Louisiana to Illinois Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 853 miles from Louisiana to Illinois falls between $818 and $1,151. Delivery typically takes two–seven 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 Illinois to Louisiana 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 Louisiana to Illinois 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 Louisiana to Illinois:
- 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 Louisiana
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Louisiana who can get your vehicle to Illinois:
- Auto Driveaway: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Auto Driveaway
140 James Dr E Suite A, St Rose, LA 70087 US
autodriveaway.com/locations/new-orleans-auto-shipping
3.56 / 5.0
Customers report excellent service and communication when moving vehicles, highlighting value and friendliness from the staff. However, there are serious complaints regarding vehicle conditions, particularly concerning pest infestations in trucks used for transport, along with unprofessional behavior and lack of support for drivers. These contrasting experiences suggest a need for significant improvements in driver treatment and vehicle maintenance.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Auto Driveaway Systems, LLC
- AD Acquisition, LLC
- Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC
Speedy Car Shipping
141 Allen Toussaint Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 US
speedycarshipping.com/car-shipping-service/auto-transport-new-orleans-la
3.5 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise Speedy Car Shipping New Orleans for their excellent customer service, easy and transparent pricing, and timely vehicle delivery. However, some experienced issues locating the premises due to unclear directions.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2297446
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 Louisiana to Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Louisiana to Illinois, 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.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 853 miles on your car going from Louisiana to Illinois. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Louisiana to Illinois. 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!
Louisiana to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Louisiana and Illinois. The typical distance is about 853 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from New Orleans, LA to Illinois
| From Louisiana to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL | $790 – $1,226 | 925 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Aurora, IL | $774 – $1,274 | 913 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Joliet, IL | $822 – $1,250 | 905 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Naperville, IL | $798 – $1,177 | 937 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Rockford, IL | $789 – $1,273 | 968 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Baton Rouge, LA to Illinois
| From Louisiana to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA to Chicago, IL | $798 – $1,238 | 915 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Aurora, IL | $751 – $1,201 | 938 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Joliet, IL | $773 – $1,152 | 894 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Naperville, IL | $783 – $1,213 | 926 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Rockford, IL | $829 – $1,224 | 957 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Shreveport, LA to Illinois
| From Louisiana to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shreveport, LA to Chicago, IL | $818 – $1,186 | 862 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Aurora, IL | $775 – $1,159 | 827 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Joliet, IL | $762 – $1,119 | 816 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Naperville, IL | $767 – $1,194 | 830 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Rockford, IL | $778 – $1,222 | 850 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Metairie, LA to Illinois
| From Louisiana to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metairie, LA to Chicago, IL | $782 – $1,165 | 923 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Metairie, LA to Aurora, IL | $814 – $1,189 | 908 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Metairie, LA to Joliet, IL | $759 – $1,250 | 900 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Metairie, LA to Naperville, IL | $822 – $1,250 | 932 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Metairie, LA to Rockford, IL | $774 – $1,286 | 962 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lafayette, LA to Illinois
| From Louisiana to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette, LA to Chicago, IL | $774 – $1,286 | 968 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Aurora, IL | $813 – $1,187 | 955 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Joliet, IL | $751 – $1,177 | 945 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Naperville, IL | $772 – $1,196 | 979 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Rockford, IL | $753 – $1,292 | 1,010 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Louisiana to Illinois
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 Louisiana to Illinois you should expect to pay between $1,023 and $1,439.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Louisiana to Illinois
Transporting your vehicle from the Pelican State to the Land of Lincoln comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- 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 Illinois.
- Distance and route: The journey from Louisiana to Illinois spans about 853 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Louisiana more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Louisiana and Illinois and the varying gas prices across the country.
- 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.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Illinois, 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: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
- Driver’s license: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
- Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Louisiana
More than 4.6 million people call Louisiana home. Nicknamed the Pelican State. Louisiana has long hot humid summers and short mild winters. Rain is frequent throughout the year, although from April to September is slightly wetter than the rest of the year. Louisiana is often affected by tropical cyclones and is very vulnerable to major hurricanes, particularly around the New Orleans area. Lousiana averages about 27 tornadoes annually; they are most common from January through March in the south and from February through March in the North.
Transporting your vehicle to Illinois
About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Louisiana and delivery in Illinois?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Louisiana and when dropping it off in Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Louisiana to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Louisiana to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, which you should verify before loading your car in Louisiana.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Louisiana to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Louisiana to Illinois is about 853 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Louisiana to Illinois.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
If I have a driver’s license in Louisiana, will I need one in Illinois?
Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
If I bought a car in Louisiana, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Louisiana to Illinois after purchasing it.
According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Louisiana and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Louisiana to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Louisiana to Illinois 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 Louisiana to Illinois?
Shipping a car from Louisiana to Illinois costs $818 to $1,151.
