Rhode Island to Maine Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 315 miles from Rhode Island to Maine falls between $465 and $661. Delivery typically takes one–four days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Maine 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 Maine 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 Maine:
- 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 Rhode Island
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Rhode Island ready to move your vehicle to Maine:
- 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 Maine
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Rhode Island to Maine, 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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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 315 miles to your car on the trip from Rhode Island to Maine. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Rhode Island to Maine for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Rhode Island to Maine auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Rhode Island and Maine. The average journey covers about 315 miles and takes roughly one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Maine
| From Rhode Island to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI to Portland, ME | $381 – $530 | 162 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Providence, RI to Lewiston, ME | $400 – $542 | 192 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Providence, RI to Bangor, ME | $443 – $611 | 290 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Providence, RI to South Portland, ME | $359 – $504 | 163 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Providence, RI to Auburn, ME | $434 – $558 | 191 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warwick, RI to Maine
| From Rhode Island to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick, RI to Portland, ME | $390 – $538 | 174 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warwick, RI to Lewiston, ME | $440 – $521 | 204 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warwick, RI to Bangor, ME | $470 – $701 | 302 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warwick, RI to South Portland, ME | $387 – $543 | 175 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warwick, RI to Auburn, ME | $436 – $560 | 203 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cranston, RI to Maine
| From Rhode Island to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston, RI to Portland, ME | $370 – $509 | 167 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cranston, RI to Lewiston, ME | $417 – $515 | 196 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cranston, RI to Bangor, ME | $452 – $642 | 294 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cranston, RI to South Portland, ME | $366 – $494 | 167 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cranston, RI to Auburn, ME | $413 – $521 | 196 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pawtucket, RI to Maine
| From Rhode Island to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket, RI to Portland, ME | $353 – $509 | 158 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Lewiston, ME | $414 – $549 | 188 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Bangor, ME | $466 – $636 | 286 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to South Portland, ME | $349 – $504 | 159 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Auburn, ME | $422 – $512 | 187 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from East Providence, RI to Maine
| From Rhode Island to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Providence, RI to Portland, ME | $366 – $525 | 166 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| East Providence, RI to Lewiston, ME | $396 – $537 | 195 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| East Providence, RI to Bangor, ME | $475 – $604 | 293 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| East Providence, RI to South Portland, ME | $366 – $504 | 166 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| East Providence, RI to Auburn, ME | $400 – $526 | 194 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Rhode Island to Maine
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 Rhode Island to Maine, expect costs to range from $581 to $826.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Rhode Island to Maine
Transporting your vehicle from the Ocean State to the Pine Tree State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Maine than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The trip from Rhode Island to Maine covers roughly 315 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall 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: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Rhode Island and Maine.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Rhode Island to Maine takes one–four days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Maine vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Maine, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
- Vehicle inspection: The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
- Driver’s license: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
- Additional taxes: Maine requires registered car owners to pay an annual excise tax for motor vehicles, trailers, mobile homes, and stock vehicles. This tax is calculated by multiplying the current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle by the mileage rate.
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 Maine
About 1.4 million people are living in the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Rhode Island and delivery in Maine?
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 Maine.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Rhode Island to Maine?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Rhode Island to Maine, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Maine, 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.
In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
How long does it take to ship a car from Rhode Island to Maine?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Rhode Island to Maine is about 315 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Rhode Island to Maine.
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.
The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
If I have a driver’s license in Rhode Island, will I need one in Maine?
New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
If I bought a car in Rhode Island, will I be required to pay sales tax in Maine after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Rhode Island to Maine after purchasing it.
Maine requires registered car owners to pay an annual excise tax for motor vehicles, trailers, mobile homes, and stock vehicles. This tax is calculated by multiplying the current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle by the mileage rate.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Rhode Island and Maine to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Maine?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Maine 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 Maine?
Shipping a car from Rhode Island to Maine costs $465 to $661.
