Montana to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,115 miles from Montana to Iowa typically falls between $879 and $1,361. The process usually takes two–eight days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Montana 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 Montana to Iowa 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 Montana to Iowa:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in Montana
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Montana that can transport your vehicle to Iowa:
- Turbo Auto Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Big Sky Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Turbo Auto Transport
5001 49th St. SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 US
turboautotransport.com
3.56 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the service as the best in Great Falls, Montana, highlighting exceptional customer service and expertise in truck and trailer repairs. Some emphasize the positive atmosphere and helpful staff, underscoring their willingness to assist with vehicle needs. However, no significant complaints or issues were noted, indicating overall satisfaction with the services provided.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1482475
Alternative Business Names
- Turbo Transportation Group, LLC
Big Sky Auto Transport
4825 53rd Avenue SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 US
bigskyautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers overwhelmingly praise Big Sky Auto Transport for their excellent communication, timely service, and the professionalism of their drivers. Many noted the special attention provided by the staff, making the process smooth and reassuring. However, some reviews did not mention any significant negatives, indicating overall satisfaction with the service.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 598761
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 Montana to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Montana for a move to Iowa, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto 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 1,115 miles to your vehicle on the route from Montana to Iowa. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Montana to Iowa for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Montana to Iowa 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 Montana and Iowa. The trip typically spans 1,115 miles and takes about two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Billings, MT to Iowa
| From Montana to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA | $788 – $1,300 | 940 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Billings, MT to Cedar Rapids, IA | $856 – $1,264 | 1,005 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Billings, MT to Davenport, IA | $848 – $1,317 | 1,092 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Billings, MT to Sioux City, IA | $786 – $1,152 | 742 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Billings, MT to Iowa City, IA | $815 – $1,383 | 1,035 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to Iowa
| From Montana to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missoula, MT to Des Moines, IA | $949 – $1,511 | 1,281 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Missoula, MT to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,027 – $1,490 | 1,347 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Missoula, MT to Davenport, IA | $1,106 – $1,565 | 1,430 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Missoula, MT to Sioux City, IA | $840 – $1,343 | 1,084 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Missoula, MT to Iowa City, IA | $1,058 – $1,598 | 1,377 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Great Falls, MT to Iowa
| From Montana to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT to Des Moines, IA | $932 – $1,390 | 1,157 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Cedar Rapids, IA | $958 – $1,467 | 1,226 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Davenport, IA | $1,068 – $1,474 | 1,306 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Sioux City, IA | $804 – $1,272 | 959 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Iowa City, IA | $958 – $1,467 | 1,249 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bozeman, MT to Iowa
| From Montana to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT to Des Moines, IA | $840 – $1,291 | 1,080 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Cedar Rapids, IA | $896 – $1,460 | 1,148 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Davenport, IA | $1,016 – $1,408 | 1,232 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Sioux City, IA | $870 – $1,223 | 882 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Iowa City, IA | $879 – $1,432 | 1,172 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Butte, MT to Iowa
| From Montana to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butte, MT to Des Moines, IA | $870 – $1,460 | 1,164 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Butte, MT to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,007 – $1,452 | 1,233 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Butte, MT to Davenport, IA | $986 – $1,474 | 1,313 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Butte, MT to Sioux City, IA | $804 – $1,246 | 967 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Butte, MT to Iowa City, IA | $1,016 – $1,467 | 1,257 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Montana to Iowa
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Montana to Iowa usually runs between $1,099 and $1,701.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Montana to Iowa
Transporting your vehicle from the Big Sky Country to the Hawkeye State 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: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Montana to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The route from Montana to Iowa is about 1,115 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Montana in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Montana and Iowa may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Montana to Iowa takes two–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Iowa, 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: 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 Montana
More than 1.1 million people call Montana home. Nicknamed 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.
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 Montana 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 Montana and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Montana to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Montana 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 Montana.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.
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 Montana to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Montana to Iowa is about 1,115 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Montana to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Montana, 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 Montana, 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 Montana 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 Montana and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Montana to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Montana 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 Montana to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Montana to Iowa costs $879 to $1,361.
