North Dakota to Illinois Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 933 miles from North Dakota to Illinois typically falls between $800 and $1,253. The process usually takes two–seven 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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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to North Dakota car shipping guide.

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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
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The best North Dakota to Illinois car shipping companies

Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from North Dakota to Illinois:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in North Dakota

Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in North Dakota who can get your vehicle to Illinois:

  1. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  2. Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Xpress Auto Transport

3003 32nd Ave S #205, Fargo, ND 58103 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (866) 333-5509

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Auto Driveaway

3332 4th Ave S Suite 2D2, Fargo, ND 58103 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 346-2277

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Trailers
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

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 Dakota to Illinois

Ship it with your movers

If you’re planning a move from North Dakota to Illinois, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.

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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 933 miles on your car to travel between North Dakota and Illinois. 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 North Dakota to Illinois 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 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.

North Dakota to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times

The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in North Dakota and Illinois. Average distances are close to 933 miles, with delivery usually taking two–seven days.

Cost to ship a car from Fargo, ND to Illinois

From North Dakota to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Fargo, ND to Chicago, IL $719 – $987 642 miles 1 – 6 days
Fargo, ND to Aurora, IL $698 – $1,037 633 miles 1 – 6 days
Fargo, ND to Joliet, IL $762 – $1,011 664 miles 1 – 6 days
Fargo, ND to Naperville, IL $705 – $1,007 644 miles 1 – 6 days
Fargo, ND to Rockford, IL $666 – $897 568 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Bismarck, ND to Illinois

From North Dakota to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Bismarck, ND to Chicago, IL $816 – $1,221 833 miles 2 – 7 days
Bismarck, ND to Aurora, IL $792 – $1,245 825 miles 2 – 7 days
Bismarck, ND to Joliet, IL $780 – $1,213 855 miles 2 – 7 days
Bismarck, ND to Naperville, IL $832 – $1,185 836 miles 2 – 7 days
Bismarck, ND to Rockford, IL $789 – $1,097 759 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Grand Forks, ND to Illinois

From North Dakota to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Grand Forks, ND to Chicago, IL $733 – $1,046 721 miles 1 – 6 days
Grand Forks, ND to Aurora, IL $756 – $1,089 713 miles 1 – 6 days
Grand Forks, ND to Joliet, IL $788 – $1,144 743 miles 1 – 6 days
Grand Forks, ND to Naperville, IL $771 – $1,133 724 miles 1 – 6 days
Grand Forks, ND to Rockford, IL $748 – $1,058 648 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Minot, ND to Illinois

From North Dakota to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Minot, ND to Chicago, IL $784 – $1,217 905 miles 2 – 7 days
Minot, ND to Aurora, IL $783 – $1,167 897 miles 2 – 7 days
Minot, ND to Joliet, IL $824 – $1,303 927 miles 2 – 7 days
Minot, ND to Naperville, IL $776 – $1,167 908 miles 2 – 7 days
Minot, ND to Rockford, IL $816 – $1,221 832 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from West Fargo, ND to Illinois

From North Dakota to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
West Fargo, ND to Chicago, IL $698 – $1,068 647 miles 1 – 6 days
West Fargo, ND to Aurora, IL $748 – $1,058 638 miles 1 – 6 days
West Fargo, ND to Joliet, IL $711 – $1,053 669 miles 1 – 6 days
West Fargo, ND to Naperville, IL $705 – $997 649 miles 1 – 6 days
West Fargo, ND to Rockford, IL $652 – $906 573 miles 1 – 6 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from North Dakota to Illinois

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 North Dakota to Illinois, expect costs to range from $1,000 to $1,566.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Dakota to Illinois

When arranging car transport from the Peace Garden State to the Land of Lincoln, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
  • 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 North Dakota to Illinois.
  • Distance and route: The journey from North Dakota to Illinois spans approximately 933 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of North Dakota, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
  • Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between North Dakota and Illinois may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–seven days, but you can pay for expedited service.

Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to Illinois, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.

  • Car insurance requirements: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
  • Vehicle inspection: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
  • Driver’s license: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
  • Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist.

Transporting your vehicle from North Dakota

More than 783,926 people call North Dakota home. Nicknamed the Peace Garden State. North Dakota has warm summers and cold winters. The temperature differences are significant because of its far inland position and being roughly equal distance from the North Pole and the Equator.

Transporting your vehicle to Illinois

About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in North Dakota and delivery in Illinois?

Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in North Dakota and when dropping it off in Illinois.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Dakota to Illinois?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Dakota to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, which you should verify before loading your car in North Dakota.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. North Dakota mandates that all vehicles carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Basic personal injury protection is also required, providing $150 per week with a maximum of $30,000.

The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.

How long does it take to ship a car from North Dakota to Illinois?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Dakota to Illinois is about 933 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from North Dakota to Illinois.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

As a new resident in North Dakota, you have 90 days to have your vehicle inspected and registered in the state. There is no requirement for smog or emissions testing in North Dakota.

In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.

If I have a driver’s license in North Dakota, will I need one in Illinois?

Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.

If I bought a car in North Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from North Dakota to Illinois after purchasing it.

According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both North Dakota and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from North Dakota to Illinois?

The cheapest way to ship a car from North Dakota to Illinois 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 Dakota to Illinois?

Shipping a car from North Dakota to Illinois costs $800 to $1,253.

Helpful North Dakota resources