Michigan to Ohio Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 364 miles from Michigan to Ohio ranges from $543 to $713. Expect the trip to take around one–four 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 Ohio 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 Ohio car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Michigan to Ohio:
- 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 Michigan
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Michigan that can transport your vehicle to Ohio:
- 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
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Awesome Auto Transporters 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.
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
Awesome Auto Transporters LLC
6444 London St, Detroit, MI 48221 US
awesomeautotransporter.com
3.64 / 5.0
Customers are exceptionally satisfied with the company overall, frequent praise aligns toward professionalism, reliability, and convenient pricing, characteristic of this mall but truly competent enterprise.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
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 Ohio
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Michigan to Ohio, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 364 miles to your car on the trip from Michigan to Ohio. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Michigan to Ohio. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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 Ohio auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Michigan and Ohio. The average travel distance is about 364 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Ohio
| From Michigan to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to Columbus, OH | $440 – $560 | 201 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Detroit, MI to Cleveland, OH | $377 – $499 | 169 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Detroit, MI to Cincinnati, OH | $414 – $612 | 262 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Detroit, MI to Toledo, OH | $192 – $344 | 58 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Detroit, MI to Akron, OH | $417 – $548 | 190 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Ohio
| From Michigan to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to Columbus, OH | $504 – $695 | 320 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Cleveland, OH | $514 – $675 | 300 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Cincinnati, OH | $522 – $728 | 360 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Toledo, OH | $402 – $549 | 185 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, OH | $514 – $695 | 321 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to Ohio
| From Michigan to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to Columbus, OH | $422 – $571 | 219 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warren, MI to Cleveland, OH | $414 – $555 | 187 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warren, MI to Cincinnati, OH | $484 – $636 | 280 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warren, MI to Toledo, OH | $263 – $415 | 76 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warren, MI to Akron, OH | $444 – $571 | 208 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to Ohio
| From Michigan to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to Columbus, OH | $428 – $558 | 222 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Cleveland, OH | $421 – $569 | 190 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Cincinnati, OH | $452 – $604 | 284 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Toledo, OH | $260 – $436 | 79 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Akron, OH | $439 – $582 | 212 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Ohio
| From Michigan to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to Columbus, OH | $394 – $507 | 188 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Cleveland, OH | $385 – $509 | 168 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Cincinnati, OH | $448 – $607 | 249 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Toledo, OH | $196 – $354 | 53 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Akron, OH | $386 – $560 | 189 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to Ohio
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 Michigan to Ohio, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $679–$891.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to Ohio
When arranging car transport from the Wolverine State to the Buckeye State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Ohio.
- Distance and route: The journey from Michigan to Ohio spans approximately 364 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Michigan in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Michigan and Ohio may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Michigan to Ohio takes one–four days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Ohio vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Ohio, 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 Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
- Vehicle inspection: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
- Driver’s license: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
- Additional taxes: Ohio requires sales tax if a vehicle was purchased out of state less than 6 months before moving to Ohio. However, a credit for sales tax paid to the other state may be allowed. If the vehicle was purchased at least 6 months before moving, no Ohio sales tax is due and the exemption code CV should be used when titling the vehicle.
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 Ohio
About 11.8 million people are living in the Buckeye State. Ohio forms a part of what's considered both the snowbelt and the tornado alley which means your move may be affected if either of these are impacting the state on your move day.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Michigan and delivery in Ohio?
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 Ohio.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to Ohio?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan to Ohio, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Ohio, 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.
In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Michigan to Ohio?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to Ohio is about 364 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Michigan to Ohio.
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.
New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
If I have a driver’s license in Michigan, will I need one in Ohio?
In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
If I bought a car in Michigan, will I be required to pay sales tax in Ohio after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Michigan to Ohio after purchasing it.
Ohio requires sales tax if a vehicle was purchased out of state less than 6 months before moving to Ohio. However, a credit for sales tax paid to the other state may be allowed. If the vehicle was purchased at least 6 months before moving, no Ohio sales tax is due and the exemption code CV should be used when titling the vehicle.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Michigan and Ohio to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Ohio?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Ohio 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 Ohio?
Shipping a car from Michigan to Ohio costs $543 to $713.
