Rhode Island to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,081 miles from Rhode Island to Illinois ranges from $797 to $1,340. Expect the trip to take around two–eight days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island to Illinois 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 Rhode Island to Illinois:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- 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
Top local car shippers in Rhode Island
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Rhode Island that can transport your vehicle to Illinois:
- Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Virginia Transportation Corp: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- East Coast Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- United Road Services: Davisville: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Natales Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc
25 Messenger Dr, Warwick, RI 02888 US
beaconshippinglogistics.com
3.8 / 5.0
Beacon Shipping Logistics has garnered mixed reviews from customers. Many praise the company for its excellent communication, responsiveness, and timely delivery, often highlighting the professionalism of team members like John and Matt. However, some customers reported negative experiences, specifically citing issues with rude staff, lack of accountability for damage, and dissatisfaction with pricing structures.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2268269
Virginia Transportation Corp
141 James P Murphy Ind Hwy, West Warwick, RI 2893 US
virginiatransportation.com
3.76 / 5.0
The company has provided a range of experiences for customers and employees. Positive feedback highlights effective communication and professionalism, while negative comments focus on invasive practices and logistical issues.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 643760
East Coast Auto Transport
111 Amaral St, Riverside, RI 02915 US
eastcoastautotransport.com
3.58 / 5.0
East Coast Auto Transport receives commendation for their professional service, timely delivery, and effective communication from many satisfied customers. However, significant frustration arises from reports of poor customer service, vehicle damage complaints, and concerns regarding delays and lack of communication regarding transport statuses.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
Discounts
- Military
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1625076
United Road Services: Davisville
40 Thompson Rd, North Kingstown, RI 02852 US
unitedroad.com
3.5 / 5.0
United Road Services generally offers excellent customer service, friendly representatives, and good vehicle care. However, they face criticism for poor communication, unreliable delivery times, and issues with the quality of their subcontracted drivers, leading to frustration among many customers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2234402
Natales Transport
2708 S County Trl East, East Greenwich, RI 02818 US
natalestransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers express strong praise for the professionalism and timely service of Natale’s Transport, highlighting Rob Natale’s reliability. However, some reviewers raise serious concerns about delays in payment and label the service as a scam.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1569601
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 Rhode Island to Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Rhode Island to Illinois, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
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 1,081 miles on your car going from Rhode Island to Illinois. 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 Rhode Island 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.
Rhode Island to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Rhode Island and Illinois. Average distances are close to 1,081 miles, with delivery usually taking two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Illinois
| From Rhode Island to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI to Chicago, IL | $819 – $1,270 | 968 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Providence, RI to Aurora, IL | $813 – $1,288 | 1,005 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Providence, RI to Joliet, IL | $776 – $1,228 | 988 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Providence, RI to Naperville, IL | $817 – $1,241 | 993 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Providence, RI to Rockford, IL | $830 – $1,340 | 1,071 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warwick, RI to Illinois
| From Rhode Island to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick, RI to Chicago, IL | $844 – $1,244 | 961 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warwick, RI to Aurora, IL | $841 – $1,357 | 999 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warwick, RI to Joliet, IL | $795 – $1,283 | 972 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warwick, RI to Naperville, IL | $833 – $1,293 | 986 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warwick, RI to Rockford, IL | $838 – $1,249 | 1,046 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cranston, RI to Illinois
| From Rhode Island to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston, RI to Chicago, IL | $786 – $1,270 | 965 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cranston, RI to Aurora, IL | $822 – $1,327 | 1,002 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to Joliet, IL | $817 – $1,331 | 976 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cranston, RI to Naperville, IL | $776 – $1,280 | 990 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cranston, RI to Rockford, IL | $846 – $1,236 | 1,059 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pawtucket, RI to Illinois
| From Rhode Island to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket, RI to Chicago, IL | $784 – $1,254 | 980 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Aurora, IL | $797 – $1,314 | 1,017 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Joliet, IL | $850 – $1,344 | 983 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Naperville, IL | $773 – $1,314 | 1,005 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Rockford, IL | $822 – $1,327 | 1,058 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from East Providence, RI to Illinois
| From Rhode Island to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Providence, RI to Chicago, IL | $776 – $1,357 | 980 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| East Providence, RI to Aurora, IL | $838 – $1,314 | 1,006 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| East Providence, RI to Joliet, IL | $850 – $1,357 | 979 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| East Providence, RI to Naperville, IL | $817 – $1,331 | 993 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| East Providence, RI to Rockford, IL | $846 – $1,367 | 1,074 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Rhode Island to Illinois
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Rhode Island to Illinois usually runs between $996 and $1,675.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Rhode Island to Illinois
When moving your vehicle from the Ocean State to the Land of Lincoln, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Rhode Island to Illinois.
- Distance and route: The journey from Rhode Island to Illinois spans about 1,081 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Rhode Island around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Rhode Island and Illinois may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Illinois, 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 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 Rhode Island
More than 1.1 million people call Rhode Island home. Nicknamed the Ocean State. Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island and when dropping it off in Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Rhode Island to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive 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 Rhode Island to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Rhode Island to Illinois is about 1,081 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Rhode Island to Illinois.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
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 Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island to Illinois?
Shipping a car from Rhode Island to Illinois costs $797 to $1,340.
