Missouri to Kentucky Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 465 miles from Missouri to Kentucky ranges from $613 to $824. 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 Kentucky to Missouri 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 Missouri to Kentucky car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Missouri to Kentucky:
- 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 Missouri
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Missouri that can transport your vehicle to Kentucky:
- Kansas City Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Jmn Logistics Llc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Passport Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Nations Auto Transport LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Kansas City Auto Shipping Group
1712 Main St 4th floor, Kansas City, MO 64108 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-missouri/kansas-city
3.66 / 5.0
Customers frequently highlight the professionalism and attentiveness of the staff, particularly mentioning Jason, Felicia, and Mandi, who provided clear communication throughout the shipping process. The efficient booking and delivery times, along with the overall excellent customer service, lead to positive experiences. Some complaints include reports of robocalls and frustrations with prior companies, but overall, most customers express high satisfaction and are likely to recommend the service to others.
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
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Jmn Logistics Llc
2050 Creve Coeur Mill Road N., Maryland Heights, MO 63043 US
jmnhaul.com
3.66 / 5.0
JMN Transport is recognized for excellent customer service, notably by representative Maria Henke, who goes above and beyond to assist clients. However, some reviews reveal serious concerns regarding unethical practices, including refusal to pay contracted amounts to drivers and discrepancies in wage agreements.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239181
Alternative Business Names
- JMN Transportation, INC
Passport Transport
145 Evergreen Pkwy, Lebanon, MO 65536 US
passporttransport.com
3.66 / 5.0
Passport Transport is recognized for their professionalism, courtesy, and quality of service in transporting vehicles, though there have been significant criticisms regarding communication and punctuality. Many customers have praised the care taken during transportation, as well as the professionalism of the drivers. However, issues such as delays, poor communication from the office, and incidents of damage to vehicles during transit have been reported and caused frustration among several customers.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2043860
Alternative Business Names
- Passport Auto Logistics
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc
2345 Grand Blvd # 2400, Kansas City, MO 64108 US
jackcooper.com
3.58 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Nations Auto Transport LLC
12032 E 46 Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64133 US
shipnat.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2244737
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 Missouri to Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Missouri to Kentucky, 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
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 465 miles to your vehicle on the route from Missouri to Kentucky. 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 Missouri to Kentucky. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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.
Missouri to Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Missouri and Kentucky. Average distances are close to 465 miles, with delivery usually taking one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Kansas City, MO to Kentucky
| From Missouri to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO to Louisville, KY | $659 – $828 | 505 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Kansas City, MO to Lexington, KY | $688 – $923 | 582 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Kansas City, MO to Bowling Green, KY | $646 – $857 | 535 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Kansas City, MO to Owensboro, KY | $625 – $833 | 455 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Kansas City, MO to Covington, KY | $715 – $942 | 590 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from St. Louis, MO to Kentucky
| From Missouri to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO to Louisville, KY | $427 – $559 | 260 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| St. Louis, MO to Lexington, KY | $499 – $731 | 337 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| St. Louis, MO to Bowling Green, KY | $484 – $661 | 289 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| St. Louis, MO to Owensboro, KY | $448 – $577 | 210 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| St. Louis, MO to Covington, KY | $516 – $699 | 350 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Springfield, MO to Kentucky
| From Missouri to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield, MO to Louisville, KY | $631 – $849 | 474 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Springfield, MO to Lexington, KY | $631 – $904 | 551 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Springfield, MO to Bowling Green, KY | $593 – $805 | 442 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Springfield, MO to Owensboro, KY | $589 – $798 | 423 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Springfield, MO to Covington, KY | $664 – $950 | 564 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Columbia, MO to Kentucky
| From Missouri to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MO to Louisville, KY | $581 – $749 | 382 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, MO to Lexington, KY | $601 – $791 | 459 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, MO to Bowling Green, KY | $583 – $790 | 401 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, MO to Owensboro, KY | $494 – $675 | 332 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbia, MO to Covington, KY | $613 – $816 | 467 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Independence, MO to Kentucky
| From Missouri to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independence, MO to Louisville, KY | $618 – $892 | 498 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Independence, MO to Lexington, KY | $708 – $923 | 575 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Independence, MO to Bowling Green, KY | $659 – $929 | 527 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Independence, MO to Owensboro, KY | $593 – $805 | 448 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Independence, MO to Covington, KY | $694 – $951 | 582 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Missouri to Kentucky
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Missouri to Kentucky, the price usually falls between $766 and $1,030.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Missouri to Kentucky
When moving your vehicle from the Show-Me State to the Bluegrass State, several factors can affect the total shipping 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: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Kentucky.
- Distance and route: The journey from Missouri to Kentucky spans approximately 465 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Missouri around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Missouri and Kentucky 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 Missouri to Kentucky should take between one and four days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Kentucky, 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: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Missouri
More than 6.2 million people call Missouri home. Nicknamed the Show-Me State. Although temperature in Missouri doesn't get extreme, being in the heart of tornado alley means that storms in the area are common. Be sure to check the weather forecast before move day to prepare for any upcoming weather.
Transporting your vehicle to Kentucky
About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Missouri and delivery in Kentucky?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Missouri and when dropping it off in Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Missouri to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Missouri to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, which you should verify before loading your car in Missouri.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
How long does it take to ship a car from Missouri to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Missouri to Kentucky is about 465 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Missouri to Kentucky.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
If I have a driver’s license in Missouri, will I need one in Kentucky?
New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
If I bought a car in Missouri, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Missouri to Kentucky after purchasing it.
In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Missouri and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Missouri to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Missouri to Kentucky 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 Missouri to Kentucky?
Shipping a car from Missouri to Kentucky costs $613 to $824.
