Maine to Rhode Island Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 315 miles from Maine to Rhode Island typically falls between $482 and $672. The process usually takes one–four days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island:
- 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 Rhode Island:
- 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 Rhode Island
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Maine to Rhode Island, 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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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 315 miles on your car to travel between Maine and Rhode Island. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Maine to Rhode Island for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
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.
Maine to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. The average journey covers about 315 miles and takes roughly one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Rhode Island
| From Maine to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME to Providence, RI | $403 – $528 | 162 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Portland, ME to Warwick, RI | $405 – $558 | 173 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Portland, ME to Cranston, RI | $372 – $528 | 165 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Portland, ME to Pawtucket, RI | $362 – $502 | 157 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Portland, ME to East Providence, RI | $380 – $502 | 165 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lewiston, ME to Rhode Island
| From Maine to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston, ME to Providence, RI | $441 – $585 | 194 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Warwick, RI | $438 – $581 | 205 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Cranston, RI | $454 – $568 | 198 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Pawtucket, RI | $401 – $548 | 189 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lewiston, ME to East Providence, RI | $433 – $579 | 197 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bangor, ME to Rhode Island
| From Maine to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME to Providence, RI | $474 – $647 | 291 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bangor, ME to Warwick, RI | $502 – $693 | 302 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bangor, ME to Cranston, RI | $464 – $647 | 295 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bangor, ME to Pawtucket, RI | $493 – $660 | 286 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bangor, ME to East Providence, RI | $483 – $653 | 294 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Portland, ME to Rhode Island
| From Maine to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, ME to Providence, RI | $388 – $550 | 163 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| South Portland, ME to Warwick, RI | $385 – $542 | 175 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| South Portland, ME to Cranston, RI | $403 – $513 | 167 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| South Portland, ME to Pawtucket, RI | $351 – $512 | 158 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| South Portland, ME to East Providence, RI | $403 – $544 | 166 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Auburn, ME to Rhode Island
| From Maine to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ME to Providence, RI | $433 – $563 | 192 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Auburn, ME to Warwick, RI | $425 – $564 | 203 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Auburn, ME to Cranston, RI | $424 – $551 | 195 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Auburn, ME to Pawtucket, RI | $409 – $559 | 186 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Auburn, ME to East Providence, RI | $428 – $585 | 195 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maine to Rhode Island
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Maine to Rhode Island, expect costs to range from $603 to $840.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maine to Rhode Island
When transporting your vehicle from the Pine Tree State to the Ocean State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Rhode Island.
- Distance and route: The journey from Maine to Rhode Island spans about 315 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- 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: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Maine and Rhode Island may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- 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 Rhode Island should take between one and four days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Rhode Island vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Rhode Island, 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: When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
- Vehicle inspection: All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
- Driver’s license: If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island
About 1.1 million people are living in the Ocean State. Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Maine and delivery in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to Rhode Island?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine to Rhode Island, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Rhode Island, 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.
When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Maine to Rhode Island?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maine to Rhode Island is about 315 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Maine to Rhode Island.
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.
All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
If I have a driver’s license in Maine, will I need one in Rhode Island?
If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
If I bought a car in Maine, will I be required to pay sales tax in Rhode Island after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Maine to Rhode Island after purchasing it.
When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Maine and Rhode Island to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Rhode Island?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
Shipping a car from Maine to Rhode Island costs $482 to $672.
