Ohio to Kentucky Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 249 miles from Ohio to Kentucky typically falls between $444 and $620. The process usually takes one–four days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Kentucky 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 Kentucky car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Ohio to Kentucky:
- 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
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Ohio ready to move your vehicle to Kentucky:
- 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 Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Ohio to Kentucky, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 249 miles on your car going from Ohio to Kentucky. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Ohio to Kentucky 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 by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Ohio to Kentucky 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 Kentucky. The trip typically spans 249 miles and takes about one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Columbus, OH to Kentucky
| From Ohio to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH to Louisville, KY | $432 – $539 | 206 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbus, OH to Lexington, KY | $428 – $540 | 189 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbus, OH to Bowling Green, KY | $500 – $748 | 326 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbus, OH to Owensboro, KY | $495 – $663 | 312 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Columbus, OH to Covington, KY | $305 – $476 | 109 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cleveland, OH to Kentucky
| From Ohio to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH to Louisville, KY | $521 – $676 | 348 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cleveland, OH to Lexington, KY | $526 – $719 | 331 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cleveland, OH to Bowling Green, KY | $633 – $801 | 467 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cleveland, OH to Owensboro, KY | $621 – $835 | 454 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cleveland, OH to Covington, KY | $415 – $613 | 251 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cincinnati, OH to Kentucky
| From Ohio to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH to Louisville, KY | $315 – $484 | 99 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to Lexington, KY | $279 – $469 | 82 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to Bowling Green, KY | $446 – $571 | 220 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to Owensboro, KY | $441 – $567 | 205 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to Covington, KY | $204 – $358 | 1 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Toledo, OH to Kentucky
| From Ohio to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo, OH to Louisville, KY | $505 – $710 | 300 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Toledo, OH to Lexington, KY | $448 – $631 | 283 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Toledo, OH to Bowling Green, KY | $567 – $832 | 420 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Toledo, OH to Owensboro, KY | $602 – $792 | 406 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Toledo, OH to Covington, KY | $428 – $539 | 203 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Akron, OH to Kentucky
| From Ohio to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH to Louisville, KY | $511 – $698 | 332 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Akron, OH to Lexington, KY | $476 – $670 | 315 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Akron, OH to Bowling Green, KY | $602 – $843 | 452 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Akron, OH to Owensboro, KY | $570 – $856 | 438 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Akron, OH to Covington, KY | $460 – $590 | 235 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Ohio to Kentucky
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 Kentucky, expect costs to range from $555 to $775.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Ohio to Kentucky
When transporting your vehicle from the Buckeye State to the Bluegrass State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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 Kentucky.
- Distance and route: The journey from Ohio to Kentucky spans about 249 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Ohio in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Ohio to Kentucky, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Ohio to Kentucky should take between one and four days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Kentucky, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: 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: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
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 Kentucky
About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Ohio and delivery in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Ohio to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Ohio to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, 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 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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Ohio to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Ohio to Kentucky is about 249 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 Kentucky.
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.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in Ohio, will I need one in Kentucky?
New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
If I bought a car in Ohio, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Ohio to Kentucky after purchasing it.
In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Ohio and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Ohio to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Ohio to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
Shipping a car from Ohio to Kentucky costs $444 to $620.
