New Jersey to Kentucky Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 680 miles from New Jersey to Kentucky falls between $722 and $1,034. Delivery typically takes one–six 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 Kentucky to New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey to Kentucky:
- 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 New Jersey
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in New Jersey who can get your vehicle to Kentucky:
- Troy Car Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Blue Streak Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Dom Polski Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- United Force Auto Transport LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Troy Car Inc
1275 Bloomfield Ave. Unit 74, Fairfield, NJ 07004 US
troycarinc.com
3.56 / 5.0
Customers express high satisfaction with Troy Car Inc.'s reliable and professional car transport services. Positive feedback highlights timely delivery, excellent communication, and the careful handling of vehicles. While no major issues were reported, a few customers felt that more reviews were warranted to reflect their experiences.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2363631
Blue Streak Transport
121A William St, Middlesex, NJ 08846 US
bluestreaktransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the prompt and fair service provided by Blue Streak Transport, highlighting the professionalism and integrity of the staff. However, there was a concerning issue regarding rude customer service in one instance, where a caller felt disrespected during a conversation.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
Dom Polski Llc
111 North Broadway, South Amboy, NJ 08879 US
dompolski.us
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- International shipping
Additional Information
Ceva Logistics
266 Old New Brnswk Rd # 300, Piscataway, NJ 8854 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
The company has received mixed feedback regarding its delivery services. Some customers praised the timely delivery and ease of scheduling while others experienced repeated delays and poor communication. Several reviews highlighted positive interactions with staff during pickups, yet there are significant concerns regarding job transparency and contract fulfillment for employees.
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
United Force Auto Transport LLC
51 Ida St, Haledon, NJ 07508 US
uforceauto.us
3.5 / 5.0
Overall, United Force Auto Transport is noted for its exceptional customer service and reliable vehicle transport. Many customers praised their effective communication, professionalism, and timely delivery. However, some reviews mentioned issues with additional fees and unprofessional behavior from certain staff members, which detracted from the experience for some clients.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3578856
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 New Jersey to Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from New Jersey to Kentucky, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 680 miles on your car to travel between New Jersey and Kentucky. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from New Jersey to Kentucky. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
New Jersey to Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in New Jersey and Kentucky. The trip typically spans 680 miles and takes about one–six days.
Cost to ship a car from Trenton, NJ to Kentucky
| From New Jersey to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton, NJ to Louisville, KY | $760 – $1,066 | 692 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Lexington, KY | $762 – $1,094 | 654 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Bowling Green, KY | $764 – $1,180 | 812 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Owensboro, KY | $805 – $1,150 | 797 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Covington, KY | $703 – $992 | 594 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Newark, NJ to Kentucky
| From New Jersey to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark, NJ to Louisville, KY | $788 – $1,066 | 727 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Newark, NJ to Lexington, KY | $745 – $1,077 | 694 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Newark, NJ to Bowling Green, KY | $761 – $1,197 | 847 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Newark, NJ to Owensboro, KY | $753 – $1,173 | 833 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Newark, NJ to Covington, KY | $734 – $976 | 630 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Jersey City, NJ to Kentucky
| From New Jersey to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey City, NJ to Louisville, KY | $742 – $1,077 | 735 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Lexington, KY | $778 – $1,046 | 702 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Bowling Green, KY | $820 – $1,237 | 861 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Owensboro, KY | $769 – $1,150 | 841 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Covington, KY | $755 – $997 | 638 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Paterson, NJ to Kentucky
| From New Jersey to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paterson, NJ to Louisville, KY | $735 – $1,100 | 735 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Lexington, KY | $733 – $1,046 | 702 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Bowling Green, KY | $804 – $1,261 | 861 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Owensboro, KY | $769 – $1,173 | 841 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Covington, KY | $719 – $1,037 | 638 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Elizabeth, NJ to Kentucky
| From New Jersey to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth, NJ to Louisville, KY | $742 – $1,089 | 741 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Lexington, KY | $775 – $1,013 | 697 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Bowling Green, KY | $780 – $1,213 | 861 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Owensboro, KY | $784 – $1,209 | 847 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Covington, KY | $705 – $1,068 | 644 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from New Jersey 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 New Jersey to Kentucky, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $903–$1,293.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from New Jersey to Kentucky
Transporting your vehicle from the Garden State to the Bluegrass State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- 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: The journey from New Jersey to Kentucky spans about 680 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from New Jersey around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between New Jersey and Kentucky and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from New Jersey to Kentucky takes one–six days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Kentucky, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- 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 New Jersey
More than 9.3 million people call New Jersey home. Nicknamed the Garden State. New Jersey summers are typically hot and humid and winters are usually cold. During winter and early spring, New Jersey can experience "nor'easters", which are capable of causing blizzards or flooding throughout the northeastern United States.
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey and when dropping it off in Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from New Jersey to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In New Jersey, meet the minimum auto insurance requirements: $15,000 per person for bodily injury up to $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage. Stay legally covered and financially secure on the road.
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 New Jersey to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from New Jersey to Kentucky is about 680 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from New Jersey to Kentucky.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
If you are planning to reside in New Jersey for a minimum of 6 months, it is mandatory to transfer the title of your vehicle, register it, and obtain a driver's license from the state. As a new resident, you have 60 days from the date of establishing your residency to register your vehicle. It is important to note that before registering your vehicle, you are required to have liability insurance coverage as per the New Jersey state laws.
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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from New Jersey to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from New Jersey 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 New Jersey to Kentucky?
Shipping a car from New Jersey to Kentucky costs $722 to $1,034.
