Maine to Illinois Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,243 miles from Maine to Illinois ranges from $876 to $1,454 and takes two–eight days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to Maine 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 Maine to Illinois car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Maine 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 Maine
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Maine who can get your vehicle to Illinois:
- Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- CraftsTransport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.
84 Airport Rd, Old Town, ME 04468
sullivansauto.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 541179
Xpress Auto Transport
23 Water, St #340, Bangor, ME 04401
xpressautoship.com/city/bangor-maine
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
CraftsTransport
138 High, St Suite 172, Ellsworth, ME 04605
craftstransport.com/index.html
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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 Maine to Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Maine to Illinois, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,243 miles to your vehicle on the route from Maine to Illinois. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Maine to Illinois. 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.
Maine to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Maine and Illinois. The average journey covers about 1,243 miles and takes roughly two to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Illinois
| From Maine to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME to Chicago, IL | $776 – $1,279 | 1,081 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Aurora, IL | $888 – $1,350 | 1,119 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Joliet, IL | $808 – $1,242 | 1,092 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Naperville, IL | $845 – $1,310 | 1,106 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Rockford, IL | $811 – $1,297 | 1,167 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lewiston, ME to Illinois
| From Maine to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston, ME to Chicago, IL | $871 – $1,390 | 1,114 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Aurora, IL | $888 – $1,350 | 1,151 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Joliet, IL | $845 – $1,297 | 1,124 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Naperville, IL | $879 – $1,390 | 1,139 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Rockford, IL | $871 – $1,377 | 1,199 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bangor, ME to Illinois
| From Maine to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME to Chicago, IL | $876 – $1,369 | 1,211 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Aurora, IL | $894 – $1,411 | 1,248 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Joliet, IL | $931 – $1,482 | 1,221 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Naperville, IL | $968 – $1,454 | 1,235 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Rockford, IL | $913 – $1,468 | 1,296 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Portland, ME to Illinois
| From Maine to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, ME to Chicago, IL | $753 – $1,279 | 1,083 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Aurora, IL | $871 – $1,310 | 1,120 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Joliet, IL | $800 – $1,292 | 1,094 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Naperville, IL | $820 – $1,283 | 1,108 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Rockford, IL | $845 – $1,270 | 1,168 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Auburn, ME to Illinois
| From Maine to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ME to Chicago, IL | $862 – $1,377 | 1,111 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Aurora, IL | $862 – $1,363 | 1,149 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Joliet, IL | $845 – $1,337 | 1,122 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Naperville, IL | $879 – $1,337 | 1,136 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Rockford, IL | $879 – $1,404 | 1,196 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maine to Illinois
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Maine to Illinois, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,095–$1,818.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maine to Illinois
If you’re shipping a car from the Pine Tree State to the Land of Lincoln, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Illinois.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Maine to Illinois involves roughly 1,243 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Maine in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Maine and Illinois.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Maine to Illinois should take between two and eight days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Illinois 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: 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 Maine
More than 1.4 million people call Maine home. Nicknamed the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
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 Maine 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 Maine and when dropping it off in Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine 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 Maine.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
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 Maine to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maine to Illinois is about 1,243 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Maine to Illinois.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
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 Maine, 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 Maine, 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 Maine 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 Maine and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maine 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 Maine to Illinois?
Shipping a car from Maine to Illinois costs $876 to $1,454.
