Kentucky to Rhode Island Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 874 miles from Kentucky to Rhode Island ranges from $771 to $1,210. Expect the trip to take around two–seven 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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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
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 Rhode Island:
- 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 Rhode Island
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Kentucky to Rhode Island, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 874 miles on your car to travel between Kentucky and Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. The trip typically spans 874 miles and takes about two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to Rhode Island
| From Kentucky to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY to Providence, RI | $790 – $1,275 | 927 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Louisville, KY to Warwick, RI | $814 – $1,274 | 912 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Louisville, KY to Cranston, RI | $798 – $1,189 | 916 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Louisville, KY to Pawtucket, RI | $814 – $1,250 | 923 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Louisville, KY to East Providence, RI | $759 – $1,226 | 920 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Rhode Island
| From Kentucky to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington, KY to Providence, RI | $797 – $1,176 | 886 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lexington, KY to Warwick, RI | $797 – $1,249 | 879 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lexington, KY to Cranston, RI | $820 – $1,261 | 883 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lexington, KY to Pawtucket, RI | $773 – $1,164 | 890 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lexington, KY to East Providence, RI | $749 – $1,225 | 887 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bowling Green, KY to Rhode Island
| From Kentucky to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY to Providence, RI | $784 – $1,217 | 1,046 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Warwick, RI | $800 – $1,317 | 1,039 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Cranston, RI | $768 – $1,292 | 1,043 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Pawtucket, RI | $823 – $1,242 | 1,050 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to East Providence, RI | $745 – $1,204 | 1,047 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Owensboro, KY to Rhode Island
| From Kentucky to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owensboro, KY to Providence, RI | $800 – $1,204 | 1,024 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Warwick, RI | $760 – $1,292 | 1,017 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Cranston, RI | $745 – $1,204 | 1,021 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Pawtucket, RI | $823 – $1,292 | 1,029 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Owensboro, KY to East Providence, RI | $823 – $1,217 | 1,025 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Covington, KY to Rhode Island
| From Kentucky to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covington, KY to Providence, RI | $822 – $1,206 | 828 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Covington, KY to Warwick, RI | $739 – $1,119 | 813 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Covington, KY to Cranston, RI | $790 – $1,171 | 825 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Covington, KY to Pawtucket, RI | $783 – $1,136 | 825 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Covington, KY to East Providence, RI | $762 – $1,154 | 821 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Kentucky to Rhode Island
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Kentucky to Rhode Island, the price usually falls between $964 and $1,513.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Kentucky to Rhode Island
When transporting your vehicle from the Bluegrass State to the Ocean State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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: 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 Rhode Island.
- Distance and route: The journey from Kentucky to Rhode Island spans about 874 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Kentucky in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Kentucky and Rhode Island.
- 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.
Rhode Island vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Rhode Island, 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: When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
- Vehicle inspection: All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
- Driver’s license: If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island
About 1.1 million people are living in the Ocean State. Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Kentucky and delivery in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Kentucky to Rhode Island?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Kentucky to Rhode Island, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Rhode Island, 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.
When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Kentucky to Rhode Island?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Kentucky to Rhode Island is about 874 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 Rhode Island.
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.
All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
If I have a driver’s license in Kentucky, will I need one in Rhode Island?
If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
If I bought a car in Kentucky, will I be required to pay sales tax in Rhode Island after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Kentucky to Rhode Island after purchasing it.
When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Kentucky and Rhode Island to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to Rhode Island?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
Shipping a car from Kentucky to Rhode Island costs $771 to $1,210.
