Kentucky to Minnesota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 961 miles from Kentucky to Minnesota falls between $766 and $1,224. Delivery typically takes two–seven days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota car shipping companies

After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Kentucky to Minnesota:

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

Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Kentucky ready to move your vehicle to Minnesota:

  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 Minnesota

Ship it with your movers

When moving from Kentucky to Minnesota, 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 961 miles on your car to travel between Kentucky and Minnesota. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Kentucky to Minnesota. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.

Ship by train

Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.

Kentucky to Minnesota 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 Minnesota. The average travel distance is about 961 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to seven days.

Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to Minnesota

From Kentucky to Minnesota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Louisville, KY to Minneapolis, MN $746 – $1,076 710 miles 1 – 6 days
Louisville, KY to St. Paul, MN $784 – $1,065 702 miles 1 – 6 days
Louisville, KY to Rochester, MN $703 – $1,005 648 miles 1 – 6 days
Louisville, KY to Bloomington, MN $731 – $1,033 715 miles 1 – 6 days
Louisville, KY to Duluth, MN $772 – $1,140 769 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Minnesota

From Kentucky to Minnesota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Lexington, KY to Minneapolis, MN $810 – $1,136 780 miles 2 – 7 days
Lexington, KY to St. Paul, MN $772 – $1,173 773 miles 2 – 7 days
Lexington, KY to Rochester, MN $739 – $1,022 718 miles 1 – 6 days
Lexington, KY to Bloomington, MN $779 – $1,148 786 miles 2 – 7 days
Lexington, KY to Duluth, MN $759 – $1,124 839 miles 2 – 7 days

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

From Kentucky to Minnesota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Bowling Green, KY to Minneapolis, MN $751 – $1,136 831 miles 2 – 7 days
Bowling Green, KY to St. Paul, MN $801 – $1,200 823 miles 2 – 7 days
Bowling Green, KY to Rochester, MN $803 – $1,151 769 miles 2 – 7 days
Bowling Green, KY to Bloomington, MN $767 – $1,182 836 miles 2 – 7 days
Bowling Green, KY to Duluth, MN $773 – $1,237 889 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Owensboro, KY to Minnesota

From Kentucky to Minnesota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Owensboro, KY to Minneapolis, MN $741 – $1,053 736 miles 1 – 6 days
Owensboro, KY to St. Paul, MN $741 – $1,053 728 miles 1 – 6 days
Owensboro, KY to Rochester, MN $745 – $1,019 674 miles 1 – 6 days
Owensboro, KY to Bloomington, MN $764 – $1,119 741 miles 1 – 6 days
Owensboro, KY to Duluth, MN $810 – $1,102 795 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Covington, KY to Minnesota

From Kentucky to Minnesota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Covington, KY to Minneapolis, MN $709 – $1,054 709 miles 1 – 6 days
Covington, KY to St. Paul, MN $739 – $1,119 702 miles 1 – 6 days
Covington, KY to Rochester, MN $689 – $964 648 miles 1 – 6 days
Covington, KY to Bloomington, MN $761 – $1,065 715 miles 1 – 6 days
Covington, KY to Duluth, MN $741 – $1,095 768 miles 2 – 7 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Kentucky to Minnesota

Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.

For this route from Kentucky to Minnesota, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $958–$1,530.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Kentucky to Minnesota

Transporting your vehicle from the Bluegrass State to the North Star State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:

  • 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: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Minnesota.
  • Distance and route: Traveling from Kentucky to Minnesota involves roughly 961 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
  • 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: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Kentucky and Minnesota and the varying gas prices across the country.
  • Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.

Minnesota vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to Minnesota, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.

  • Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
  • Driver’s license: 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.
  • Additional taxes: When registering a vehicle in Minnesota, if it has been titled under your name for at least 60 days in another state, you are exempt from paying 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 Minnesota

About 5.7 million people are living in the North Star State. Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.

FAQ

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

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 Minnesota.

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

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

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.

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

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Kentucky to Minnesota is about 961 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Kentucky to Minnesota.

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.

Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.

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

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.

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

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

When registering a vehicle in Minnesota, if it has been titled under your name for at least 60 days in another state, you are exempt from paying tax.

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

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

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

Shipping a car from Kentucky to Minnesota costs $766 to $1,224.

Helpful Kentucky resources