($876) Cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to Minneapolis, MN
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 595 miles from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, generally falls between $876 and $1,236. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis to Indianapolis car shipping guide.
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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
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- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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The best Indianapolis to Minneapolis car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Indianapolis to Minneapolis:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Indianapolis
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Indianapolis, IN:
- 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
- Kemp Transport Systems Llc: 3.5 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.
Car shipping alternatives from IN to MN
Getting your car from Indianapolis to Minneapolis can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Indianapolis to Minneapolis, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 595 miles from Indianapolis to Minneapolis might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Indiana to Minnesota, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Indianapolis to Minneapolis safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Minneapolis—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Indianapolis to Minneapolis car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Indianapolis to Minneapolis can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Indianapolis to Minneapolis, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Minneapolis, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Indianapolis depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Minneapolis will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 595 miles from Indianapolis to Minneapolis will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Indiana.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Indianapolis and Minneapolis.
Indianapolis summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest.
Minneapolis has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Minneapolis experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, and fog. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Indianapolis to Minneapolis during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 595-mile journey from Indianapolis to Minneapolis makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Indianapolis to Minneapolis takes one to six days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Indianapolis and Minneapolis vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Indianapolis: All permit applicants are now required to use INDOT’s Electronic Permitting System (EPS) when seeking a permit and making an electronic payment.
- Minneapolis: In Minneapolis, moving trucks may require a parking permit if parked on the street and obstruct traffic or parking spaces for an extended period. You can apply for temporary "No Parking" signs to reserve a space for your moving truck, but this must be done at least 7 business days in advance. Additionally, if you need to park in metered spaces, you can request to have the meters hooded at a rate of $25 per meter per day. Specific requirements and applications can be handled through the Minneapolis Public Works department.
Car insurance requirements
- Indianapolis: 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.
- Minneapolis: Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
Vehicle inspections
- Indianapolis: 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.
- Minneapolis: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Indianapolis: As a new resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver's license if you have a valid license from another state. You must also transfer the titles and registrations of your vehicles from your previous state to Indiana.
- Minneapolis: In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Indianapolis to Minneapolis?
The cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to Minneapolis, MN varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Indianapolis to Minneapolis will range from $876 to $1,236.
How long will it take to ship my car from Indianapolis to Minneapolis?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 595 miles from Indianapolis to Minneapolis. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Indianapolis to Minneapolis?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Indianapolis to Minneapolis. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Indianapolis to Minneapolis?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Indianapolis to Minneapolis than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 595-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
111 1200 E, Zionsville, IN 46077 US
8888 Keystone Crossing STE 1300, Indianapolis, IN 46240 US
1037 Oakwood Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46260 US