($787) Cost to ship a car from Cincinnati, OH to Boston, MA

Quick answer: Expect to pay around $787 to $1,210 to ship your car 881 miles from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Boston, Massachusetts. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Boston to Cincinnati car shipping guide.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Cincinnati to Boston car shipping companies

To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Cincinnati to Boston:

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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Cincinnati

If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Cincinnati, OH:

  1. Diesel Auto Express: 3.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Tiger Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Ceva Logistics: 3.5 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

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

Xpress Auto Transport

810 Sycamore St #205, Cincinnati, OH 45202 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (513) 689-3948

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Ceva Logistics

2850 Earhart Ct, Hebron, KY 41048 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers overwhelmingly express dissatisfaction with the company due to poor communication, unresponsive customer service, and missed delivery appointments. Despite attempts to reach them by phone and in-person visits, many report frustration over unresolved issues and a lack of accountability.

Get a Quote (859) 578-6400

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

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 MA

If you’re planning a move from Cincinnati to Boston, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

When relocating from Cincinnati to Boston, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.

Drive your car

Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 881 miles from Cincinnati to Boston 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

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Ohio to Massachusetts. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Cincinnati. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Boston.

Ship your car via train

Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Boston, 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 Cincinnati to Boston car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Cincinnati to Boston, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

If you’re moving a car from Cincinnati to Boston, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.

Open carriers from Cincinnati tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Boston, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from Cincinnati 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 Boston 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 881 miles from Cincinnati to Boston 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

Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Cincinnati and Boston.

Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer months.

Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.

During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Cincinnati to Boston during these times can be more expensive.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 881-mile trip from Cincinnati to Boston, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Cincinnati to Boston usually takes two–seven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.

Comparing Cincinnati and Boston vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Cincinnati: Generally speaking, you'll only need to apply for a parking permit if you need to occupy a space with a "No parking" sign. Otherwise, you should check for any rules in your new building or HOA.
  • Boston: A permit for your moving truck is not required by the City of Boston, but it guarantees you a parking spot to avoid parking tickets. A one-day permit for a moving truck that needs two metered spaces would be about $110.

Car insurance requirements

  • Cincinnati: 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.
  • Boston: Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.

Vehicle inspections

  • Cincinnati: 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.
  • Boston: Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.

Driver’s license

  • Cincinnati: 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.
  • Boston: As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Cincinnati to Boston?

The cost to ship a car from Cincinnati, OH to Boston, MA 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 Cincinnati to Boston will range from $787 to $1,210.

How long will it take to ship my car from Cincinnati to Boston?

It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 881 miles from Cincinnati to Boston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Cincinnati to Boston?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Cincinnati to Boston. 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 Cincinnati to Boston?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Cincinnati to Boston 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 881-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.

Helpful Cincinnati resources