Illinois to Virginia Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 769 miles from Illinois to Virginia typically falls between $801 and $1,182. The process usually takes two–seven days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Virginia 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 Virginia car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Illinois to Virginia:
- 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
- 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 Virginia:
- 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
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 Virginia
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Illinois to Virginia, 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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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 769 miles on your car going from Illinois to Virginia. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Illinois to Virginia 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 Virginia auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Illinois and Virginia. The trip typically spans 769 miles and takes about two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Virginia
| From Illinois to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA | $835 – $1,233 | 899 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chicago, IL to Chesapeake, VA | $843 – $1,183 | 896 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chicago, IL to Arlington, VA | $798 – $1,094 | 700 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chicago, IL to Norfolk, VA | $810 – $1,246 | 885 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA | $841 – $1,226 | 799 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aurora, IL to Virginia
| From Illinois to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, IL to Virginia Beach, VA | $804 – $1,310 | 936 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, IL to Chesapeake, VA | $845 – $1,297 | 943 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, IL to Arlington, VA | $800 – $1,172 | 738 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Aurora, IL to Norfolk, VA | $795 – $1,259 | 922 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aurora, IL to Richmond, VA | $836 – $1,190 | 840 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Joliet, IL to Virginia
| From Illinois to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet, IL to Virginia Beach, VA | $861 – $1,234 | 920 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Joliet, IL to Chesapeake, VA | $853 – $1,234 | 907 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Joliet, IL to Arlington, VA | $759 – $1,161 | 711 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Joliet, IL to Norfolk, VA | $827 – $1,246 | 896 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Joliet, IL to Richmond, VA | $847 – $1,221 | 814 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Naperville, IL to Virginia
| From Illinois to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, IL to Virginia Beach, VA | $861 – $1,310 | 933 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Naperville, IL to Chesapeake, VA | $837 – $1,310 | 930 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Naperville, IL to Arlington, VA | $736 – $1,138 | 724 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Naperville, IL to Norfolk, VA | $836 – $1,272 | 909 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Naperville, IL to Richmond, VA | $853 – $1,263 | 826 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rockford, IL to Virginia
| From Illinois to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, IL to Virginia Beach, VA | $822 – $1,262 | 1,003 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rockford, IL to Chesapeake, VA | $789 – $1,262 | 1,001 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rockford, IL to Arlington, VA | $817 – $1,214 | 785 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rockford, IL to Norfolk, VA | $833 – $1,319 | 980 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rockford, IL to Richmond, VA | $851 – $1,283 | 897 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Illinois to Virginia
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 Virginia, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,001–$1,478.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Illinois to Virginia
When arranging car transport from the Land of Lincoln to the Old Dominion State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- 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 Virginia.
- Distance and route: The journey from Illinois to Virginia spans approximately 769 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Illinois in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Illinois to Virginia, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–seven days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Virginia vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Virginia, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
- Vehicle inspection: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.
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 Virginia
About 8.7 million people are living in the Old Dominion State. Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Illinois and delivery in Virginia?
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 Virginia.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Illinois to Virginia?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Illinois to Virginia, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Virginia, 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.
It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to Virginia?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Illinois to Virginia is about 769 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 Virginia.
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.
All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
If I have a driver’s license in Illinois, will I need one in Virginia?
To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
If I bought a car in Illinois, will I be required to pay sales tax in Virginia after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Illinois to Virginia after purchasing it.
When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Illinois and Virginia to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Virginia?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Virginia 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 Virginia?
Shipping a car from Illinois to Virginia costs $801 to $1,182.
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