – $1,154 838 miles 2 – 7 days
Rockford, IL to Aberdeen, SD $715 – $1,056 624 miles 1 – 6 days
Rockford, IL to Brookings, SD $704 – $954 548 miles 1 – 6 days
Rockford, IL to Watertown, SD $684 – $908 534 miles 1 – 6 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Illinois to South Dakota

Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.

For this route from Illinois to South Dakota, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,006–$1,409.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Illinois to South Dakota

When arranging car transport from the Land of Lincoln to the Mount Rushmore State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
  • Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to South Dakota.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Illinois to South Dakota spans about 715 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
  • Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Illinois around these times usually come with higher costs.
  • Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Illinois and South Dakota.
  • Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–six days, while expedited service costs more.

South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know

When you move to South Dakota, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.

  • Car insurance requirements: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
  • Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
  • Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
  • Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist.

Transporting your vehicle from Illinois

More than 12.5 million people call Illinois home. Nicknamed the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"

Transporting your vehicle to South Dakota

About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Illinois and delivery in South Dakota?

Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Illinois and when dropping it off in South Dakota.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Illinois to South Dakota?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Illinois to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, which you should verify before loading your car in Illinois.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.

In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.

How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to South Dakota?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Illinois to South Dakota is about 715 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Illinois to South Dakota.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.

South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

If I have a driver’s license in Illinois, will I need one in South Dakota?

If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

If I bought a car in Illinois, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Illinois to South Dakota after purchasing it.

When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Illinois and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to South Dakota?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to South Dakota is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.

How much does it cost to ship a car from Illinois to South Dakota?

Shipping a car from Illinois to South Dakota costs $805 to $1,127.

Helpful Illinois resources