($547) Cost to ship a car from St. Louis, MO to Dayton, OH

Quick answer: On average, moving a car 360 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to Dayton, Ohio, will run you about $547 to $748. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dayton to St. Louis car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 St. Louis to Dayton car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from St. Louis to Dayton:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in St. Louis

Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving St. Louis, MO:

  1. Jmn Logistics Llc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Saint Louis Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Jmn Logistics Llc

2050 Creve Coeur Mill Road N., Maryland Heights, MO 63043 US

starstarstarstarstar3.66 / 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.

Get a Quote (877) 566-4285

Services Offered

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

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • JMN Transportation, INC

Jack Cooper Transport

655 Parr Rd, Wentzville, MO 63385 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (636) 332-2200

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.

Ceva Logistics

4745 Earth City Expy, Bridgeton, MO 63044 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Reviews highlight significant concerns regarding the company's delivery service, specifically addressing poor customer service, missed delivery deadlines, and rude representatives. On a positive note, some customers experienced promptness and helpfulness from the staff.

Get a Quote (314) 264-5500

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

Saint Louis Auto Transport

5908 Telegraph Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Fail to get reviews.

Get a Quote (314) 449-9119

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Heavy equipment

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Auto Driveaway

1750 S Brentwood Blvd #304, Brentwood, MO 63144 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 888-2389

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Trailers
  • Electric vehicles

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.

Car shipping alternatives from MO to OH

If you’re planning a move from St. Louis to Dayton, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

When relocating from St. Louis to Dayton, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.

Drive your car

There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 360-mile trip from St. Louis to Dayton could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.

Use a driving service

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Missouri to Ohio. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in St. Louis. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Dayton.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Dayton is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.

Factors affecting St. Louis to Dayton car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from St. Louis to Dayton, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When it comes to moving your car from St. Louis to Dayton, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.

Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Dayton, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from St. Louis depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Dayton will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 360 miles from St. Louis to Dayton will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Missouri.

Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.

The time of the year

Both seasonal trends and local weather in St. Louis and Dayton can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

St. Louis experiences hot summers, cold winters, many thunderstorms, and tornados. There's a chance that the climate will affect your move so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time.

September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.

High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from St. Louis to Dayton during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 360 miles between St. Louis and Dayton, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from St. Louis to Dayton typically takes between one and four days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing St. Louis and Dayton vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • St. Louis: Blocking Right of Way Permits are required for any activity that will block any portion of the public right of way (streets and sidewalks) such as dumpster placement, moving truck, block parties, construction related street closures. These may go from $20-$35
  • Dayton: Make sure to check with the City of Dayton for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Dayton.

Car insurance requirements

  • St. Louis: 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.
  • Dayton: 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 inspections

  • St. Louis: 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.
  • Dayton: 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

  • St. Louis: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
  • Dayton: 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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from St. Louis to Dayton?

The cost to ship a car from St. Louis, MO to Dayton, OH varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from St. Louis to Dayton will range from $547 to $748.

How long will it take to ship my car from St. Louis to Dayton?

It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 360 miles from St. Louis to Dayton. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Louis to Dayton?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from St. Louis to Dayton. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from St. Louis to Dayton?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from St. Louis to Dayton than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 360-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful St. Louis resources