Minnesota to South Dakota Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 493 miles from Minnesota to South Dakota usually costs between $622 and $837. 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 Minnesota to South Dakota:
- 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
- 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 Minnesota
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Minnesota can deliver your vehicle to South Dakota:
- 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 South Dakota
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Minnesota to South Dakota, 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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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 493 miles on your car going from Minnesota to South Dakota. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Minnesota to South Dakota. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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 South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Minnesota and South Dakota. The typical distance is about 493 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and four days.
Cost to ship a car from Minneapolis, MN to South Dakota
| From Minnesota to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN to Sioux Falls, SD | $457 – $617 | 239 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Rapid City, SD | $689 – $996 | 574 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Aberdeen, SD | $488 – $660 | 291 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Brookings, SD | $428 – $558 | 211 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Minneapolis, MN to Watertown, SD | $461 – $558 | 201 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from St. Paul, MN to South Dakota
| From Minnesota to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Paul, MN to Sioux Falls, SD | $461 – $586 | 274 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Rapid City, SD | $715 – $1,035 | 612 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Aberdeen, SD | $523 – $721 | 302 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Brookings, SD | $446 – $563 | 218 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| St. Paul, MN to Watertown, SD | $455 – $558 | 212 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rochester, MN to South Dakota
| From Minnesota to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester, MN to Sioux Falls, SD | $466 – $575 | 236 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rochester, MN to Rapid City, SD | $689 – $977 | 574 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rochester, MN to Aberdeen, SD | $575 – $748 | 361 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rochester, MN to Brookings, SD | $475 – $575 | 232 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rochester, MN to Watertown, SD | $456 – $586 | 261 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bloomington, MN to South Dakota
| From Minnesota to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, MN to Sioux Falls, SD | $429 – $634 | 259 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Rapid City, SD | $682 – $938 | 566 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Aberdeen, SD | $488 – $634 | 278 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Brookings, SD | $452 – $581 | 201 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bloomington, MN to Watertown, SD | $437 – $546 | 197 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Duluth, MN to South Dakota
| From Minnesota to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN to Sioux Falls, SD | $591 – $825 | 393 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Duluth, MN to Rapid City, SD | $792 – $1,115 | 728 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Duluth, MN to Aberdeen, SD | $536 – $755 | 374 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Duluth, MN to Brookings, SD | $555 – $737 | 331 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Duluth, MN to Watertown, SD | $508 – $700 | 317 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Minnesota to South Dakota
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Minnesota to South Dakota usually runs between $778 and $1,046.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Minnesota to South Dakota
When arranging car transport from the North Star State to the Mount Rushmore State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed 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 South Dakota.
- Distance and route: The journey from Minnesota to South Dakota spans about 493 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Minnesota around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Minnesota and South Dakota may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–four days, but expedited options cost more.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
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 South Dakota
About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Minnesota and delivery in South Dakota?
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 South Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Minnesota to South Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Minnesota to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
How long does it take to ship a car from Minnesota to South Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Minnesota to South Dakota is about 493 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 South Dakota.
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.
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I have a driver’s license in Minnesota, will I need one in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in Minnesota, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Minnesota to South Dakota after purchasing it.
When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Minnesota and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Minnesota to South Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Minnesota to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Shipping a car from Minnesota to South Dakota costs $622 to $837.
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