North Dakota to Kentucky Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,271 miles from North Dakota to Kentucky ranges from $966 to $1,391 and takes three–eight 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 Kentucky to North Dakota 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 Dakota to Kentucky 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 North Dakota 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 Dakota
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in North Dakota ready to move your vehicle to Kentucky:
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Xpress Auto Transport
3003 32nd Ave S #205, Fargo, ND 58103 US
xpressautoship.com
3.5 / 5.0
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
Auto Driveaway
3332 4th Ave S Suite 2D2, Fargo, ND 58103 US
autodriveaway.com
3.5 / 5.0
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
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 Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from North Dakota 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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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,271 miles to your vehicle on the route from North Dakota to Kentucky. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from North Dakota 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
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
North Dakota 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 Dakota and Kentucky. The average travel distance is about 1,271 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Fargo, ND to Kentucky
| From North Dakota to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND to Louisville, KY | $796 – $1,246 | 945 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fargo, ND to Lexington, KY | $822 – $1,367 | 1,018 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Fargo, ND to Bowling Green, KY | $838 – $1,340 | 1,064 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Fargo, ND to Owensboro, KY | $811 – $1,219 | 969 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fargo, ND to Covington, KY | $804 – $1,272 | 942 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bismarck, ND to Kentucky
| From North Dakota to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND to Louisville, KY | $868 – $1,401 | 1,136 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bismarck, ND to Lexington, KY | $985 – $1,406 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bismarck, ND to Bowling Green, KY | $985 – $1,406 | 1,255 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bismarck, ND to Owensboro, KY | $877 – $1,428 | 1,160 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bismarck, ND to Covington, KY | $895 – $1,373 | 1,134 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Forks, ND to Kentucky
| From North Dakota to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks, ND to Louisville, KY | $813 – $1,314 | 1,023 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to Lexington, KY | $797 – $1,249 | 1,098 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to Bowling Green, KY | $904 – $1,456 | 1,143 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to Owensboro, KY | $813 – $1,327 | 1,048 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to Covington, KY | $773 – $1,301 | 1,022 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Minot, ND to Kentucky
| From North Dakota to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minot, ND to Louisville, KY | $1,004 – $1,508 | 1,207 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Minot, ND to Lexington, KY | $976 – $1,391 | 1,282 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Minot, ND to Bowling Green, KY | $995 – $1,579 | 1,327 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Minot, ND to Owensboro, KY | $1,004 – $1,508 | 1,232 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Minot, ND to Covington, KY | $937 – $1,420 | 1,206 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from West Fargo, ND to Kentucky
| From North Dakota to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Fargo, ND to Louisville, KY | $786 – $1,219 | 950 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| West Fargo, ND to Lexington, KY | $822 – $1,353 | 1,023 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| West Fargo, ND to Bowling Green, KY | $813 – $1,314 | 1,069 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| West Fargo, ND to Owensboro, KY | $860 – $1,321 | 974 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| West Fargo, ND to Covington, KY | $853 – $1,297 | 947 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Dakota to Kentucky
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 Kentucky, expect costs to range from $1,208 to $1,739.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Dakota to Kentucky
When transporting your vehicle from the Peace Garden State to the Bluegrass State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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 vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Kentucky.
- Distance and route: The journey from North Dakota to Kentucky spans about 1,271 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from North Dakota in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from North Dakota to Kentucky, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–eight days, but expedited options cost more.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Kentucky, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- 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 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 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 Dakota 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 Dakota and when dropping it off in Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Dakota to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Dakota 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 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 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 Dakota to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Dakota to Kentucky is about 1,271 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from North Dakota to Kentucky.
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.
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 Dakota, 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 Dakota, 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 Dakota 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 Dakota and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from North Dakota to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from North Dakota 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 Dakota to Kentucky?
Shipping a car from North Dakota to Kentucky costs $966 to $1,391.
