Illinois to Washington Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,947 miles from Illinois to Washington typically falls between $1,233 and $1,872. The process usually takes three–eleven 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington:
- 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Illinois can deliver your vehicle to Washington:
- 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 Washington
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Illinois to Washington, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,947 miles to your vehicle on the route from Illinois to Washington. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Illinois to Washington, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Illinois to Washington auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Illinois and Washington. The typical distance is about 1,947 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Washington
| From Illinois to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA | $1,251 – $2,120 | 2,069 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Chicago, IL to Spokane, WA | $1,179 – $1,783 | 1,791 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Chicago, IL to Tacoma, WA | $1,291 – $2,037 | 2,082 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Chicago, IL to Vancouver, WA | $1,398 – $2,050 | 2,123 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Chicago, IL to Bellevue, WA | $1,264 – $1,955 | 2,063 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aurora, IL to Washington
| From Illinois to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, IL to Seattle, WA | $1,291 – $2,037 | 2,053 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Aurora, IL to Spokane, WA | $1,179 – $1,855 | 1,775 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Aurora, IL to Tacoma, WA | $1,370 – $1,996 | 2,067 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Aurora, IL to Vancouver, WA | $1,264 – $2,140 | 2,087 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Aurora, IL to Bellevue, WA | $1,357 – $2,079 | 2,048 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Joliet, IL to Washington
| From Illinois to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet, IL to Seattle, WA | $1,251 – $2,099 | 2,086 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Joliet, IL to Spokane, WA | $1,330 – $1,973 | 1,808 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Joliet, IL to Tacoma, WA | $1,304 – $2,161 | 2,099 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Joliet, IL to Vancouver, WA | $1,370 – $2,161 | 2,098 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Joliet, IL to Bellevue, WA | $1,383 – $1,955 | 2,080 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Naperville, IL to Washington
| From Illinois to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, IL to Seattle, WA | $1,264 – $2,099 | 2,063 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Naperville, IL to Spokane, WA | $1,228 – $1,819 | 1,785 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Naperville, IL to Tacoma, WA | $1,357 – $2,140 | 2,076 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Naperville, IL to Vancouver, WA | $1,330 – $2,037 | 2,096 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Naperville, IL to Bellevue, WA | $1,264 – $1,955 | 2,057 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rockford, IL to Washington
| From Illinois to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, IL to Seattle, WA | $1,259 – $1,931 | 1,989 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Rockford, IL to Spokane, WA | $1,216 – $1,711 | 1,711 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Rockford, IL to Tacoma, WA | $1,278 – $1,996 | 2,003 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Rockford, IL to Vancouver, WA | $1,317 – $1,996 | 2,066 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Rockford, IL to Bellevue, WA | $1,285 – $2,030 | 1,983 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Illinois to Washington
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 Washington, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,541–$2,340.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Illinois to Washington
When arranging car transport from the Land of Lincoln to the Evergreen State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- 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 Washington.
- Distance and route: The route from Illinois to Washington is about 1,947 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- 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: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Illinois and Washington.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–eleven days, but expedited options cost more.
Washington vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Washington, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
- Vehicle inspection: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
- Driver’s license: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
- Additional taxes: If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use 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 Washington
About 7.8 million people are living in the Evergreen State. Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Illinois and delivery in Washington?
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 Washington.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Illinois to Washington?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Illinois to Washington, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Washington, 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.
Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to Washington?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Illinois to Washington is about 1,947 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from Illinois to Washington.
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 the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
If I have a driver’s license in Illinois, will I need one in Washington?
To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
If I bought a car in Illinois, will I be required to pay sales tax in Washington after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Illinois to Washington after purchasing it.
If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Illinois and Washington to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Washington?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to Washington 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 Washington?
Shipping a car from Illinois to Washington costs $1,233 to $1,872.
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