Montana to Washington Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 663 miles from Montana to Washington ranges from $740 to $1,074 and takes one–six 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 Washington 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 Washington car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Montana to Washington:
- 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 Montana
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Montana that can relocate your vehicle to Washington:
- 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 Washington
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Montana to Washington, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 663 extra miles on your car to travel from Montana to Washington. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Montana to Washington is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
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.
Montana to Washington 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 Washington. The trip typically spans 663 miles and takes about one–six days.
Cost to ship a car from Billings, MT to Washington
| From Montana to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT to Seattle, WA | $803 – $1,192 | 819 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Billings, MT to Spokane, WA | $635 – $895 | 541 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Billings, MT to Tacoma, WA | $824 – $1,233 | 832 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Billings, MT to Vancouver, WA | $815 – $1,179 | 895 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Billings, MT to Bellevue, WA | $827 – $1,227 | 813 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to Washington
| From Montana to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missoula, MT to Seattle, WA | $613 – $842 | 475 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Missoula, MT to Spokane, WA | $401 – $538 | 197 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA | $651 – $842 | 489 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Missoula, MT to Vancouver, WA | $672 – $962 | 552 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Missoula, MT to Bellevue, WA | $590 – $843 | 469 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Great Falls, MT to Washington
| From Montana to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT to Seattle, WA | $755 – $976 | 640 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Spokane, WA | $539 – $752 | 362 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Tacoma, WA | $740 – $1,042 | 653 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Vancouver, WA | $718 – $1,035 | 716 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Bellevue, WA | $727 – $1,017 | 634 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bozeman, MT to Washington
| From Montana to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT to Seattle, WA | $767 – $1,013 | 677 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Spokane, WA | $571 – $766 | 399 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Tacoma, WA | $767 – $1,120 | 690 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Vancouver, WA | $743 – $1,131 | 753 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Bellevue, WA | $747 – $1,084 | 671 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Butte, MT to Washington
| From Montana to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butte, MT to Seattle, WA | $696 – $973 | 592 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Butte, MT to Spokane, WA | $476 – $663 | 314 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Butte, MT to Tacoma, WA | $691 – $941 | 606 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Butte, MT to Vancouver, WA | $718 – $1,084 | 669 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Butte, MT to Bellevue, WA | $724 – $953 | 586 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Montana to Washington
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 Washington usually runs between $925 and $1,343.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Montana to Washington
Transporting your vehicle from the Big Sky Country to the Evergreen State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Washington.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Montana to Washington involves roughly 663 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Montana 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 Montana and Washington and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Montana to Washington takes one–six days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Washington vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Washington means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
- Vehicle inspection: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
- Driver’s license: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
- Additional taxes: If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use tax.
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 Washington
About 7.8 million people are living in the Evergreen State. Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Montana and delivery in Washington?
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 Washington.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Montana to Washington?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Montana to Washington, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Washington, 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.
Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Montana to Washington?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Montana to Washington is about 663 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Montana to Washington.
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 the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
If I have a driver’s license in Montana, will I need one in Washington?
To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
If I bought a car in Montana, will I be required to pay sales tax in Washington after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Montana to Washington after purchasing it.
If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Montana and Washington to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Montana to Washington?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Montana to Washington 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 Washington?
Shipping a car from Montana to Washington costs $740 to $1,074.
