Indiana to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 478 miles from Indiana to Iowa ranges from $635 to $925 and takes one–four days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Indiana 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 Indiana to Iowa car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Indiana to Iowa:
- 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 Indiana
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Indiana can deliver your vehicle to Iowa:
- Clr Auto Transport: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- Reindeer Auto Relocation: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Classic Car Carrier, Inc.: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Clr Auto Transport
8450 Whitcomb St, Merrillville, IN 46410 US
clrautotransport.com
3.88 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 625842
Reindeer Auto Relocation
5100 Charles Ct, Zionsville, IN 46077 US
reindeerauto.com/car-shipping
3.58 / 5.0
Reindeer Auto Relocation has received a mix of feedback from customers. Many highlight excellent or timely customer service, friendly communication, efficiency in transporting vehicles and prompt updates. However, significant concerns arise regarding vehicle damage during transport and claim denials, leading to frustration among customers who feel unprotected and unsupported after incidents. Overall, while some users report satisfaction, many advise caution and thorough inspections before and after transport.
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
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2223341
Alternative Business Names
- Reindeer International
- Reindeer Logistics, Inc.
Classic Car Carrier, Inc.
111 1200 E, Zionsville, IN 46077 US
classiccarcarrier.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the professionalism and white glove service provided by the company while also praising their excellent communication and care for vehicles. However, several reviewers reported significant issues with specific transactions, including poor service experiences and equipment damage, advising caution in dealings with certain individuals.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 517836
Alternative Business Names
- Muscle Cars, Inc
- Mr. Car Lister, LLC
- Sales Injector, LLC
Auto Driveaway
8888 Keystone Crossing STE 1300, Indianapolis, IN 46240 US
autodriveaway.com/locations/indianapolis
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Diversified Auto Solutions, Inc.
- Auto Driveaway Indianapolis
Jack Cooper Transport
13210 Fogwell Pkwy, Roanoke, IN 46783 US
jackcooper.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
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 Indiana to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Indiana to Iowa, 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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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 478 miles to your car on the trip from Indiana to Iowa. 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 Indiana to Iowa. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Indiana to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Indiana and Iowa. Average distances are close to 478 miles, with delivery usually taking one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to Iowa
| From Indiana to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA | $635 – $872 | 476 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $591 – $793 | 390 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to Davenport, IA | $518 – $714 | 310 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to Sioux City, IA | $788 – $1,121 | 653 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to Iowa City, IA | $541 – $755 | 365 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Wayne, IN to Iowa
| From Indiana to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne, IN to Des Moines, IA | $673 – $863 | 479 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $591 – $777 | 392 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to Davenport, IA | $523 – $700 | 312 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to Sioux City, IA | $773 – $1,111 | 656 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to Iowa City, IA | $564 – $771 | 368 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Evansville, IN to Iowa
| From Indiana to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evansville, IN to Des Moines, IA | $664 – $904 | 513 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Evansville, IN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $591 – $835 | 447 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Evansville, IN to Davenport, IA | $575 – $748 | 366 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Evansville, IN to Sioux City, IA | $763 – $1,125 | 688 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Evansville, IN to Iowa City, IA | $623 – $812 | 423 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Bend, IN to Iowa
| From Indiana to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Bend, IN to Des Moines, IA | $617 – $795 | 412 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| South Bend, IN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $550 – $759 | 326 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| South Bend, IN to Davenport, IA | $473 – $617 | 245 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| South Bend, IN to Sioux City, IA | $742 – $938 | 589 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| South Bend, IN to Iowa City, IA | $513 – $714 | 301 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Carmel, IN to Iowa
| From Indiana to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, IN to Des Moines, IA | $616 – $890 | 475 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Carmel, IN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $591 – $785 | 388 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Carmel, IN to Davenport, IA | $518 – $721 | 308 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Carmel, IN to Sioux City, IA | $713 – $1,100 | 652 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Carmel, IN to Iowa City, IA | $530 – $771 | 364 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Indiana to Iowa
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Indiana to Iowa, expect costs to range from $794 to $1,156.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Indiana to Iowa
When transporting your vehicle from the Hoosier State to the Hawkeye State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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 Iowa.
- Distance and route: The trip from Indiana to Iowa covers roughly 478 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Indiana in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Indiana and Iowa.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Indiana to Iowa takes one–four days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Iowa means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Indiana
More than 6.8 million people call Indiana home. Nicknamed the Hoosier State. In the past, most of Indiana had cold winters and hot, wet summers. Only the very bottom of the state had a different climate with more rain. But currently, about half of Indiana now has that rainier climate. The temperatures are different in the northern and southern parts of the state.
Transporting your vehicle to Iowa
About 3.2 million people are living in the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Indiana and delivery in Iowa?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Indiana and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Indiana to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Indiana to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, which you should verify before loading your car in Indiana.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Indiana's minimum auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, providing $25,000 per person and a maximum of $50,000 per incident for bodily injury, along with $10,000 for property damage in the event of a covered accident. Liability coverage in Indiana includes property damage, protecting your assets in case you're legally responsible for damages to another party's property, and bodily injury, covering expenses related to harm sustained by others in a covered accident.
Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Indiana to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Indiana to Iowa is about 478 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Indiana to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Indiana does not mandate safety inspections for vehicles. However, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a VIN inspection for vehicles not previously registered in the state.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Indiana, will I need one in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
If I bought a car in Indiana, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Indiana to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Indiana and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Indiana to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Indiana to Iowa 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 Indiana to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Indiana to Iowa costs $635 to $925.
