Maine to South Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,861 miles from Maine to South Dakota ranges from $1,182 to $1,897. Expect the trip to take around three–eleven 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota:
- 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 South Dakota:
- 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 South Dakota
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Maine for a move to South Dakota, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,861 extra miles on your car to travel from Maine to South Dakota. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Maine to South Dakota. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Maine to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Maine and South Dakota. Average distances are close to 1,861 miles, with delivery usually taking three–eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to South Dakota
| From Maine to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,164 – $1,627 | 1,663 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Portland, ME to Rapid City, SD | $1,199 – $1,877 | 1,992 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Portland, ME to Aberdeen, SD | $1,194 – $1,646 | 1,787 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Portland, ME to Brookings, SD | $1,217 – $1,663 | 1,702 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Portland, ME to Watertown, SD | $1,199 – $1,660 | 1,696 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lewiston, ME to South Dakota
| From Maine to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston, ME to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,142 – $1,725 | 1,686 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Rapid City, SD | $1,242 – $1,940 | 2,024 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Aberdeen, SD | $1,279 – $1,879 | 1,810 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Brookings, SD | $1,134 – $1,766 | 1,744 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Watertown, SD | $1,182 – $1,698 | 1,720 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bangor, ME to South Dakota
| From Maine to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,146 – $1,681 | 1,783 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bangor, ME to Rapid City, SD | $1,268 – $1,893 | 2,130 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bangor, ME to Aberdeen, SD | $1,175 – $1,877 | 1,907 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bangor, ME to Brookings, SD | $1,243 – $1,716 | 1,831 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bangor, ME to Watertown, SD | $1,279 – $1,788 | 1,817 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Portland, ME to South Dakota
| From Maine to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, ME to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,130 – $1,660 | 1,655 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| South Portland, ME to Rapid City, SD | $1,204 – $1,862 | 2,002 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| South Portland, ME to Aberdeen, SD | $1,123 – $1,732 | 1,780 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| South Portland, ME to Brookings, SD | $1,241 – $1,783 | 1,712 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| South Portland, ME to Watertown, SD | $1,096 – $1,709 | 1,698 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Auburn, ME to South Dakota
| From Maine to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ME to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,199 – $1,627 | 1,683 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Auburn, ME to Rapid City, SD | $1,229 – $1,862 | 2,021 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Auburn, ME to Aberdeen, SD | $1,243 – $1,897 | 1,808 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Auburn, ME to Brookings, SD | $1,194 – $1,698 | 1,732 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Auburn, ME to Watertown, SD | $1,205 – $1,766 | 1,718 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maine to South Dakota
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 Maine to South Dakota you should expect to pay between $1,478 and $2,371.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maine to South Dakota
Transporting your vehicle from the Pine Tree State to the Mount Rushmore State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to 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 South Dakota.
- Distance and route: The route from Maine to South Dakota is about 1,861 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Maine more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Maine and South Dakota and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–eleven days, but expedited options cost more.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to South Dakota, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
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 South Dakota
About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Maine and delivery in South Dakota?
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 South Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to South Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
How long does it take to ship a car from Maine to South Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maine to South Dakota is about 1,861 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from Maine to South Dakota.
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.
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I have a driver’s license in Maine, will I need one in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in Maine, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Maine to South Dakota after purchasing it.
When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Maine and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to South Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Shipping a car from Maine to South Dakota costs $1,182 to $1,897.
