Nebraska to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 398 miles from Nebraska to Iowa ranges from $594 to $758 and takes one–four 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 Iowa to Nebraska 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 Nebraska to Iowa car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Nebraska to Iowa:
- 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 Nebraska
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Nebraska that can transport your vehicle to Iowa:
- Mr. Car Shipper: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Mr. Car Shipper
1620 Wilshire Dr Suite 300, Bellevue, NE 68005 US mrcarshipper.com
3.56 / 5.0
Mr. Car Shipper offers efficient and reliable car transport services, with many customers praising their timely delivery and professional drivers. However, several reviews highlight concerns regarding poor communication and delays in scheduling, resulting in frustration and logistical issues for some clients.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2310535
Auto Driveaway
3506 Keystone Dr # 150, Omaha, NE 68134 US
autodriveaway.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers report significant safety concerns with the company's delivery drivers, as well as damage to vehicles during transport. Appeals for support have reportedly been dismissed, leading to dissatisfaction.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Auto Driveaway Systems, LLC
- AD Acquisition, LLC
- Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC
Nationwide Auto Transport, Inc.
6400 Cornhusker Hwy #150, Lincoln, NE 68507 US
nwat.com
3.5 / 5.0
While many testimonials praised superb service and seamless transactions, dissatisfaction emerged in a notable negative encounter over communication missteps and delays.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 897465
Ceva Logistics
10704 S 149th St # A, Omaha, NE 68138 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
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 Nebraska to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Nebraska for a move to Iowa, 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 398 miles to your vehicle on the route from Nebraska to Iowa. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Nebraska to Iowa. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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.
Nebraska to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Nebraska and Iowa. The average journey covers about 398 miles and takes roughly one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Omaha, NE to Iowa
| From Nebraska to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA | $368 – $528 | 134 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Omaha, NE to Cedar Rapids, IA | $432 – $577 | 253 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Omaha, NE to Davenport, IA | $490 – $663 | 303 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Omaha, NE to Sioux City, IA | $306 – $461 | 96 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Omaha, NE to Iowa City, IA | $431 – $596 | 247 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lincoln, NE to Iowa
| From Nebraska to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, NE to Des Moines, IA | $387 – $518 | 189 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lincoln, NE to Cedar Rapids, IA | $490 – $683 | 308 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lincoln, NE to Davenport, IA | $545 – $737 | 358 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lincoln, NE to Sioux City, IA | $343 – $475 | 151 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Lincoln, NE to Iowa City, IA | $515 – $663 | 302 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bellevue, NE to Iowa
| From Nebraska to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue, NE to Des Moines, IA | $337 – $492 | 139 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bellevue, NE to Cedar Rapids, IA | $419 – $613 | 257 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bellevue, NE to Davenport, IA | $520 – $710 | 308 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bellevue, NE to Sioux City, IA | $308 – $457 | 105 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bellevue, NE to Iowa City, IA | $450 – $607 | 252 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Island, NE to Iowa
| From Nebraska to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE to Des Moines, IA | $444 – $650 | 279 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Island, NE to Cedar Rapids, IA | $577 – $758 | 398 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Island, NE to Davenport, IA | $570 – $815 | 448 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Island, NE to Sioux City, IA | $387 – $524 | 183 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Island, NE to Iowa City, IA | $554 – $805 | 392 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Kearney, NE to Iowa
| From Nebraska to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kearney, NE to Des Moines, IA | $520 – $656 | 316 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Kearney, NE to Cedar Rapids, IA | $625 – $823 | 435 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Kearney, NE to Davenport, IA | $626 – $868 | 485 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Kearney, NE to Sioux City, IA | $455 – $553 | 225 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Kearney, NE to Iowa City, IA | $601 – $848 | 429 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Nebraska to Iowa
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Nebraska to Iowa, the price usually falls between $743 and $948.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Nebraska to Iowa
When arranging car transport from the Cornhusker State to the Hawkeye State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- 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 Nebraska to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The route from Nebraska to Iowa is about 398 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Nebraska more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Nebraska and Iowa.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–four days, but expedited options cost more.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Iowa, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Nebraska
More than 2.0 million people call Nebraska home. Nicknamed the Cornhusker State. Nebraska experiences wide seasonal variations in both temperature and precipitation. Nebraska has hot summers and generally cold winters. Nebraska is located in Tornado Alley. Thunderstorms are common during both the spring and the summer.
Transporting your vehicle to Iowa
About 3.2 million people are living in the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Nebraska and delivery in Iowa?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Nebraska and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Nebraska to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Nebraska to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, which you should verify before loading your car in Nebraska.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Nebraska's car insurance mandates include bodily injury liability coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability coverage at $25,000, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, ensuring drivers meet the state's minimum requirements for financial protection in the event of accidents.
Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Nebraska to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Nebraska to Iowa is about 398 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Nebraska to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Emission tests are not required in Nebraska. However, the state requires VIN inspection.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Nebraska, will I need one in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
If I bought a car in Nebraska, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Nebraska to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Nebraska and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Nebraska to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Nebraska to Iowa 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 Nebraska to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Nebraska to Iowa costs $594 to $758.
