Indiana to Montana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,506 miles from Indiana to Montana usually costs between $1,167 and $1,619. Transit time is about three–nine 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 Montana 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 Montana car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Indiana to Montana:
- 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 Indiana
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Indiana who can get your vehicle to Montana:
- 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
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 Montana
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Indiana to Montana, 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
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,506 miles to your car on the trip from Indiana to Montana. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Indiana to Montana, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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.
Indiana to Montana auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Indiana and Montana. The average journey covers about 1,506 miles and takes roughly three to nine days.
Cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to Montana
| From Indiana to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis, IN to Billings, MT | $1,024 – $1,571 | 1,433 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to Missoula, MT | $1,220 – $1,823 | 1,775 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to Great Falls, MT | $1,056 – $1,667 | 1,562 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to Bozeman, MT | $1,089 – $1,603 | 1,573 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to Butte, MT | $1,110 – $1,680 | 1,658 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Wayne, IN to Montana
| From Indiana to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne, IN to Billings, MT | $1,056 – $1,603 | 1,416 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to Missoula, MT | $1,232 – $1,736 | 1,758 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to Great Falls, MT | $1,100 – $1,540 | 1,545 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to Bozeman, MT | $1,078 – $1,588 | 1,548 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to Butte, MT | $1,167 – $1,631 | 1,632 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Evansville, IN to Montana
| From Indiana to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evansville, IN to Billings, MT | $1,077 – $1,603 | 1,431 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Evansville, IN to Missoula, MT | $1,173 – $1,667 | 1,773 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Evansville, IN to Great Falls, MT | $1,144 – $1,664 | 1,647 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Evansville, IN to Bozeman, MT | $1,145 – $1,588 | 1,571 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Evansville, IN to Butte, MT | $1,098 – $1,747 | 1,655 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Bend, IN to Montana
| From Indiana to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Bend, IN to Billings, MT | $941 – $1,526 | 1,349 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| South Bend, IN to Missoula, MT | $1,121 – $1,730 | 1,682 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| South Bend, IN to Great Falls, MT | $1,098 – $1,634 | 1,479 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| South Bend, IN to Bozeman, MT | $1,014 – $1,603 | 1,481 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| South Bend, IN to Butte, MT | $1,167 – $1,508 | 1,565 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Carmel, IN to Montana
| From Indiana to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, IN to Billings, MT | $1,035 – $1,618 | 1,433 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Carmel, IN to Missoula, MT | $1,197 – $1,649 | 1,775 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Carmel, IN to Great Falls, MT | $1,111 – $1,572 | 1,562 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Carmel, IN to Bozeman, MT | $1,100 – $1,651 | 1,573 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Carmel, IN to Butte, MT | $1,156 – $1,730 | 1,657 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Indiana to Montana
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Indiana to Montana usually runs between $1,459 and $2,024.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Indiana to Montana
When moving your vehicle from the Hoosier State to the Big Sky Country, several factors can affect the total shipping 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: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Indiana to Montana.
- Distance and route: The route from Indiana to Montana is about 1,506 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Indiana, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Indiana and Montana.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Indiana to Montana takes three–nine days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Montana vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Montana, 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: In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
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 Montana
About 1.1 million people are living in the Big Sky Country. Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Indiana and delivery in Montana?
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 Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Indiana to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Indiana to Montana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Montana, 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.
In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
How long does it take to ship a car from Indiana to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Indiana to Montana is about 1,506 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from Indiana to Montana.
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.
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in Indiana, will I need one in Montana?
New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Indiana, will I be required to pay sales tax in Montana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Indiana to Montana after purchasing it.
In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Indiana and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Indiana to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Indiana to Montana 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 Montana?
Shipping a car from Indiana to Montana costs $1,167 to $1,619.
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