Maryland to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 793 miles from Maryland to Illinois ranges from $761 to $1,238 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
  • Discounts available
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 Illinois to Maryland car shipping guide.

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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 Maryland to Illinois 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 Maryland to Illinois:

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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Maryland

Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Maryland can deliver your vehicle to Illinois:

  1. Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
  2. Jdf International Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  3. Right Way Auto Transport Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  4. S J Trucking & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. All State to State Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Baltimore Auto Shipping Group

210 E Lexington St #100, Baltimore, MD 21202 US

starstarstarstarstar3.64 / 5.0

Customers appreciate Auto Shipping Group for their excellent reliability and customer service, highlighting clear communication and professionalism. However, some feedback indicates issues with the demeanor of a customer representative.

Get a Quote (410) 618-3727

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
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Jdf International Transport

1301 York Road Suite 800, Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the affordable pricing of the products offered. While the reviews predominantly highlight this strength, more detailed feedback might provide a fuller picture of customer experiences.

Get a Quote (410) 282-3200

Services Offered

  • International shipping
  • Trailers
  • Boats

Additional Information

Right Way Auto Transport Inc

1911 East Old Philadelphia Road, Elkton, MD 21921 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

Customers largely appreciate the professionalism, attentiveness, and friendly service provided by the team. They highlight specific individuals for their outstanding customer interaction, creating a positive buying experience. However, a serious concern was raised regarding one driver's unsafe behavior, which detracted from the company's reputation.

Get a Quote (800) 562-1242

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

S J Trucking & Logistics

140 Western Maryland Pkwy Unit D, Hagerstown, MD 21740 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the friendly and helpful customer service, but express frustration with long shipping times, high prices, and difficulty in contacting the company or accessing its office.

Get a Quote (240) 233-8951

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

All State to State Auto Transport

4 Dwelling House Ct, Catonsville, MD 21228 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 550-1515

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Bismillah Transport, LLC

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 Maryland to Illinois

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Maryland to Illinois, 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

This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 793 miles on your car to travel between Maryland and Illinois. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

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

Ship by train

Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.

Maryland to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times

Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Maryland and Illinois. The typical distance is about 793 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.

Cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Illinois

From Maryland to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL $801 – $1,147 699 miles 1 – 6 days
Washington DC, MD to Aurora, IL $776 – $1,127 733 miles 1 – 6 days
Washington DC, MD to Joliet, IL $774 – $1,071 707 miles 1 – 6 days
Washington DC, MD to Naperville, IL $782 – $1,083 721 miles 1 – 6 days
Washington DC, MD to Rockford, IL $825 – $1,214 790 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Baltimore, MD to Illinois

From Maryland to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL $767 – $1,105 702 miles 1 – 6 days
Baltimore, MD to Aurora, IL $761 – $1,081 739 miles 1 – 6 days
Baltimore, MD to Joliet, IL $743 – $1,094 713 miles 1 – 6 days
Baltimore, MD to Naperville, IL $792 – $1,184 727 miles 1 – 6 days
Baltimore, MD to Rockford, IL $817 – $1,132 796 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Columbia, MD to Illinois

From Maryland to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Columbia, MD to Chicago, IL $763 – $1,071 694 miles 1 – 6 days
Columbia, MD to Aurora, IL $824 – $1,161 732 miles 1 – 6 days
Columbia, MD to Joliet, IL $759 – $1,105 705 miles 1 – 6 days
Columbia, MD to Naperville, IL $813 – $1,172 719 miles 1 – 6 days
Columbia, MD to Rockford, IL $785 – $1,167 788 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Germantown, MD to Illinois

From Maryland to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Germantown, MD to Chicago, IL $713 – $1,015 672 miles 1 – 6 days
Germantown, MD to Aurora, IL $751 – $1,149 710 miles 1 – 6 days
Germantown, MD to Joliet, IL $801 – $1,082 683 miles 1 – 6 days
Germantown, MD to Naperville, IL $771 – $1,147 697 miles 1 – 6 days
Germantown, MD to Rockford, IL $785 – $1,148 766 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Silver Spring, MD to Illinois

From Maryland to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Silver Spring, MD to Chicago, IL $740 – $1,082 690 miles 1 – 6 days
Silver Spring, MD to Aurora, IL $824 – $1,093 728 miles 1 – 6 days
Silver Spring, MD to Joliet, IL $798 – $1,138 701 miles 1 – 6 days
Silver Spring, MD to Naperville, IL $774 – $1,094 715 miles 1 – 6 days
Silver Spring, MD to Rockford, IL $785 – $1,226 784 miles 2 – 7 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Maryland to Illinois

SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.

For a larger vehicle going from Maryland to Illinois, the price usually falls between $951 and $1,548.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maryland to Illinois

When transporting your vehicle from the Old Line State to the Land of Lincoln, these factors will influence your final price:

  • 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 Illinois.
  • Distance and route: The trip from Maryland to Illinois covers roughly 793 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Maryland, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
  • Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Maryland to Illinois, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Maryland to Illinois takes two–seven days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.

Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know

After relocating to Illinois, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.

  • 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 Maryland

More than 6.2 million people call Maryland home. Nicknamed the Old Line State. Maryland has a wide array of climates, due to local variances in elevation, proximity to water, and protection from colder weather due to downslope winds. The eastern half of Maryland — which includes the cities of Ocean City, Salisbury, Annapolis, and the southern and eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore — lies on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, with flat topography and sandy or muddy soil. This region has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and a short, mild-to-cool winter

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 Maryland 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 Maryland and when dropping it off in Illinois.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maryland to Illinois?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maryland 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 Maryland.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.

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 Maryland to Illinois?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maryland to Illinois is about 793 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Maryland to Illinois.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.

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 Maryland, 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 Maryland, 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 Maryland 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 Maryland and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maryland to Illinois?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Maryland 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 Maryland to Illinois?

Shipping a car from Maryland to Illinois costs $761 to $1,238.

Helpful Maryland resources