Minnesota to Montana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 793 miles from Minnesota to Montana ranges from $789 to $1,127 and takes two–seven 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 Minnesota to Montana:
- 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
- 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
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Minnesota that can transport your vehicle to Montana:
- 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
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 Montana
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Minnesota to Montana, 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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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 793 miles to your vehicle on the route from Minnesota to Montana. 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 Minnesota to Montana. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Minnesota to Montana 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 Minnesota and Montana. The trip typically spans 793 miles and takes about two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Minneapolis, MN to Montana
| From Minnesota to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN to Billings, MT | $761 – $1,138 | 839 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Missoula, MT | $856 – $1,394 | 1,181 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Great Falls, MT | $767 – $1,227 | 969 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Bozeman, MT | $829 – $1,211 | 980 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Butte, MT | $762 – $1,308 | 1,064 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from St. Paul, MN to Montana
| From Minnesota to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Paul, MN to Billings, MT | $796 – $1,177 | 850 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Missoula, MT | $873 – $1,326 | 1,192 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Great Falls, MT | $829 – $1,299 | 980 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Bozeman, MT | $757 – $1,198 | 991 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Butte, MT | $770 – $1,270 | 1,075 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rochester, MN to Montana
| From Minnesota to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester, MN to Billings, MT | $799 – $1,264 | 888 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rochester, MN to Missoula, MT | $980 – $1,386 | 1,230 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rochester, MN to Great Falls, MT | $833 – $1,321 | 1,055 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rochester, MN to Bozeman, MT | $833 – $1,219 | 1,029 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rochester, MN to Butte, MT | $882 – $1,421 | 1,113 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bloomington, MN to Montana
| From Minnesota to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, MN to Billings, MT | $816 – $1,138 | 849 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Missoula, MT | $847 – $1,421 | 1,190 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Great Falls, MT | $813 – $1,211 | 978 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Bozeman, MT | $829 – $1,299 | 989 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Butte, MT | $833 – $1,257 | 1,073 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Duluth, MN to Montana
| From Minnesota to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN to Billings, MT | $777 – $1,126 | 848 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Duluth, MN to Missoula, MT | $906 – $1,500 | 1,202 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Duluth, MN to Great Falls, MT | $829 – $1,274 | 977 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Duluth, MN to Bozeman, MT | $762 – $1,232 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Duluth, MN to Butte, MT | $762 – $1,308 | 1,085 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Minnesota to Montana
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Minnesota to Montana, expect costs to range from $986 to $1,409.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Minnesota to Montana
Transporting your vehicle from the North Star State to the Big Sky Country comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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: 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 Montana.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Minnesota to Montana involves roughly 793 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Minnesota in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Minnesota and Montana and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
Montana vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Montana, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
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 Montana
About 1.1 million people are living in the Big Sky Country. Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Minnesota and delivery in Montana?
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 Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Minnesota to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Minnesota to Montana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Montana, 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.
In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
How long does it take to ship a car from Minnesota to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Minnesota to Montana is about 793 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Minnesota to Montana.
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.
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in Minnesota, will I need one in Montana?
New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Minnesota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Montana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Minnesota to Montana after purchasing it.
In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Minnesota and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Minnesota to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Minnesota to Montana 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 Montana?
Shipping a car from Minnesota to Montana costs $789 to $1,127.
4570 West 77th Street, Suite 215, Edina, MN 55435 US
80 S 8th St Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55402 US
3169 Dodd Rd, St Paul, MN 55121 US
22015 Canton Ct, Farmington, MN 55024 US
1620 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 US