Kentucky to Tennessee Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 287 miles from Kentucky to Tennessee typically falls between $480 and $598. The process usually takes one–four days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Tennessee 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 Tennessee car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Kentucky to Tennessee:
- 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 Tennessee:
- 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 Tennessee
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Kentucky to Tennessee, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 287 miles to your car on the trip from Kentucky to Tennessee. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Kentucky to Tennessee. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee. The average travel distance is about 287 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to Tennessee
| From Kentucky to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY to Nashville, TN | $402 – $543 | 174 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Louisville, KY to Memphis, TN | $536 – $726 | 384 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Louisville, KY to Clarksville, TN | $406 – $512 | 180 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Louisville, KY to Knoxville, TN | $452 – $595 | 246 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Louisville, KY to Chattanooga, TN | $509 – $641 | 304 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Tennessee
| From Kentucky to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington, KY to Nashville, TN | $435 – $565 | 213 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lexington, KY to Memphis, TN | $589 – $814 | 422 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lexington, KY to Clarksville, TN | $456 – $543 | 218 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lexington, KY to Knoxville, TN | $406 – $538 | 173 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lexington, KY to Chattanooga, TN | $471 – $661 | 283 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bowling Green, KY to Tennessee
| From Kentucky to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY to Nashville, TN | $224 – $395 | 65 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Memphis, TN | $436 – $564 | 274 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Clarksville, TN | $217 – $391 | 60 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Knoxville, TN | $444 – $543 | 205 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Chattanooga, TN | $425 – $521 | 194 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Owensboro, KY to Tennessee
| From Kentucky to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owensboro, KY to Nashville, TN | $353 – $506 | 133 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Memphis, TN | $461 – $617 | 286 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Clarksville, TN | $314 – $456 | 107 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Knoxville, TN | $431 – $612 | 274 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Chattanooga, TN | $431 – $570 | 263 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Covington, KY to Tennessee
| From Kentucky to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covington, KY to Nashville, TN | $436 – $617 | 271 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Covington, KY to Memphis, TN | $606 – $849 | 480 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Covington, KY to Clarksville, TN | $461 – $617 | 277 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Covington, KY to Knoxville, TN | $452 – $595 | 249 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Covington, KY to Chattanooga, TN | $538 – $706 | 357 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Kentucky to Tennessee
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 Tennessee, expect costs to range from $600 to $748.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Kentucky to Tennessee
Transporting your vehicle from the Bluegrass State to the Volunteer State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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 and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Kentucky to Tennessee.
- Distance and route: The journey from Kentucky to Tennessee spans approximately 287 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Kentucky in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Kentucky and Tennessee.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–four days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Tennessee vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Tennessee, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
- Vehicle inspection: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
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 Tennessee
About 7.1 million people are living in the Volunteer State. Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Kentucky and delivery in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Kentucky to Tennessee?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Kentucky to Tennessee, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Tennessee, 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.
Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Kentucky to Tennessee?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Kentucky to Tennessee is about 287 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 Tennessee.
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.
In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
If I have a driver’s license in Kentucky, will I need one in Tennessee?
To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
If I bought a car in Kentucky, will I be required to pay sales tax in Tennessee after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Kentucky to Tennessee after purchasing it.
When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Kentucky and Tennessee to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to Tennessee?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Shipping a car from Kentucky to Tennessee costs $480 to $598.
