Maine to Montana Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,443 miles from Maine to Montana ranges from $1,343 to $2,067. Expect the trip to take around five–thirteen days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Montana 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 Montana car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Maine to Montana:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in Maine
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Maine ready to move your vehicle to Montana:
- 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 Montana
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Maine to Montana, 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.
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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 2,443 miles on your car going from Maine to Montana. 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 Maine to Montana. 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!
Maine to Montana auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Maine and Montana. Average distances are close to 2,443 miles, with delivery usually taking five–thirteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Montana
| From Maine to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME to Billings, MT | $1,291 – $2,161 | 2,335 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Portland, ME to Missoula, MT | $1,370 – $2,138 | 2,677 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Portland, ME to Great Falls, MT | $1,411 – $2,153 | 2,465 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Portland, ME to Bozeman, MT | $1,276 – $2,197 | 2,476 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Portland, ME to Butte, MT | $1,331 – $2,033 | 2,560 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lewiston, ME to Montana
| From Maine to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston, ME to Billings, MT | $1,371 – $2,118 | 2,368 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Missoula, MT | $1,517 – $2,335 | 2,710 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Great Falls, MT | $1,384 – $2,089 | 2,488 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Bozeman, MT | $1,330 – $2,261 | 2,499 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Butte, MT | $1,345 – $2,247 | 2,593 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bangor, ME to Montana
| From Maine to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME to Billings, MT | $1,397 – $2,110 | 2,465 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Bangor, ME to Missoula, MT | $1,488 – $2,380 | 2,797 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bangor, ME to Great Falls, MT | $1,413 – $2,119 | 2,585 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bangor, ME to Bozeman, MT | $1,483 – $2,116 | 2,605 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bangor, ME to Butte, MT | $1,469 – $2,293 | 2,689 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Portland, ME to Montana
| From Maine to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, ME to Billings, MT | $1,398 – $2,097 | 2,337 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| South Portland, ME to Missoula, MT | $1,469 – $2,315 | 2,679 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| South Portland, ME to Great Falls, MT | $1,330 – $2,240 | 2,466 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| South Portland, ME to Bozeman, MT | $1,276 – $2,218 | 2,477 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| South Portland, ME to Butte, MT | $1,358 – $2,033 | 2,562 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Auburn, ME to Montana
| From Maine to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ME to Billings, MT | $1,358 – $2,118 | 2,365 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Auburn, ME to Missoula, MT | $1,488 – $2,312 | 2,707 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Auburn, ME to Great Falls, MT | $1,411 – $2,132 | 2,495 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Auburn, ME to Bozeman, MT | $1,331 – $2,247 | 2,506 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Auburn, ME to Butte, MT | $1,385 – $2,226 | 2,590 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maine to Montana
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Maine to Montana, the price usually falls between $1,679 and $2,584.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maine to Montana
When arranging car transport from the Pine Tree State to the Big Sky Country, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- 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 Montana.
- Distance and route: The trip from Maine to Montana covers roughly 2,443 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Maine in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Maine and Montana.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within five–thirteen days, but expedited options cost more.
Montana vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Montana, 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: In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
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 Montana
About 1.1 million people are living in the Big Sky Country. Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Maine and delivery in Montana?
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 Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine to Montana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Montana, 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.
In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
How long does it take to ship a car from Maine to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maine to Montana is about 2,443 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take five to thirteen days to travel from Maine to Montana.
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.
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in Maine, will I need one in Montana?
New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Maine, will I be required to pay sales tax in Montana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Maine to Montana after purchasing it.
In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Maine and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Montana 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 Montana?
Shipping a car from Maine to Montana costs $1,343 to $2,067.
