Ohio to Illinois Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 415 miles from Ohio to Illinois falls between $577 and $798. Delivery typically takes one–four 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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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to Ohio car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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The best Ohio to Illinois 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 Ohio to Illinois:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
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Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Ohio

Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Ohio who can get your vehicle to Illinois:

  1. Diesel Auto Express: 3.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.7 out of 5 stars
  3. Ceva Logistics: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  4. USTA Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  5. Tiger Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars

Diesel Auto Express

1823 Kentucky Ave, Springfield, OH 45505 US

starstarstarstarstar3.86 / 5.0
Get a Quote (360) 539-8600

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

Jack Cooper Transport

5211 Oster Rd, Sheffield Vlg, OH 44054 US

starstarstarstarstar3.7 / 5.0
Get a Quote (440) 949-2044

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pacific Motor Trucking Co.

Ceva Logistics

4519 Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44135 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 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.

Get a Quote (216) 898-6765

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

USTA Transport

606 Hillrose Ave, Dayton, OH 45404 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the friendly staff and exceptional service provided by the company. However, there are concerns regarding pricing and unexpected charges.

Get a Quote (603) 858-6280

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

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0

Fail to get reviews.

Get a Quote (855) 720-5244

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

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 Illinois

Ship it with your movers

If you need to ship your car from Ohio for a move to Illinois, 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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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 415 miles on your car to travel between Ohio and Illinois. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

Hiring a driver to take your car from Ohio to Illinois 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 a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.

Ohio to Illinois 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 Illinois. The trip typically spans 415 miles and takes about one–four days.

Cost to ship a car from Columbus, OH to Illinois

From Ohio to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL $554 – $699 355 miles 1 – 4 days
Columbus, OH to Aurora, IL $542 – $780 390 miles 1 – 4 days
Columbus, OH to Joliet, IL $549 – $706 362 miles 1 – 4 days
Columbus, OH to Naperville, IL $542 – $749 377 miles 1 – 4 days
Columbus, OH to Rockford, IL $599 – $797 445 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Cleveland, OH to Illinois

From Ohio to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL $504 – $738 344 miles 1 – 4 days
Cleveland, OH to Aurora, IL $581 – $726 381 miles 1 – 4 days
Cleveland, OH to Joliet, IL $516 – $699 355 miles 1 – 4 days
Cleveland, OH to Naperville, IL $543 – $699 369 miles 1 – 4 days
Cleveland, OH to Rockford, IL $617 – $854 429 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Cincinnati, OH to Illinois

From Ohio to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL $452 – $598 295 miles 1 – 4 days
Cincinnati, OH to Aurora, IL $530 – $717 329 miles 1 – 4 days
Cincinnati, OH to Joliet, IL $484 – $648 302 miles 1 – 4 days
Cincinnati, OH to Naperville, IL $465 – $655 316 miles 1 – 4 days
Cincinnati, OH to Rockford, IL $581 – $734 386 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Toledo, OH to Illinois

From Ohio to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Toledo, OH to Chicago, IL $456 – $554 244 miles 1 – 4 days
Toledo, OH to Aurora, IL $471 – $655 282 miles 1 – 4 days
Toledo, OH to Joliet, IL $418 – $594 255 miles 1 – 4 days
Toledo, OH to Naperville, IL $414 – $588 269 miles 1 – 4 days
Toledo, OH to Rockford, IL $489 – $731 329 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Akron, OH to Illinois

From Ohio to Illinois Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Akron, OH to Chicago, IL $565 – $750 366 miles 1 – 4 days
Akron, OH to Aurora, IL $565 – $759 404 miles 1 – 4 days
Akron, OH to Joliet, IL $581 – $764 377 miles 1 – 4 days
Akron, OH to Naperville, IL $570 – $772 391 miles 1 – 4 days
Akron, OH to Rockford, IL $595 – $816 461 miles 1 – 4 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Ohio to Illinois

Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?

If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Ohio to Illinois you should expect to pay between $721 and $998.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Ohio to Illinois

When arranging car transport from the Buckeye State to the Land of Lincoln, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
  • 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 Illinois.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Ohio to Illinois spans approximately 415 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • 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: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Ohio and Illinois may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Ohio to Illinois takes one–four days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.

Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know

Moving to Illinois means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.

  • Car insurance requirements: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
  • Vehicle inspection: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
  • Driver’s license: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
  • Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.

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 Illinois

About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Ohio and delivery in Illinois?

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 Illinois.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Ohio to Illinois?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Ohio to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, 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.

The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.

How long does it take to ship a car from Ohio to Illinois?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Ohio to Illinois is about 415 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Ohio to Illinois.

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 Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.

If I have a driver’s license in Ohio, will I need one in Illinois?

Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.

If I bought a car in Ohio, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Ohio to Illinois after purchasing it.

According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Ohio and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Ohio to Illinois?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Ohio to Illinois 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 Illinois?

Shipping a car from Ohio to Illinois costs $577 to $798.

Helpful Ohio resources