Kentucky to Arkansas Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 550 miles from Kentucky to Arkansas ranges from $671 to $960. Expect the trip to take around one–six days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Arkansas to Kentucky car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Kentucky to Arkansas car shipping companies

Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Kentucky to Arkansas:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
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Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Kentucky

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Kentucky that can relocate your vehicle to Arkansas:

  1. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Louisville Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  3. Safe Way Auto Transport, LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Highway Express Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Jack Cooper Transport

6709 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US

starstarstarstarstar3.66 / 5.0
Get a Quote (502) 425-2243

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pacific Motor Trucking Co.

Louisville Auto Shipping Group

9900 Corporate Campus Dr #3000, Louisville, KY 40223 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

Customers have reported a positive experience with Louisville Auto Shipping Group, highlighting their excellent communication and customer focus. However, there were significant concerns regarding the professionalism of a transport coordinator, which detracted from the overall experience.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • 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
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Safe Way Auto Transport, LLC

501 Lake Shore Dr, Kuttawa, KY 42055 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Safe Way Auto Transport generally receives positive feedback for its excellent communication, timely vehicle delivery, and overall professional service. However, some customers have reported issues with missed pickups and unresponsive customer support, leading to significant frustration and unsatisfactory experiences.

Get a Quote (270) 559-2421

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions

Additional Information

Ceva Logistics

6712 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the friendly staff and timely offloading services. However, issues with delivery reliability, slow check-in processes, and poor communication have been highlighted.

Get a Quote (502) 368-1999

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Storage solutions
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

Highway Express Inc

1800 E Blue Lick Rd, Suite 7, Shepherdsville, KY 40165 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (502) 383-3137

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

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 Kentucky to Arkansas

Ship it with your movers

If your move takes you from Kentucky to Arkansas, 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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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 550 miles to your car on the trip from Kentucky to Arkansas. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.

Hire a driver

You can also hire someone to drive the car from Kentucky to Arkansas 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.

Kentucky to Arkansas 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 Kentucky and Arkansas. The trip typically spans 550 miles and takes about one–six days.

Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to Arkansas

From Kentucky to Arkansas Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Louisville, KY to Little Rock, AR $640 – $819 520 miles 1 – 6 days
Louisville, KY to Fayetteville, AR $682 – $930 622 miles 1 – 6 days
Louisville, KY to Fort Smith, AR $745 – $988 670 miles 1 – 6 days
Louisville, KY to Springdale, AR $682 – $939 615 miles 1 – 6 days
Louisville, KY to Jonesboro, AR $547 – $803 390 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Arkansas

From Kentucky to Arkansas Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Lexington, KY to Little Rock, AR $697 – $895 558 miles 1 – 6 days
Lexington, KY to Fayetteville, AR $682 – $959 615 miles 1 – 6 days
Lexington, KY to Fort Smith, AR $709 – $1,108 708 miles 1 – 6 days
Lexington, KY to Springdale, AR $728 – $1,074 688 miles 1 – 6 days
Lexington, KY to Jonesboro, AR $623 – $854 428 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Bowling Green, KY to Arkansas

From Kentucky to Arkansas Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Bowling Green, KY to Little Rock, AR $560 – $806 410 miles 1 – 4 days
Bowling Green, KY to Fayetteville, AR $694 – $951 590 miles 1 – 6 days
Bowling Green, KY to Fort Smith, AR $631 – $960 560 miles 1 – 6 days
Bowling Green, KY to Springdale, AR $640 – $871 509 miles 1 – 6 days
Bowling Green, KY to Jonesboro, AR $484 – $661 323 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Owensboro, KY to Arkansas

From Kentucky to Arkansas Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Owensboro, KY to Little Rock, AR $593 – $789 437 miles 1 – 4 days
Owensboro, KY to Fayetteville, AR $677 – $895 572 miles 1 – 6 days
Owensboro, KY to Fort Smith, AR $671 – $941 564 miles 1 – 6 days
Owensboro, KY to Springdale, AR $691 – $950 565 miles 1 – 6 days
Owensboro, KY to Jonesboro, AR $484 – $701 301 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Covington, KY to Arkansas

From Kentucky to Arkansas Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Covington, KY to Little Rock, AR $710 – $998 617 miles 1 – 6 days
Covington, KY to Fayetteville, AR $769 – $1,097 714 miles 1 – 6 days
Covington, KY to Fort Smith, AR $749 – $1,162 767 miles 2 – 7 days
Covington, KY to Springdale, AR $731 – $1,043 706 miles 1 – 6 days
Covington, KY to Jonesboro, AR $643 – $807 486 miles 1 – 4 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Kentucky to Arkansas

Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?

If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Kentucky to Arkansas you should expect to pay between $839 and $1,200.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Kentucky to Arkansas

If you’re shipping a car from the Bluegrass State to the Natural State, keep these cost factors in mind:

  • Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to 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 Kentucky to Arkansas.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Kentucky to Arkansas spans about 550 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
  • Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Kentucky more expensive during these times.
  • Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Kentucky and Arkansas.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–six days, but you can pay for expedited service.

Arkansas vehicle regulations you need to know

When you move to Arkansas, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.

  • Car insurance requirements: In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto accident.
  • Vehicle inspection: Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
  • Driver’s license: If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.
  • Additional taxes: In Arkansas, all car sales are subject to a state tax rate of 6.5%, with the potential for additional county and local taxes up to 5%, resulting in an average total car sales tax rate of 9.133%.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist.

Transporting your vehicle from Kentucky

More than 4.5 million people call Kentucky home. Nicknamed the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.

Transporting your vehicle to Arkansas

About 3.1 million people are living in the Natural State. Arkansas has hot, humid summers and slightly drier, mild to cool winters. Arkansas is known for extreme weather and frequent storms. A typical year brings thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, snow, and ice storms. Between both the Great Plains and the Gulf States, Arkansas receives around 60 days of thunderstorms. Movers should check their local weather station to make sure they are not being caught in any of these storms.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Kentucky and delivery in Arkansas?

Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Kentucky and when dropping it off in Arkansas.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Kentucky to Arkansas?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Kentucky to Arkansas, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Arkansas, which you should verify before loading your car in Kentucky.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.

In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto accident.

How long does it take to ship a car from Kentucky to Arkansas?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Kentucky to Arkansas is about 550 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Kentucky to Arkansas.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.

Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.

If I have a driver’s license in Kentucky, will I need one in Arkansas?

If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.

If I bought a car in Kentucky, will I be required to pay sales tax in Arkansas after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Kentucky to Arkansas after purchasing it.

In Arkansas, all car sales are subject to a state tax rate of 6.5%, with the potential for additional county and local taxes up to 5%, resulting in an average total car sales tax rate of 9.133%.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Kentucky and Arkansas to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to Arkansas?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to Arkansas 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 Kentucky to Arkansas?

Shipping a car from Kentucky to Arkansas costs $671 to $960.

Helpful Kentucky resources