North Carolina to Kentucky Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 467 miles from North Carolina to Kentucky typically falls between $611 and $855. The process usually takes one–four 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 Kentucky to North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Kentucky car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from North Carolina to Kentucky:
- 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 North Carolina
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in North Carolina who can get your vehicle to Kentucky:
- 48 States Auto Shipping: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Transport Solutions: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
48 States Auto Shipping
1154 Mimosa Ln, Greenville, NC 27834 US
48statesautoshipping.com
3.78 / 5.0
Customers report extremely poor service due to lack of communication and significant delays in vehicle pickup and delivery. The overall sentiment is frustration over unresponsive support and inconsistent scheduling.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2246104
Alternative Business Names
- Perfect Auto Transport Inc.
Ship A Car ASAP
4801 Glenwood Ave Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27612 US
shipacarasap.com
3.72 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise David’s exemplary service, highlighting his professionalism, excellent communication, and the efficiency of the car shipping process. However, some feedback indicates occasional delays in response times from representatives at the company.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1628739
Alternative Business Names
- JE Carriers, LLC
Charlotte Auto Shipping Group
15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-north-carolina/charlotte
3.58 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the company's exceptional service and professionalism, highlighting their friendly demeanor and timely delivery. However, there were no significant negative aspects mentioned.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Stewart Transport Solutions
341 Avery Rd, Erwin, NC 28339 US
stewarttrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 917297
Speedy Car Shipping
3600 N Duke St #1, Durham, NC 27704 US
speedycarshipping.com/car-shipping-service/auto-transport-durham-nc
3.5 / 5.0
Customers praised the clear and user-friendly website and the exceptional customer service. They reported a strong trust in the company's process and recommendations. However, no significant negative feedback was indicated.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2297446
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 North Carolina to Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from North Carolina for a move to Kentucky, 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
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 467 miles on your car going from North Carolina to Kentucky. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from North Carolina to Kentucky 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
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
North Carolina to Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in North Carolina and Kentucky. The average travel distance is about 467 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to Kentucky
| From North Carolina to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Louisville, KY | $641 – $854 | 476 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Lexington, KY | $569 – $795 | 404 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Bowling Green, KY | $640 – $860 | 435 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Owensboro, KY | $677 – $895 | 517 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Covington, KY | $623 – $890 | 459 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Kentucky
| From North Carolina to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC to Louisville, KY | $717 – $938 | 562 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Lexington, KY | $648 – $916 | 490 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Bowling Green, KY | $661 – $919 | 564 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Owensboro, KY | $759 – $1,073 | 632 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Covington, KY | $657 – $939 | 510 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Greensboro, NC to Kentucky
| From North Carolina to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro, NC to Louisville, KY | $654 – $863 | 487 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Lexington, KY | $611 – $804 | 416 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Bowling Green, KY | $651 – $904 | 500 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Owensboro, KY | $703 – $957 | 557 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Covington, KY | $585 – $810 | 435 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Durham, NC to Kentucky
| From North Carolina to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC to Louisville, KY | $657 – $936 | 539 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Durham, NC to Lexington, KY | $636 – $864 | 467 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Durham, NC to Bowling Green, KY | $637 – $936 | 541 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Durham, NC to Owensboro, KY | $737 – $1,015 | 609 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Durham, NC to Covington, KY | $609 – $872 | 487 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem, NC to Kentucky
| From North Carolina to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NC to Louisville, KY | $636 – $821 | 463 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Lexington, KY | $556 – $785 | 392 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Bowling Green, KY | $623 – $864 | 462 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Owensboro, KY | $650 – $908 | 529 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Covington, KY | $623 – $853 | 412 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Carolina to Kentucky
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 North Carolina to Kentucky, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $764–$1,069.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Carolina to Kentucky
Transporting your vehicle from the Tar Heel State to the Bluegrass 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 Kentucky.
- Distance and route: Traveling from North Carolina to Kentucky involves roughly 467 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from North Carolina in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between North Carolina and Kentucky.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–four days, while expedited service costs more.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Kentucky, 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: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from North Carolina
More than 10.8 million people call North Carolina home. Nicknamed the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
Transporting your vehicle to Kentucky
About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in North Carolina and delivery in Kentucky?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in North Carolina and when dropping it off in Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Carolina to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Carolina to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, which you should verify before loading your car in North Carolina.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
How long does it take to ship a car from North Carolina to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Carolina to Kentucky is about 467 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from North Carolina to Kentucky.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
If I have a driver’s license in North Carolina, will I need one in Kentucky?
New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
If I bought a car in North Carolina, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from North Carolina to Kentucky after purchasing it.
In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both North Carolina and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to Kentucky 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 North Carolina to Kentucky?
Shipping a car from North Carolina to Kentucky costs $611 to $855.
