Montana to New Mexico Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,095 miles from Montana to New Mexico ranges from $808 to $1,229. Expect the trip to take around two–eight 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 New Mexico 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
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- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Montana to New Mexico car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Montana to New Mexico:
- 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 Montana
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Montana that can relocate your vehicle to New Mexico:
- Turbo Auto Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Big Sky Auto Transport: 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 Montana to New Mexico
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Montana for a move to New Mexico, 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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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,095 miles on your car to travel between Montana and New Mexico. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Montana to New Mexico 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
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Montana to New Mexico auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Montana and New Mexico. The average journey covers about 1,095 miles and takes roughly two to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Billings, MT to New Mexico
| From Montana to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT to Albuquerque, NM | $792 – $1,305 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Billings, MT to Las Cruces, NM | $888 – $1,283 | 1,167 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Billings, MT to Rio Rancho, NM | $819 – $1,234 | 993 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Billings, MT to Santa Fe, NM | $822 – $1,226 | 944 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Billings, MT to Roswell, NM | $808 – $1,217 | 1,056 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to New Mexico
| From Montana to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missoula, MT to Albuquerque, NM | $879 – $1,283 | 1,120 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Missoula, MT to Las Cruces, NM | $1,027 – $1,463 | 1,341 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Missoula, MT to Rio Rancho, NM | $845 – $1,310 | 1,108 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Missoula, MT to Santa Fe, NM | $896 – $1,363 | 1,146 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Missoula, MT to Roswell, NM | $1,008 – $1,404 | 1,397 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Great Falls, MT to New Mexico
| From Montana to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT to Albuquerque, NM | $950 – $1,397 | 1,217 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Las Cruces, NM | $978 – $1,493 | 1,384 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Rio Rancho, NM | $940 – $1,425 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Santa Fe, NM | $896 – $1,310 | 1,161 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Roswell, NM | $913 – $1,369 | 1,273 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bozeman, MT to New Mexico
| From Montana to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT to Albuquerque, NM | $811 – $1,404 | 1,140 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Las Cruces, NM | $978 – $1,478 | 1,307 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Rio Rancho, NM | $764 – $1,221 | 993 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Santa Fe, NM | $768 – $1,305 | 1,084 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Roswell, NM | $845 – $1,283 | 1,196 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Butte, MT to New Mexico
| From Montana to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butte, MT to Albuquerque, NM | $800 – $1,317 | 1,012 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Butte, MT to Las Cruces, NM | $922 – $1,341 | 1,234 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Butte, MT to Rio Rancho, NM | $753 – $1,254 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Butte, MT to Santa Fe, NM | $745 – $1,305 | 1,038 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Butte, MT to Roswell, NM | $876 – $1,482 | 1,280 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Montana to New Mexico
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Montana to New Mexico, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,010–$1,536.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Montana to New Mexico
If you’re shipping a car from the Big Sky Country to the Land of Enchantment, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- 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 New Mexico.
- Distance and route: The journey from Montana to New Mexico spans approximately 1,095 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Montana more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Montana to New Mexico, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–eight days, while expedited service costs more.
New Mexico vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to New Mexico, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
- Vehicle inspection: Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
- Driver’s license: To get your New Mexico driver's license, visit MVD Express with the required documents. A driver's license serves as both a legal permit to drive and an ID, so you must prove your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, an ID number such as your social security card, two forms of proof of New Mexico address.
- Additional taxes: If a vehicle is purchased in a different state and a tax similar to a gross receipts or sales tax has already been paid, the amount of that tax may be applied towards the MVET (motor vehicle excise tax) owed on that same vehicle.
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 New Mexico
About 2.1 million people are living in the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico has long been reputable for its pleasant, temperate climate. The eastern third of the state receives the most rainfall while the western third receives the least amount. New Mexico's stable climate and sparse population provide for clearer skies and less light pollution.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Montana and delivery in New Mexico?
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 New Mexico.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Montana to New Mexico?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Montana to New Mexico, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to New Mexico, 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.
Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
How long does it take to ship a car from Montana to New Mexico?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Montana to New Mexico is about 1,095 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 New Mexico.
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.
Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
If I have a driver’s license in Montana, will I need one in New Mexico?
To get your New Mexico driver's license, visit MVD Express with the required documents. A driver's license serves as both a legal permit to drive and an ID, so you must prove your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, an ID number such as your social security card, two forms of proof of New Mexico address.
If I bought a car in Montana, will I be required to pay sales tax in New Mexico after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Montana to New Mexico after purchasing it.
If a vehicle is purchased in a different state and a tax similar to a gross receipts or sales tax has already been paid, the amount of that tax may be applied towards the MVET (motor vehicle excise tax) owed on that same vehicle.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Montana and New Mexico to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Montana to New Mexico?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Montana to New Mexico 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 New Mexico?
Shipping a car from Montana to New Mexico costs $808 to $1,229.
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