Michigan to Kentucky Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 553 miles from Michigan to Kentucky ranges from $703 to $1,005 and takes one–six 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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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Kentucky to Michigan 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 Michigan to Kentucky car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Michigan to Kentucky:
- 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 Michigan
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Michigan ready to move your vehicle to Kentucky:
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-michigan/detroit
3.8 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the exceptional service provided by staff members, particularly highlighting their communication skills and professionalism throughout the auto shipping process. Many felt confident and informed during their experience.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US
firstchoiceautotransport.com
3.8 / 5.0
Customers frequently praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning responsive communication and professionalism. However, experiences were marred by complaints about poor communication regarding fees and serious issues with the handling of a vehicle accident involving uninsured drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 681284
Jack Cooper Transport
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
jackcooper.com
3.72 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc
7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
greatlakeslogistics.net
3.64 / 5.0
Great Lakes Logistics receives praise for exceptional customer service, reliable communication, and timely delivery while facing criticism for issues with equipment quality and communication difficulties.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2951078
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 Michigan to Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Michigan to Kentucky, 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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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 553 miles to your vehicle on the route from Michigan to Kentucky. 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 Michigan to Kentucky. 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.
Michigan to Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Michigan and Kentucky. The trip typically spans 553 miles and takes about one–six days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Kentucky
| From Michigan to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to Louisville, KY | $569 – $763 | 361 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Detroit, MI to Lexington, KY | $550 – $722 | 345 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Detroit, MI to Bowling Green, KY | $622 – $846 | 481 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Detroit, MI to Owensboro, KY | $623 – $838 | 467 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Detroit, MI to Covington, KY | $434 – $641 | 264 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Kentucky
| From Michigan to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to Louisville, KY | $586 – $778 | 370 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Lexington, KY | $609 – $860 | 438 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Bowling Green, KY | $673 – $846 | 492 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Owensboro, KY | $597 – $869 | 429 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Covington, KY | $586 – $755 | 361 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to Kentucky
| From Michigan to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to Louisville, KY | $597 – $801 | 379 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warren, MI to Lexington, KY | $530 – $755 | 361 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warren, MI to Bowling Green, KY | $635 – $925 | 499 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warren, MI to Owensboro, KY | $661 – $916 | 484 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warren, MI to Covington, KY | $498 – $666 | 281 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to Kentucky
| From Michigan to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to Louisville, KY | $603 – $825 | 382 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Lexington, KY | $558 – $771 | 365 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Bowling Green, KY | $657 – $922 | 502 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Owensboro, KY | $609 – $899 | 488 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Covington, KY | $488 – $660 | 285 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Kentucky
| From Michigan to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to Louisville, KY | $539 – $752 | 348 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Lexington, KY | $561 – $752 | 330 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Bowling Green, KY | $642 – $821 | 468 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Owensboro, KY | $648 – $821 | 453 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Covington, KY | $470 – $598 | 250 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to Kentucky
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Michigan to Kentucky, the price usually falls between $879 and $1,256.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to Kentucky
When transporting your vehicle from the Wolverine State to the Bluegrass State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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 Kentucky.
- Distance and route: The journey from Michigan to Kentucky spans approximately 553 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Michigan more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Michigan and Kentucky.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–six days, but expedited options cost more.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Kentucky, 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 insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Michigan
More than 10.0 million people call Michigan home. Nicknamed the Wolverine State. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
Transporting your vehicle to Kentucky
About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Michigan and delivery in Kentucky?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Michigan and when dropping it off in Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, which you should verify before loading your car in Michigan.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
How long does it take to ship a car from Michigan to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to Kentucky is about 553 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Michigan to Kentucky.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
If I have a driver’s license in Michigan, will I need one in Kentucky?
New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
If I bought a car in Michigan, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Michigan to Kentucky after purchasing it.
In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Michigan and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Kentucky 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 Michigan to Kentucky?
Shipping a car from Michigan to Kentucky costs $703 to $1,005.
