Kentucky to West Virginia Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 259 miles from Kentucky to West Virginia falls between $452 and $641. Delivery typically takes one–four days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia:
- 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
- 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
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Kentucky ready to move your vehicle to West Virginia:
- 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
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 West Virginia
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Kentucky to West Virginia, 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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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 259 miles on your car to travel between Kentucky and West Virginia. 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 West Virginia. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia. The trip typically spans 259 miles and takes about one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to West Virginia
| From Kentucky to West Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY to Charleston, WV | $460 – $611 | 246 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Louisville, KY to Huntington, WV | $454 – $540 | 197 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Louisville, KY to Morgantown, WV | $629 – $828 | 401 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Louisville, KY to Parkersburg, WV | $474 – $634 | 287 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Louisville, KY to Wheeling, WV | $545 – $766 | 330 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to West Virginia
| From Kentucky to West Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington, KY to Charleston, WV | $417 – $520 | 175 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lexington, KY to Huntington, WV | $369 – $531 | 126 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lexington, KY to Morgantown, WV | $513 – $744 | 330 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lexington, KY to Parkersburg, WV | $448 – $579 | 225 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lexington, KY to Wheeling, WV | $528 – $686 | 313 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bowling Green, KY to West Virginia
| From Kentucky to West Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY to Charleston, WV | $518 – $752 | 335 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Huntington, WV | $464 – $686 | 286 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Morgantown, WV | $673 – $837 | 490 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Parkersburg, WV | $603 – $793 | 385 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Wheeling, WV | $609 – $843 | 449 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Owensboro, KY to West Virginia
| From Kentucky to West Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owensboro, KY to Charleston, WV | $530 – $732 | 352 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Huntington, WV | $513 – $665 | 302 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Morgantown, WV | $638 – $904 | 507 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Parkersburg, WV | $556 – $753 | 392 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Wheeling, WV | $628 – $869 | 435 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Covington, KY to West Virginia
| From Kentucky to West Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covington, KY to Charleston, WV | $420 – $551 | 195 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Covington, KY to Huntington, WV | $353 – $530 | 146 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Covington, KY to Morgantown, WV | $533 – $728 | 309 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Covington, KY to Parkersburg, WV | $428 – $551 | 192 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Covington, KY to Wheeling, WV | $471 – $617 | 231 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Kentucky to West Virginia
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 West Virginia, the price usually falls between $565 and $801.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Kentucky to West Virginia
Transporting your vehicle from the Bluegrass State to the Mountain 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 vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to West Virginia.
- Distance and route: The journey from Kentucky to West Virginia spans about 259 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: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Kentucky to West Virginia, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–four days, but you can pay for expedited service.
West Virginia vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to West Virginia, 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: West Virginia's required minimum insurance standards, encompassing liability coverage at $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
- Vehicle inspection: New residents are given 10 days from the date they title a vehicle to have a West Virginia safety inspection at any official inspection station licensed by the West Virginia State Police.
- Driver’s license: If you are moving to West Virginia and you have a valid, non-expired out-of-state license, you are eligible to transfer the license. If your out-of-state license has expired, you are required to take all tests and obtain a certified driving record, dated no more than 30 days from the date of the application, from the state in which you were previously licensed.
- Additional taxes: New residents with a vehicle already titled in their name in another state do not need to pay sales taxes in West Virginia for it.
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 West Virginia
About 1.8 million people are living in the Mountain State. West Virginia has warm to hot, humid summers and chilly winters. Be sure to check the weather during your move to avoid inclement weather.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Kentucky and delivery in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Kentucky to West Virginia?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Kentucky to West Virginia, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to West Virginia, 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.
West Virginia's required minimum insurance standards, encompassing liability coverage at $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
How long does it take to ship a car from Kentucky to West Virginia?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Kentucky to West Virginia is about 259 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 West Virginia.
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.
New residents are given 10 days from the date they title a vehicle to have a West Virginia safety inspection at any official inspection station licensed by the West Virginia State Police.
If I have a driver’s license in Kentucky, will I need one in West Virginia?
If you are moving to West Virginia and you have a valid, non-expired out-of-state license, you are eligible to transfer the license. If your out-of-state license has expired, you are required to take all tests and obtain a certified driving record, dated no more than 30 days from the date of the application, from the state in which you were previously licensed.
If I bought a car in Kentucky, will I be required to pay sales tax in West Virginia after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Kentucky to West Virginia after purchasing it.
New residents with a vehicle already titled in their name in another state do not need to pay sales taxes in West Virginia for it.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Kentucky and West Virginia to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to West Virginia?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
Shipping a car from Kentucky to West Virginia costs $452 to $641.
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