Montana to Ohio Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,644 miles from Montana to Ohio ranges from $1,164 to $1,627 and takes three–nine days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Ohio 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 Ohio car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Montana to Ohio:
- 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'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Montana that can transport your vehicle to Ohio:
- 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 Ohio
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Montana for a move to Ohio, 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
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,644 miles to your car on the trip from Montana to Ohio. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Montana to Ohio. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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 Ohio auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Montana and Ohio. The typical distance is about 1,644 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and nine days.
Cost to ship a car from Billings, MT to Ohio
| From Montana to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT to Columbus, OH | $1,054 – $1,646 | 1,584 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Billings, MT to Cleveland, OH | $1,131 – $1,584 | 1,578 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Billings, MT to Cincinnati, OH | $1,152 – $1,584 | 1,524 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Billings, MT to Toledo, OH | $1,053 – $1,567 | 1,477 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Billings, MT to Akron, OH | $1,096 – $1,578 | 1,600 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to Ohio
| From Montana to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missoula, MT to Columbus, OH | $1,236 – $1,802 | 1,926 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Missoula, MT to Cleveland, OH | $1,273 – $1,971 | 1,920 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Missoula, MT to Cincinnati, OH | $1,255 – $1,806 | 1,848 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Missoula, MT to Toledo, OH | $1,279 – $1,770 | 1,819 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Missoula, MT to Akron, OH | $1,187 – $1,952 | 1,941 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Great Falls, MT to Ohio
| From Montana to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT to Columbus, OH | $1,134 – $1,766 | 1,735 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Cleveland, OH | $1,205 – $1,629 | 1,729 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Cincinnati, OH | $1,142 – $1,578 | 1,675 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Toledo, OH | $1,153 – $1,709 | 1,628 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Akron, OH | $1,134 – $1,783 | 1,750 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bozeman, MT to Ohio
| From Montana to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT to Columbus, OH | $1,205 – $1,801 | 1,724 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Cleveland, OH | $1,205 – $1,783 | 1,718 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Cincinnati, OH | $1,107 – $1,594 | 1,647 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Toledo, OH | $1,164 – $1,725 | 1,617 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Akron, OH | $1,217 – $1,629 | 1,740 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Butte, MT to Ohio
| From Montana to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butte, MT to Columbus, OH | $1,194 – $1,770 | 1,809 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Butte, MT to Cleveland, OH | $1,267 – $1,897 | 1,803 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Butte, MT to Cincinnati, OH | $1,241 – $1,698 | 1,732 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Butte, MT to Toledo, OH | $1,217 – $1,715 | 1,702 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Butte, MT to Akron, OH | $1,231 – $1,788 | 1,824 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Montana to Ohio
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Montana to Ohio, expect costs to range from $1,455 to $2,034.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Montana to Ohio
Transporting your vehicle from the Big Sky Country to the Buckeye State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Ohio.
- Distance and route: The journey from Montana to Ohio spans about 1,644 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Montana, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Montana and Ohio.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–nine days, but expedited options cost more.
Ohio vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Ohio, 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 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 inspection: 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: 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.
- Additional taxes: Ohio requires sales tax if a vehicle was purchased out of state less than 6 months before moving to Ohio. However, a credit for sales tax paid to the other state may be allowed. If the vehicle was purchased at least 6 months before moving, no Ohio sales tax is due and the exemption code CV should be used when titling the 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 Ohio
About 11.8 million people are living in the Buckeye State. Ohio forms a part of what's considered both the snowbelt and the tornado alley which means your move may be affected if either of these are impacting the state on your move day.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Montana and delivery in Ohio?
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 Ohio.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Montana to Ohio?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Montana to Ohio, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Ohio, 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.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Montana to Ohio?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Montana to Ohio is about 1,644 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from Montana to Ohio.
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.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in Montana, will I need one in Ohio?
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.
If I bought a car in Montana, will I be required to pay sales tax in Ohio after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Montana to Ohio after purchasing it.
Ohio requires sales tax if a vehicle was purchased out of state less than 6 months before moving to Ohio. However, a credit for sales tax paid to the other state may be allowed. If the vehicle was purchased at least 6 months before moving, no Ohio sales tax is due and the exemption code CV should be used when titling the vehicle.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Montana and Ohio to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Montana to Ohio?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Montana to Ohio 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 Ohio?
Shipping a car from Montana to Ohio costs $1,164 to $1,627.
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