Kentucky to Rhode Island Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 874 miles from Kentucky to Rhode Island ranges from $857 to $1,243 and takes two–seven 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
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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 4.5 / 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 Rhode Island to Kentucky car shipping guide.

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The best Kentucky to Rhode Island car shipping companies

After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Kentucky to Rhode Island:

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 prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Kentucky that can relocate your vehicle to Rhode Island:

  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 Rhode Island

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Kentucky to Rhode Island, 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

While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 874 extra miles on your car to travel from Kentucky to Rhode Island. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

You can hire someone to drive your car from Kentucky to Rhode Island, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.

Ship by train

This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.

Kentucky to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. The average journey covers about 874 miles and takes roughly two to 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 $837 – $1,233 927 miles 2 – 7 days
Louisville, KY to Warwick, RI $787 – $1,284 912 miles 2 – 7 days
Louisville, KY to Cranston, RI $795 – $1,209 916 miles 2 – 7 days
Louisville, KY to Pawtucket, RI $828 – $1,297 923 miles 2 – 7 days
Louisville, KY to East Providence, RI $836 – $1,284 920 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 $827 – $1,221 886 miles 2 – 7 days
Lexington, KY to Warwick, RI $859 – $1,295 879 miles 2 – 7 days
Lexington, KY to Cranston, RI $802 – $1,233 883 miles 2 – 7 days
Lexington, KY to Pawtucket, RI $802 – $1,283 890 miles 2 – 7 days
Lexington, KY to East Providence, RI $818 – $1,196 887 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 $805 – $1,275 1,046 miles 2 – 8 days
Bowling Green, KY to Warwick, RI $797 – $1,301 1,039 miles 2 – 8 days
Bowling Green, KY to Cranston, RI $813 – $1,262 1,043 miles 2 – 8 days
Bowling Green, KY to Pawtucket, RI $773 – $1,301 1,050 miles 2 – 8 days
Bowling Green, KY to East Providence, RI $838 – $1,301 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 $838 – $1,236 1,024 miles 2 – 8 days
Owensboro, KY to Warwick, RI $830 – $1,262 1,017 miles 2 – 8 days
Owensboro, KY to Cranston, RI $830 – $1,236 1,021 miles 2 – 8 days
Owensboro, KY to Pawtucket, RI $805 – $1,314 1,029 miles 2 – 8 days
Owensboro, KY to East Providence, RI $838 – $1,236 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 $844 – $1,190 828 miles 2 – 7 days
Covington, KY to Warwick, RI $775 – $1,137 813 miles 2 – 7 days
Covington, KY to Cranston, RI $804 – $1,275 825 miles 2 – 7 days
Covington, KY to Pawtucket, RI $804 – $1,166 825 miles 2 – 7 days
Covington, KY to East Providence, RI $783 – $1,245 821 miles 2 – 7 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Kentucky to Rhode Island

Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?

If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Kentucky to Rhode Island you should expect to pay between $1,071 and $1,554.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Kentucky to Rhode Island

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

  • Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
  • 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 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: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Kentucky around these times usually come with higher costs.
  • Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Kentucky to Rhode Island, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
  • Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–seven days, but expedited options cost more.

Rhode Island vehicle regulations you need to know

Moving to Rhode Island means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.

  • 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 $857 to $1,243.

Helpful Kentucky resources