New Mexico to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 928 miles from New Mexico to Iowa usually costs between $760 and $1,229. Transit time is about two–seven days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to New Mexico 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 Mexico to Iowa car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from New Mexico 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 New Mexico
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in New Mexico who can get your vehicle to Iowa:
- Christa's Excellent Auto, LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Homeland Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Christa's Excellent Auto, LLC
500 Marquette Ave NW Ste 1200, Albuquerque, NM 87102 US
christasexcellentautollc.com
3.58 / 5.0
Christa's Excellent Auto LLC is widely praised for its excellent communication, reliable and professional service, and quick turnaround times in vehicle transport. Customers consistently commend Christa for her transparency and thoroughness, ensuring a smooth shipping process. However, there are mentions of past unsatisfactory experiences with other brokers, which highlights the importance of choosing a reputable provider like Christa.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3089859
Speedy Car Shipping
500 4th St NW Ste 102, Albuquerque, NM 87102 US
speedycarshipping.com/auto-transport-albuquerque-nm
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2297446
Homeland Auto Transport
2019 Galisteo St #340, Santa Fe, NM 87505 US
homelandautotransport.com/city/car-shipping-santa-fe-new-mexico
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2355164
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 Mexico to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from New Mexico to Iowa, 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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 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 928 miles on your car to travel between New Mexico and Iowa. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from New Mexico to Iowa 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
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
New Mexico to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in New Mexico and Iowa. The typical distance is about 928 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Albuquerque, NM to Iowa
| From New Mexico to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA | $805 – $1,262 | 985 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Albuquerque, NM to Cedar Rapids, IA | $830 – $1,353 | 1,103 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Albuquerque, NM to Davenport, IA | $830 – $1,340 | 1,154 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Albuquerque, NM to Sioux City, IA | $808 – $1,241 | 934 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Albuquerque, NM to Iowa City, IA | $754 – $1,245 | 1,098 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Las Cruces, NM to Iowa
| From New Mexico to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Cruces, NM to Des Moines, IA | $890 – $1,326 | 1,111 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Las Cruces, NM to Cedar Rapids, IA | $896 – $1,457 | 1,233 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Las Cruces, NM to Davenport, IA | $906 – $1,415 | 1,281 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Las Cruces, NM to Sioux City, IA | $794 – $1,219 | 1,086 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Las Cruces, NM to Iowa City, IA | $934 – $1,443 | 1,225 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rio Rancho, NM to Iowa
| From New Mexico to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Rancho, NM to Des Moines, IA | $778 – $1,232 | 1,004 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rio Rancho, NM to Cedar Rapids, IA | $821 – $1,421 | 1,124 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rio Rancho, NM to Davenport, IA | $856 – $1,421 | 1,174 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rio Rancho, NM to Sioux City, IA | $824 – $1,278 | 927 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rio Rancho, NM to Iowa City, IA | $890 – $1,326 | 1,118 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Santa Fe, NM to Iowa
| From New Mexico to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM to Des Moines, IA | $839 – $1,314 | 956 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Santa Fe, NM to Cedar Rapids, IA | $770 – $1,295 | 1,075 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Santa Fe, NM to Davenport, IA | $908 – $1,286 | 1,125 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Santa Fe, NM to Sioux City, IA | $807 – $1,276 | 878 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Santa Fe, NM to Iowa City, IA | $810 – $1,270 | 1,072 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Roswell, NM to Iowa
| From New Mexico to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roswell, NM to Des Moines, IA | $778 – $1,321 | 1,013 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Roswell, NM to Cedar Rapids, IA | $856 – $1,340 | 1,132 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Roswell, NM to Davenport, IA | $830 – $1,367 | 1,182 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Roswell, NM to Sioux City, IA | $800 – $1,241 | 942 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Roswell, NM to Iowa City, IA | $847 – $1,421 | 1,126 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from New Mexico to Iowa
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from New Mexico to Iowa usually runs between $950 and $1,536.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from New Mexico to Iowa
Transporting your vehicle from the Land of Enchantment to the Hawkeye State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Iowa than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The trip from New Mexico to Iowa covers roughly 928 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from New Mexico in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between New Mexico and Iowa.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Iowa, 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: 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 New Mexico
More than 2.1 million people call New Mexico home. Nicknamed the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico has long been reputable for its pleasant, temperate climate. The eastern third of the state receives the most rainfall while the western third receives the least amount. New Mexico's stable climate and sparse population provide for clearer skies and less light pollution.
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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from New Mexico to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from New Mexico 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 New Mexico.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
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 New Mexico to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from New Mexico to Iowa is about 928 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from New Mexico to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in New Mexico, 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 New Mexico, 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from New Mexico to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from New Mexico 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 New Mexico to Iowa?
Shipping a car from New Mexico to Iowa costs $760 to $1,229.
