($635) Cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to Lexington, KY
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 514 miles from Buffalo, New York, to Lexington, Kentucky, generally falls between $635 and $847. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lexington to Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Lexington car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Buffalo to Lexington:
- 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 Buffalo
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Buffalo, NY:
- Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vision Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport Inc.
140 Irwin Pl, Amherst, NY 14228 US
erinandbillstransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Storage solutions
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 878835
Alternative Business Names
- Erin's Automotive & Transportation
- Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport
Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group
2305 Vestal Rd., Vestal, NY 13850 US
shankbros.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 514146
Global Auto Transportation
78 College St, Buffalo, NY 14201 US
globalautotransportation.com/buffalo-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Customers praised the excellent service, fast response times, and reliable communication from their representatives. However, some noted that their cars arrived dirty due to transportation conditions, and there were reports of delays with carrier assignments.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Jack Cooper Transport
85 Ransier Dr, Buffalo, NY 14224 US
jackcooper.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Vision Transportation
7659 Bramalea Rd, Brampton, ON 645
visiontrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2257988
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 NY to KY
Relocating from Buffalo to Lexington 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 are relocating from Buffalo to Lexington, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 514-mile journey from Buffalo to Lexington could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from New York to Kentucky is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Buffalo to Lexington. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Lexington, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Buffalo to Lexington car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Buffalo to Lexington can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Buffalo to Lexington, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Lexington, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Buffalo depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Lexington will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 514 miles from Buffalo to Lexington will cost more than a shorter move within New York.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Buffalo and Lexington play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather.
Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Buffalo to Lexington 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 514-mile drive between Buffalo and Lexington, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Buffalo to Lexington is one to six days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Buffalo and Lexington vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Buffalo:
- Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Car insurance requirements
- Buffalo: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
- Lexington: 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 inspections
- Buffalo: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
- Lexington: 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
- Buffalo: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
- Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Buffalo to Lexington?
The cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to Lexington, KY 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 Buffalo to Lexington will range from $635 to $847.
How long will it take to ship my car from Buffalo to Lexington?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 514 miles from Buffalo to Lexington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Buffalo to Lexington?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Buffalo to Lexington. 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 Buffalo to Lexington?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Buffalo to Lexington 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 514-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.
