Minnesota to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 404 miles from Minnesota to Iowa usually costs between $608 and $832. Transit time is about one–four days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Minnesota 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 Minnesota to Iowa 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 Minnesota to Iowa:
- 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 Minnesota
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Minnesota who can get your vehicle to Iowa:
- Auto Driveaway: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Express Auto Transport Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Auto Driveaway
4570 West 77th Street, Suite 215, Edina, MN 55435 US
autodriveaway.com
3.62 / 5.0
Reviews highlight significant issues regarding the company's service and staff behavior, with many customers expressing strong dissatisfaction. However, there are also individual accounts of positive interactions with specific employees who provided helpful support.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- MWW Ltd.
Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group
80 S 8th St Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55402 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-minnesota/minneapolis
3.58 / 5.0
Overall, the company receives high praise for its vehicle shipping services, particularly for the excellence in customer service and communication provided by employees such as Felicia Williams and Jason Brackens. Felicia is repeatedly mentioned for her outstanding communication, ensuring customers are well-informed throughout the shipping process. Similarly, Jason is lauded for his proactive updates and excellent customer service. Common themes across the reviews include the efficiency of the shipping process, vehicles arriving in good condition, and the process being smoother and more affordable than expected. Customer satisfaction is evidently high, with many praising the company's reliability and professionalism. The four most frequent sentences that encapsulate the positive experiences shared by customers are likely to include commendations of the exceptional service provided by Felicia and Jason, the smoothness of the transportation process, and the condition of the vehicles upon arrival.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Ceva Logistics
3169 Dodd Rd, St Paul, MN 55121 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
Express Auto Transport Inc
22015 Canton Ct, Farmington, MN 55024 US
expressautotrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Express Auto Transport offers knowledgeable service with mechanics like Tony, but customer safety and accountability of drivers are major concerns as reported by some customers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 653539
Global Auto Transportation
1620 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 US
globalautotransportation.com/minneapolis-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
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 Minnesota to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Minnesota to Iowa, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
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 404 miles on your car to travel between Minnesota and Iowa. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Minnesota to Iowa 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
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Minnesota to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Minnesota and Iowa. Average distances are close to 404 miles, with delivery usually taking one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Minneapolis, MN to Iowa
| From Minnesota to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA | $462 – $567 | 243 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $491 – $657 | 276 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Davenport, IA | $561 – $774 | 359 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Sioux City, IA | $441 – $625 | 274 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Iowa City, IA | $505 – $703 | 303 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from St. Paul, MN to Iowa
| From Minnesota to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Paul, MN to Des Moines, IA | $444 – $561 | 247 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $436 – $567 | 245 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Davenport, IA | $511 – $719 | 328 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Sioux City, IA | $481 – $631 | 283 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Iowa City, IA | $441 – $589 | 272 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rochester, MN to Iowa
| From Minnesota to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester, MN to Des Moines, IA | $458 – $572 | 210 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rochester, MN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $393 – $510 | 167 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rochester, MN to Davenport, IA | $458 – $566 | 250 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rochester, MN to Sioux City, IA | $458 – $607 | 271 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rochester, MN to Iowa City, IA | $422 – $565 | 193 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bloomington, MN to Iowa
| From Minnesota to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA | $460 – $608 | 233 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $441 – $572 | 265 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Davenport, IA | $500 – $698 | 349 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Sioux City, IA | $454 – $607 | 262 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Iowa City, IA | $486 – $637 | 292 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Duluth, MN to Iowa
| From Minnesota to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN to Des Moines, IA | $560 – $774 | 394 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Duluth, MN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $594 – $813 | 393 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Duluth, MN to Davenport, IA | $555 – $808 | 416 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Duluth, MN to Sioux City, IA | $608 – $832 | 424 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Duluth, MN to Iowa City, IA | $596 – $800 | 420 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Minnesota to Iowa
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Minnesota to Iowa, the price usually falls between $760 and $1,040.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Minnesota to Iowa
When arranging car transport from the North Star State to the Hawkeye State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- 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: 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 Iowa.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Minnesota to Iowa involves roughly 404 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Minnesota more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Minnesota and Iowa and the varying gas prices across the country.
- 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 Minnesota to Iowa should take between one and four days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Iowa, 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: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Minnesota
More than 5.7 million people call Minnesota home. Nicknamed the North Star State. Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
Transporting your vehicle to Iowa
About 3.2 million people are living in the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Minnesota and delivery in Iowa?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Minnesota and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Minnesota to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Minnesota to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, which you should verify before loading your car in Minnesota.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Minnesota to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Minnesota to Iowa is about 404 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Minnesota to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Minnesota, will I need one in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
If I bought a car in Minnesota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Minnesota to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Minnesota and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Minnesota to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Minnesota to Iowa 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 Minnesota to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Minnesota to Iowa costs $608 to $832.
