($1,086) Cost to ship a car from Las Vegas, NV to Des Moines, IA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,086 to $1,665 to ship your car 1,414 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Des Moines, Iowa. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines to Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas to Des Moines car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Las Vegas to Des Moines:
- 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
- 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 Las Vegas
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Las Vegas, NV:
- Yellowfin Logistics LLC: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- My Auto Transport Company: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- AAA Anytime Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Mb Tranzport & Logistics Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Andrew Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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.
Car shipping alternatives from NV to IA
Relocating from Las Vegas to Des Moines means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Las Vegas to Des Moines, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,414-mile drive from Las Vegas to Des Moines into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Nevada to Iowa, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Las Vegas to Des Moines safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Des Moines is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Las Vegas to Des Moines car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Las Vegas to Des Moines can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Las Vegas to Des Moines, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Des Moines, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Las Vegas has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Des Moines will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 1,414 miles from Las Vegas to Des Moines is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Nevada.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Las Vegas and Des Moines play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Las Vegas has extremely hot summers; warm transitional seasons; and short winters with mild days and cool nights. June through September are extremely hot, though moderated by extremely low humidity. Las Vegas winters are short and generally very mild, with chilly (but rarely cold) daytime temperatures. Be sure to check your weather app during July as it is the hottest month in Las Vegas.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Las Vegas to Des Moines in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,414-mile drive between Las Vegas and Des Moines, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Las Vegas to Des Moines usually takes three–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Las Vegas and Des Moines vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Las Vegas: Out-of-state commercial vehicles are required to obtain a permit to operate in Nevada. Vehicles registered for Nevada under the International Registration Plan (IRP) do not need a permit. Commercial vehicles based in other states but doing business in Nevada must obtain a Nonresident Business Permit. A Nonresident Business Permit is required for each vehicle operated within the State of Nevada. The permit is not transferable and non-refundable. Businesses must obtain the permit(s) within 10 days of commencement of operations. The Nonresident Business Permit expires one year from the date of issuance. All applications must be completed in person.
- Des Moines: special parking permits are issued by the Traffic and Transportation Division of the Engineering Department and are intended to provide for services or needs of an infrequent or unique nature. Examples include utility work, constructions, special events, etc.
Car insurance requirements
- Las Vegas: Nevada law mandates drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $20,000 for property damage, ensuring financial responsibility in case of accidents. Stay compliant for legal and financial protection.
- Des Moines: 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 inspections
- Las Vegas: The State of Nevada requires yearly vehicle emissions and VIN tests.
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Driver’s license
- Las Vegas: To obtain a driver's license in Nevada as a new resident, you must apply for it in-person at a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in Nevada.
- Des Moines: 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Las Vegas to Des Moines?
The cost to ship a car from Las Vegas, NV to Des Moines, IA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Las Vegas to Des Moines will range from $1,086 to $1,665.
How long will it take to ship my car from Las Vegas to Des Moines?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,414 miles from Las Vegas to Des Moines. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Las Vegas to Des Moines?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Las Vegas to Des Moines. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Las Vegas to Des Moines?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Las Vegas to Des Moines than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,414-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
7121 W Craig Rd Unit 113-873, Las Vegas, NV 89129 US
6724 Donna St, North Las Vegas, NV 89086 US
10508 Glowing Cove Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89129 US