($836) Cost to ship a car from Columbus, OH to Wichita, KS
Quick answer: Shipping a car 850 miles from Columbus, Ohio, to Wichita, Kansas, typically costs between $836 and $1,261. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wichita to Columbus 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 Columbus to Wichita car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Columbus to Wichita:
- 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 Columbus
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Columbus, OH:
- Diesel Auto Express: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- American Auto Transport Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- USTA Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 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 OH to KS
Getting your car from Columbus to Wichita can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Columbus to Wichita, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 850 miles from Columbus to Wichita might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Ohio to Kansas is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Columbus to Wichita. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Wichita. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Columbus to Wichita car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Columbus to Wichita, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Columbus to Wichita, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Columbus are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Wichita? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Columbus 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 Wichita will cost significantly more to ship than a compact 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 850 miles from Columbus to Wichita is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Ohio.
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 Columbus and Wichita play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.
Wichita experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Wichita often experiences severe weather with thunderstorms occurring frequently during the spring and summer. These occasionally bring large hail and frequent lightning. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid hail and lightning.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Columbus to Wichita in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 850-mile distance between Columbus and Wichita and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Columbus to Wichita is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Columbus and Wichita vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Columbus: The City of Columbus does not require a parking permit for your home but you should still check with any rules from your building or HOA to ensure a smooth move. You may also double check with the city that you have everything you need for move day.
- Wichita: Each permit has an applicable fee, the general fee schedule is described on the respective permits. Fees should be received by the City of Wichita prior to work being completed or street being used. Use of street is required for occurrences when the street, sidewalk, right-of-way, or alley is partially or completely closed by construction or staging activity. To discuss whether a use of street is appropriate for specific activities, or a specific job, please contact Traffic Engineering at 316-268-4446.
Car insurance requirements
- Columbus: 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.
- Wichita: Kansas mandates car insurance for all drivers, with minimum liability coverage: $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Columbus: 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.
- Wichita: Kansas only requires car inspections when registering an out-of-state vehicle.
Driver’s license
- Columbus: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
- Wichita: Kansas requires new residents to obtain a driver's license and register their vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Columbus to Wichita?
The cost to ship a car from Columbus, OH to Wichita, KS 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 Columbus to Wichita will range from $836 to $1,261.
How long will it take to ship my car from Columbus to Wichita?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 850 miles from Columbus to Wichita. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Columbus to Wichita?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Columbus to Wichita. 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 Columbus to Wichita?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Columbus to Wichita 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 850-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.
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