Kentucky to Idaho Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,981 miles from Kentucky to Idaho usually costs between $1,257 and $2,025. Transit time is about three–eleven 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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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Idaho 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 Idaho 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 Idaho:

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
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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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

Top local car shippers in Kentucky

If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Kentucky that can transport your vehicle to Idaho:

  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 Idaho

Ship it with your movers

When moving from Kentucky to Idaho, 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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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • 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

This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,981 miles on your car to travel between Kentucky and Idaho. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

You can hire someone to drive your car from Kentucky to Idaho, 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.

Kentucky to Idaho auto transport costs and transit times

The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Kentucky and Idaho. The average travel distance is about 1,981 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to eleven days.

Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to Idaho

From Kentucky to Idaho Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Louisville, KY to Boise, ID $1,213 – $1,837 1,877 miles 3 – 11 days
Louisville, KY to Meridian, ID $1,251 – $1,949 1,885 miles 3 – 11 days
Louisville, KY to Nampa, ID $1,213 – $1,837 1,894 miles 3 – 11 days
Louisville, KY to Idaho Falls, ID $1,196 – $1,756 1,655 miles 3 – 9 days
Louisville, KY to Caldwell, ID $1,219 – $1,967 1,901 miles 3 – 11 days

Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Idaho

From Kentucky to Idaho Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Lexington, KY to Boise, ID $1,219 – $1,986 1,951 miles 3 – 11 days
Lexington, KY to Meridian, ID $1,219 – $1,986 1,959 miles 3 – 11 days
Lexington, KY to Nampa, ID $1,296 – $1,947 1,967 miles 3 – 11 days
Lexington, KY to Idaho Falls, ID $1,189 – $1,779 1,729 miles 3 – 9 days
Lexington, KY to Caldwell, ID $1,308 – $2,006 1,975 miles 3 – 11 days

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

From Kentucky to Idaho Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Bowling Green, KY to Boise, ID $1,270 – $1,908 1,906 miles 3 – 11 days
Bowling Green, KY to Meridian, ID $1,308 – $1,908 1,914 miles 3 – 11 days
Bowling Green, KY to Nampa, ID $1,347 – $1,986 1,922 miles 3 – 11 days
Bowling Green, KY to Idaho Falls, ID $1,244 – $1,790 1,683 miles 3 – 9 days
Bowling Green, KY to Caldwell, ID $1,308 – $1,908 1,930 miles 3 – 11 days

Cost to ship a car from Owensboro, KY to Idaho

From Kentucky to Idaho Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Owensboro, KY to Boise, ID $1,302 – $1,855 1,827 miles 3 – 11 days
Owensboro, KY to Meridian, ID $1,201 – $1,874 1,835 miles 3 – 11 days
Owensboro, KY to Nampa, ID $1,289 – $1,912 1,844 miles 3 – 11 days
Owensboro, KY to Idaho Falls, ID $1,196 – $1,637 1,605 miles 3 – 9 days
Owensboro, KY to Caldwell, ID $1,289 – $1,780 1,851 miles 3 – 11 days

Cost to ship a car from Covington, KY to Idaho

From Kentucky to Idaho Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Covington, KY to Boise, ID $1,283 – $2,045 1,931 miles 3 – 11 days
Covington, KY to Meridian, ID $1,321 – $2,045 1,939 miles 3 – 11 days
Covington, KY to Nampa, ID $1,231 – $1,889 1,947 miles 3 – 11 days
Covington, KY to Idaho Falls, ID $1,238 – $1,797 1,709 miles 3 – 9 days
Covington, KY to Caldwell, ID $1,244 – $1,947 1,955 miles 3 – 11 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Kentucky to Idaho

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 Kentucky to Idaho, expect costs to range from $1,571 to $2,531.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Kentucky to Idaho

When arranging car transport from the Bluegrass State to the Gem State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
  • 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 Idaho.
  • Distance and route: Traveling from Kentucky to Idaho involves roughly 1,981 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
  • Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Kentucky around these times usually come with higher costs.
  • Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Kentucky and Idaho.
  • Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Kentucky to Idaho should take between three and eleven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.

Idaho vehicle regulations you need to know

Once you arrive in Idaho, 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: Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
  • Vehicle inspection: In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
  • Driver’s license: If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
  • Additional taxes: New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.

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 Idaho

About 2.0 million people are living in the Gem State. The climate in Idaho varies widely. In the west cloud cover, humidity, and precipitation are at their maximum extent. Idaho can be hot but have relatively low humidity and cooler evenings during the summer months. It is important to know that winters in Idaho can be cold.

FAQ

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

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 Idaho.

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

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Kentucky to Idaho, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Idaho, 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.

Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.

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

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Kentucky to Idaho is about 1,981 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from Kentucky to Idaho.

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.

In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.

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

If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.

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

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

New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.

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

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

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

Shipping a car from Kentucky to Idaho costs $1,257 to $2,025.

Helpful Kentucky resources