Illinois to Texas Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 994 miles from Illinois to Texas usually costs between $827 and $1,282. Transit time is about two–seven days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Texas to Illinois car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Illinois to Texas 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 Texas:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
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 Texas:
- Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: 3.92 out of 5 stars
- Dispatchray: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Chicago Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- BKK TRANSPORT: 3.72 out of 5 stars
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525 US
van3autotransport.com
3.92 / 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.
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
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2511788
Dispatchray
6109 Jovic Ct, La Grange, IL 60525 US
dispatchray.com
3.8 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2490936
Alternative Business Names
- USA Auto Carrier Incorporated
Karma Auto Transport
901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US
karmaautotransport.com
3.78 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2882553
Chicago Auto Shipping Group
625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1000 PMB 165, Chicago, IL 60611 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-illinois/chicago
3.76 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
BKK TRANSPORT
77 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 US
bkktransport.com
3.72 / 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.
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 Texas
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Illinois to Texas, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 994 miles to your vehicle on the route from Illinois to Texas. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Illinois to Texas for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Illinois to Texas auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Illinois and Texas. The typical distance is about 994 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Texas
| From Illinois to Texas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Houston, TX | $831 – $1,343 | 1,083 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX | $914 – $1,474 | 1,198 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Chicago, IL to Dallas, TX | $830 – $1,223 | 926 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chicago, IL to Austin, TX | $861 – $1,347 | 1,120 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Chicago, IL to Fort Worth, TX | $837 – $1,272 | 950 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aurora, IL to Texas
| From Illinois to Texas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, IL to Houston, TX | $782 – $1,251 | 1,046 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aurora, IL to San Antonio, TX | $861 – $1,333 | 1,171 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aurora, IL to Dallas, TX | $803 – $1,235 | 898 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, IL to Austin, TX | $848 – $1,264 | 1,093 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aurora, IL to Fort Worth, TX | $788 – $1,313 | 923 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Joliet, IL to Texas
| From Illinois to Texas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet, IL to Houston, TX | $848 – $1,330 | 1,035 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Joliet, IL to San Antonio, TX | $879 – $1,460 | 1,161 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Joliet, IL to Dallas, TX | $870 – $1,210 | 888 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Joliet, IL to Austin, TX | $856 – $1,264 | 1,083 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Joliet, IL to Fort Worth, TX | $788 – $1,236 | 912 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Naperville, IL to Texas
| From Illinois to Texas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, IL to Houston, TX | $848 – $1,343 | 1,050 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Naperville, IL to San Antonio, TX | $888 – $1,333 | 1,175 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Naperville, IL to Dallas, TX | $821 – $1,338 | 903 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Naperville, IL to Austin, TX | $815 – $1,264 | 1,097 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Naperville, IL to Fort Worth, TX | $838 – $1,300 | 927 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rockford, IL to Texas
| From Illinois to Texas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, IL to Houston, TX | $848 – $1,304 | 1,068 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rockford, IL to San Antonio, TX | $888 – $1,432 | 1,194 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rockford, IL to Dallas, TX | $863 – $1,249 | 921 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rockford, IL to Austin, TX | $923 – $1,432 | 1,116 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rockford, IL to Fort Worth, TX | $805 – $1,261 | 945 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Illinois to Texas
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Illinois to Texas usually runs between $1,034 and $1,603.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Illinois to Texas
Transporting your vehicle from the Land of Lincoln to the Lone Star State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Texas.
- Distance and route: The journey from Illinois to Texas spans about 994 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Illinois more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Illinois and Texas and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
Texas vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Texas, 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: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- Vehicle inspection: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Driver’s license: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: New residents must pay a $90 new resident tax instead of a use tax for a vehicle they bring into Texas. This applies if the vehicle was previously registered in the new resident's name in another state or foreign country.
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 Texas
About 30.5 million people are living in the Lone Star State. Although winters are mild, hurricane season during the summer months may affect your move.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Illinois and delivery in Texas?
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 Texas.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Illinois to Texas?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Illinois to Texas, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Texas, 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.
Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to Texas?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Illinois to Texas is about 994 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Illinois to Texas.
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.
In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
If I have a driver’s license in Illinois, will I need one in Texas?
New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Illinois, will I be required to pay sales tax in Texas after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Illinois to Texas after purchasing it.
New residents must pay a $90 new resident tax instead of a use tax for a vehicle they bring into Texas. This applies if the vehicle was previously registered in the new resident's name in another state or foreign country.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Illinois and Texas to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Texas?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Texas 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 Texas?
Shipping a car from Illinois to Texas costs $827 to $1,282.
