Kentucky to Montana Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,717 miles from Kentucky to Montana typically falls between $1,303 and $1,837. The process usually takes three–nine days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Montana to Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky to Montana:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
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 Montana:
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Louisville Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Safe Way Auto Transport, LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Highway Express Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Jack Cooper Transport
6709 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Louisville Auto Shipping Group
9900 Corporate Campus Dr #3000, Louisville, KY 40223 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-kentucky/louisville
3.56 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Safe Way Auto Transport, LLC
501 Lake Shore Dr, Kuttawa, KY 42055 US
safewayautotransport.com
3.5 / 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.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2232026
Ceva Logistics
6712 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
Highway Express Inc
1800 E Blue Lick Rd, Suite 7, Shepherdsville, KY 40165 US
highwayexpressinc.com
3.5 / 5.0
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 Montana
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Kentucky to Montana, 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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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,717 miles on your car going from Kentucky to Montana. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Kentucky to Montana. 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 Montana auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Kentucky and Montana. Average distances are close to 1,717 miles, with delivery usually taking three–nine days.
Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to Montana
| From Kentucky to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY to Billings, MT | $1,141 – $1,613 | 1,548 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Louisville, KY to Missoula, MT | $1,305 – $1,840 | 1,890 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Louisville, KY to Great Falls, MT | $1,187 – $1,794 | 1,677 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Louisville, KY to Bozeman, MT | $1,175 – $1,760 | 1,689 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Louisville, KY to Butte, MT | $1,216 – $1,873 | 1,773 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Montana
| From Kentucky to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington, KY to Billings, MT | $1,175 – $1,812 | 1,618 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Lexington, KY to Missoula, MT | $1,350 – $1,872 | 1,960 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Lexington, KY to Great Falls, MT | $1,290 – $1,765 | 1,748 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Lexington, KY to Bozeman, MT | $1,228 – $1,837 | 1,759 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Lexington, KY to Butte, MT | $1,228 – $1,935 | 1,843 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bowling Green, KY to Montana
| From Kentucky to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY to Billings, MT | $1,176 – $1,630 | 1,553 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Missoula, MT | $1,292 – $1,954 | 1,895 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Great Falls, MT | $1,204 – $1,711 | 1,770 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Bozeman, MT | $1,163 – $1,674 | 1,694 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Butte, MT | $1,253 – $1,873 | 1,778 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Owensboro, KY to Montana
| From Kentucky to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owensboro, KY to Billings, MT | $1,139 – $1,581 | 1,475 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Missoula, MT | $1,215 – $1,935 | 1,817 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Great Falls, MT | $1,247 – $1,639 | 1,692 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Bozeman, MT | $1,187 – $1,743 | 1,615 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Butte, MT | $1,191 – $1,855 | 1,700 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Covington, KY to Montana
| From Kentucky to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covington, KY to Billings, MT | $1,095 – $1,597 | 1,513 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Covington, KY to Missoula, MT | $1,343 – $1,954 | 1,889 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Covington, KY to Great Falls, MT | $1,151 – $1,743 | 1,676 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Covington, KY to Bozeman, MT | $1,139 – $1,760 | 1,653 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Covington, KY to Butte, MT | $1,228 – $1,837 | 1,772 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Kentucky 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 Kentucky to Montana usually runs between $1,629 and $2,296.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Kentucky to Montana
When moving your vehicle from the Bluegrass 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: 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 Montana.
- Distance and route: The trip from Kentucky to Montana covers roughly 1,717 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Kentucky in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Kentucky and Montana.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes three–nine days, while expedited service costs more.
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 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 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky and when dropping it off in Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Kentucky to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Kentucky 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 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 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 Kentucky to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Kentucky to Montana is about 1,717 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from Kentucky to Montana.
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.
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky 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 Kentucky to Montana?
Shipping a car from Kentucky to Montana costs $1,303 to $1,837.
