($455) Cost to ship a car from Dayton, OH to Detroit, MI

Quick answer: Expect to pay around $455 to $610 to ship your car 210 miles from Dayton, Ohio, to Detroit, Michigan. 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 Detroit to Dayton car shipping guide.

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Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
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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 Dayton to Detroit car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Dayton to Detroit:

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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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
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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 Dayton

If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Dayton, OH:

  1. Diesel Auto Express: 3.86 out of 5 stars
  2. American Auto Transport Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  3. USTA Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  4. Tiger Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  5. Xpress Auto Transport: 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

American Auto Transport Inc.

1443 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0
Get a Quote (847) 553-4923

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles

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

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

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 MI

If you’re relocating from Dayton to Detroit, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from Dayton to Detroit, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.

Drive your car

There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 210-mile journey from Dayton to Detroit could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.

Use a driving service

You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Ohio to Michigan, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Dayton to Detroit safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Detroit—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.

Factors affecting Dayton to Detroit car shipping costs

The price to ship your car from Dayton to Detroit can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:

Transport method

When shipping your car from Dayton to Detroit, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from Dayton 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 Detroit? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Dayton. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Detroit will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.

Distance and route

To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 210 miles from Dayton to Detroit will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Ohio.

Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.

The time of the year

Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Dayton and Detroit.

September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.

Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.

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

Fuel prices

Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 210 miles between Dayton and Detroit, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Dayton to Detroit is one to four days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing Dayton and Detroit vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Dayton: Make sure to check with the City of Dayton for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Dayton.
  • Detroit: Each area in Detroit may require specific permits or have certain rules for parking the moving truck. So, this means you need to call and check with parking services ahead of time at (313) 224-1610.

Car insurance requirements

  • Dayton: 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.
  • Detroit: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.

Vehicle inspections

  • Dayton: 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.
  • Detroit: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.

Driver’s license

  • Dayton: 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.
  • Detroit: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Dayton to Detroit?

The cost to ship a car from Dayton, OH to Detroit, MI 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 Dayton to Detroit will range from $455 to $610.

How long will it take to ship my car from Dayton to Detroit?

It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 210 miles from Dayton to Detroit. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Dayton to Detroit?

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

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Dayton to Detroit 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 210-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 Dayton resources