North Dakota to South Dakota Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 321 miles from North Dakota to South Dakota falls between $518 and $679. Delivery typically takes one–four days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota 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 South Dakota car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from North Dakota to South Dakota:
- 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
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in North Dakota that can transport your vehicle to South Dakota:
- 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 South Dakota
Ship it with your movers
When moving from North Dakota to South Dakota, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange 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 321 miles to your vehicle on the route from North Dakota to South Dakota. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from North Dakota to South Dakota, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota. The average travel distance is about 321 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Fargo, ND to South Dakota
| From North Dakota to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND to Sioux Falls, SD | $460 – $599 | 243 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Fargo, ND to Rapid City, SD | $635 – $846 | 495 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Fargo, ND to Aberdeen, SD | $409 – $537 | 187 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Fargo, ND to Brookings, SD | $401 – $553 | 189 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Fargo, ND to Watertown, SD | $353 – $499 | 144 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bismarck, ND to South Dakota
| From North Dakota to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND to Sioux Falls, SD | $591 – $835 | 430 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bismarck, ND to Rapid City, SD | $497 – $700 | 301 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bismarck, ND to Aberdeen, SD | $429 – $541 | 201 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bismarck, ND to Brookings, SD | $591 – $801 | 376 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bismarck, ND to Watertown, SD | $483 – $686 | 297 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Forks, ND to South Dakota
| From North Dakota to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks, ND to Sioux Falls, SD | $513 – $686 | 318 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to Rapid City, SD | $717 – $977 | 551 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to Aberdeen, SD | $425 – $598 | 262 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to Brookings, SD | $452 – $598 | 265 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to Watertown, SD | $466 – $614 | 220 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Minot, ND to South Dakota
| From North Dakota to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minot, ND to Sioux Falls, SD | $677 – $913 | 502 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Minot, ND to Rapid City, SD | $551 – $793 | 393 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Minot, ND to Aberdeen, SD | $443 – $580 | 274 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Minot, ND to Brookings, SD | $628 – $860 | 449 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Minot, ND to Watertown, SD | $580 – $771 | 369 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from West Fargo, ND to South Dakota
| From North Dakota to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Fargo, ND to Sioux Falls, SD | $446 – $575 | 243 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| West Fargo, ND to Rapid City, SD | $654 – $846 | 487 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| West Fargo, ND to Aberdeen, SD | $434 – $581 | 187 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| West Fargo, ND to Brookings, SD | $428 – $591 | 190 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| West Fargo, ND to Watertown, SD | $350 – $514 | 145 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Dakota to South Dakota
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from North Dakota to South Dakota usually runs between $648 and $849.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Dakota to South Dakota
When arranging car transport from the Peace Garden State to the Mount Rushmore State, 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: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to South Dakota.
- Distance and route: The journey from North Dakota to South Dakota spans about 321 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 North Dakota, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from North Dakota to South Dakota, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–four days, but expedited options cost more.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in South Dakota, 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: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
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 South Dakota
About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in North Dakota and delivery in South Dakota?
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 South Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Dakota to South Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Dakota to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, 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.
In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
How long does it take to ship a car from North Dakota to South Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Dakota to South Dakota is about 321 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 Dakota to South Dakota.
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.
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I have a driver’s license in North Dakota, will I need one in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in North Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from North Dakota to South Dakota after purchasing it.
When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both North Dakota and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from North Dakota to South Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from North Dakota to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Shipping a car from North Dakota to South Dakota costs $518 to $679.
