Kentucky to North Carolina Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 467 miles from Kentucky to North Carolina ranges from $631 to $831 and takes one–four days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use 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
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

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

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The best Kentucky to North Carolina car shipping companies

After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Kentucky to North Carolina:

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

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

  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 North Carolina

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Kentucky to North Carolina, 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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  • 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 467 miles on your car to travel between Kentucky and North Carolina. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

Hiring a driver to take your car from Kentucky to North Carolina is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.

Ship by train

If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!

Kentucky to North Carolina auto transport costs and transit times

Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Kentucky and North Carolina. The average journey covers about 467 miles and takes roughly one to four days.

Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to North Carolina

From Kentucky to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Louisville, KY to Charlotte, NC $643 – $883 476 miles 1 – 4 days
Louisville, KY to Raleigh, NC $697 – $969 562 miles 1 – 6 days
Louisville, KY to Greensboro, NC $643 – $909 488 miles 1 – 4 days
Louisville, KY to Durham, NC $645 – $891 540 miles 1 – 6 days
Louisville, KY to Winston-Salem, NC $663 – $865 463 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to North Carolina

From Kentucky to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Lexington, KY to Charlotte, NC $612 – $855 402 miles 1 – 4 days
Lexington, KY to Raleigh, NC $617 – $883 495 miles 1 – 4 days
Lexington, KY to Greensboro, NC $582 – $797 420 miles 1 – 4 days
Lexington, KY to Durham, NC $624 – $857 472 miles 1 – 4 days
Lexington, KY to Winston-Salem, NC $604 – $835 392 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Bowling Green, KY to North Carolina

From Kentucky to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Bowling Green, KY to Charlotte, NC $641 – $837 436 miles 1 – 4 days
Bowling Green, KY to Raleigh, NC $708 – $949 580 miles 1 – 6 days
Bowling Green, KY to Greensboro, NC $652 – $906 502 miles 1 – 6 days
Bowling Green, KY to Durham, NC $669 – $969 554 miles 1 – 6 days
Bowling Green, KY to Winston-Salem, NC $662 – $847 476 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Owensboro, KY to North Carolina

From Kentucky to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Owensboro, KY to Charlotte, NC $665 – $860 504 miles 1 – 6 days
Owensboro, KY to Raleigh, NC $776 – $1,107 648 miles 1 – 6 days
Owensboro, KY to Greensboro, NC $732 – $959 570 miles 1 – 6 days
Owensboro, KY to Durham, NC $760 – $976 622 miles 1 – 6 days
Owensboro, KY to Winston-Salem, NC $665 – $957 545 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Covington, KY to North Carolina

From Kentucky to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Covington, KY to Charlotte, NC $631 – $918 460 miles 1 – 4 days
Covington, KY to Raleigh, NC $639 – $887 515 miles 1 – 6 days
Covington, KY to Greensboro, NC $604 – $837 437 miles 1 – 4 days
Covington, KY to Durham, NC $649 – $847 489 miles 1 – 4 days
Covington, KY to Winston-Salem, NC $600 – $830 412 miles 1 – 4 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Kentucky to North Carolina

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 North Carolina, expect costs to range from $789 to $1,039.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Kentucky to North Carolina

If you’re shipping a car from the Bluegrass State to the Tar Heel 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 vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to North Carolina.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Kentucky to North Carolina spans approximately 467 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • 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: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Kentucky to North Carolina, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
  • Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–four days, while expedited service costs more.

North Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know

After relocating to North Carolina, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.

  • Car insurance requirements: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
  • Vehicle inspection: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
  • Driver’s license: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • Additional taxes: If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.

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 North Carolina

About 10.8 million people are living in the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.

FAQ

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

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 North Carolina.

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

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

Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.

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

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Kentucky to North Carolina is about 467 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Kentucky to North Carolina.

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.

Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.

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

New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.

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

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

If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.

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

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

The cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to North Carolina 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 North Carolina?

Shipping a car from Kentucky to North Carolina costs $631 to $831.

Helpful Kentucky resources