Ohio to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 615 miles from Ohio to Iowa ranges from $705 to $1,020. Expect the trip to take around one–six days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, 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 Ohio 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 Ohio to Iowa 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 Ohio 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 Ohio
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Ohio can deliver your vehicle to Iowa:
- Diesel Auto Express: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- USTA Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Tiger Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
Diesel Auto Express
1823 Kentucky Ave, Springfield, OH 45505 US
dieselautoexpress.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1885300
Jack Cooper Transport
5211 Oster Rd, Sheffield Vlg, OH 44054 US
jackcooper.com
3.7 / 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
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Ceva Logistics
4519 Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44135 US
cevalogistics.com
3.56 / 5.0
Customers appreciated timely deliveries and some friendly service, particularly praising the helpfulness of specific delivery drivers. However, many voiced serious concerns regarding unprofessional behavior, poor communication, and inadequate handling of items during delivery, noting that the overall customer service fell short of expectations.
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
USTA Transport
606 Hillrose Ave, Dayton, OH 45404 US ustallc.com3.56 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the friendly staff and exceptional service provided by the company. However, there are concerns regarding pricing and unexpected charges.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
Additional Information
Tiger Auto Transport
1 W Corry St, Cincinnati, OH 45219 US
tigerautotransport.com
3.52 / 5.0
Fail to get reviews.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3417452
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 Ohio to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Ohio 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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 rating
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 615 miles to your vehicle on the route from Ohio to Iowa. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Ohio to Iowa, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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.
Ohio to Iowa 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 Ohio and Iowa. The trip typically spans 615 miles and takes about one–six days.
Cost to ship a car from Columbus, OH to Iowa
| From Ohio to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA | $711 – $1,001 | 651 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Columbus, OH to Cedar Rapids, IA | $686 – $906 | 564 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Columbus, OH to Davenport, IA | $613 – $842 | 484 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbus, OH to Sioux City, IA | $784 – $1,197 | 828 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Columbus, OH to Iowa City, IA | $661 – $941 | 540 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cleveland, OH to Iowa
| From Ohio to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH to Des Moines, IA | $769 – $1,094 | 661 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cleveland, OH to Cedar Rapids, IA | $672 – $944 | 574 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cleveland, OH to Davenport, IA | $620 – $903 | 494 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cleveland, OH to Sioux City, IA | $753 – $1,197 | 838 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cleveland, OH to Iowa City, IA | $686 – $906 | 550 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cincinnati, OH to Iowa
| From Ohio to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA | $710 – $1,002 | 585 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to Cedar Rapids, IA | $607 – $868 | 499 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to Davenport, IA | $573 – $816 | 419 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to Sioux City, IA | $797 – $1,131 | 762 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to Iowa City, IA | $608 – $801 | 474 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Toledo, OH to Iowa
| From Ohio to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo, OH to Des Moines, IA | $672 – $925 | 561 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Toledo, OH to Cedar Rapids, IA | $595 – $825 | 475 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Toledo, OH to Davenport, IA | $543 – $774 | 394 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Toledo, OH to Sioux City, IA | $765 – $1,089 | 738 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Toledo, OH to Iowa City, IA | $602 – $851 | 450 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Akron, OH to Iowa
| From Ohio to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA | $767 – $1,120 | 683 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Akron, OH to Cedar Rapids, IA | $710 – $944 | 597 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Akron, OH to Davenport, IA | $635 – $856 | 516 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Akron, OH to Sioux City, IA | $764 – $1,213 | 860 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Akron, OH to Iowa City, IA | $693 – $925 | 572 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Ohio to Iowa
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Ohio to Iowa, expect costs to range from $881 to $1,275.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Ohio to Iowa
If you’re shipping a car from the Buckeye State to the Hawkeye State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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 vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The route from Ohio to Iowa is about 615 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 Ohio more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Ohio and Iowa.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–six days, while expedited service costs more.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Iowa, 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: 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 Ohio
More than 11.8 million people call Ohio home. Nicknamed the Buckeye State. Ohio forms a part of what's considered both the snowbelt and the tornado alley which means your move may be affected if either of these are impacting the state on your move day.
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 Ohio 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 Ohio and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Ohio to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Ohio 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 Ohio.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
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 Ohio to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Ohio to Iowa is about 615 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Ohio to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Ohio, 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 Ohio, 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 Ohio 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 Ohio and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Ohio to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Ohio 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 Ohio to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Ohio to Iowa costs $705 to $1,020.
