Michigan to Ohio Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 364 miles from Michigan to Ohio ranges from $564 to $755. 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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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Ohio to Michigan car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Michigan to Ohio 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 Michigan to Ohio:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Michigan

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Michigan that can relocate your vehicle to Ohio:

  1. Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  2. First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars

Detroit Auto Shipping Group

100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 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.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

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

First Choice Of Elkhart Inc

10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 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.

Get a Quote (269) 483-2010

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Jack Cooper Transport

2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0
Get a Quote (313) 982-1130

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pacific Motor Trucking Co.

Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc

7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US

starstarstarstarstar3.66 / 5.0
Get a Quote (816) 983-4000

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pacific Motor Trucking Co.

Great Lakes Logistics Llc

9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US

starstarstarstarstar3.64 / 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.

Get a Quote (734) 992-8918

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

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 you need to ship your car from Michigan for a move to Ohio, 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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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 364 extra miles on your car to travel from Michigan to Ohio. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

Hiring a driver to take your car from Michigan to Ohio is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.

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 $456 – $547 201 miles 1 – 4 days
Detroit, MI to Cleveland, OH $369 – $555 169 miles 1 – 4 days
Detroit, MI to Cincinnati, OH $470 – $592 262 miles 1 – 4 days
Detroit, MI to Toledo, OH $193 – $336 58 miles 1 – 4 days
Detroit, MI to Akron, OH $450 – $534 190 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 $497 – $679 320 miles 1 – 4 days
Grand Rapids, MI to Cleveland, OH $482 – $700 300 miles 1 – 4 days
Grand Rapids, MI to Cincinnati, OH $541 – $793 360 miles 1 – 4 days
Grand Rapids, MI to Toledo, OH $426 – $565 185 miles 1 – 4 days
Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, OH $497 – $707 321 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 $455 – $552 219 miles 1 – 4 days
Warren, MI to Cleveland, OH $413 – $531 187 miles 1 – 4 days
Warren, MI to Cincinnati, OH $498 – $627 280 miles 1 – 4 days
Warren, MI to Toledo, OH $267 – $413 76 miles 1 – 4 days
Warren, MI to Akron, OH $456 – $541 208 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 $475 – $567 222 miles 1 – 4 days
Sterling Heights, MI to Cleveland, OH $454 – $551 190 miles 1 – 4 days
Sterling Heights, MI to Cincinnati, OH $488 – $621 284 miles 1 – 4 days
Sterling Heights, MI to Toledo, OH $265 – $448 79 miles 1 – 4 days
Sterling Heights, MI to Akron, OH $437 – $581 212 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 $405 – $553 188 miles 1 – 4 days
Ann Arbor, MI to Cleveland, OH $395 – $550 168 miles 1 – 4 days
Ann Arbor, MI to Cincinnati, OH $433 – $599 249 miles 1 – 4 days
Ann Arbor, MI to Toledo, OH $207 – $350 53 miles 1 – 4 days
Ann Arbor, MI to Akron, OH $434 – $565 189 miles 1 – 4 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to Ohio

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 Michigan to Ohio you should expect to pay between $705 and $944.

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: 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: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Ohio.
  • Distance and route: The trip from Michigan to Ohio covers roughly 364 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
  • 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: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Michigan and Ohio.
  • Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–four days, but expedited options cost more.

Ohio vehicle regulations you need to know

Moving to Ohio means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.

  • 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 $564 to $755.

Helpful Michigan resources