Rhode Island to Washington Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,953 miles from Rhode Island to Washington ranges from $1,427 to $2,406 and takes seven–fifteen days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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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 Washington to Rhode Island car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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The best Rhode Island to Washington car shipping companies

After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Rhode Island to Washington:

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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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
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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
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Rhode Island

Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Rhode Island who can get your vehicle to Washington:

  1. Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Virginia Transportation Corp: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  3. East Coast Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  4. United Road Services: Davisville: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Natales Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc

25 Messenger Dr, Warwick, RI 02888 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 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.

Get a Quote (855) 374-4748

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

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 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.

Get a Quote (800) 287-4493

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

East Coast Auto Transport

111 Amaral St, Riverside, RI 02915 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 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.

Get a Quote (800) 393-1850

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles

Discounts

  • Military
  • Student

Additional Information

United Road Services: Davisville

40 Thompson Rd, North Kingstown, RI 02852 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (866) 365-0023

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Natales Transport

2708 S County Trl East, East Greenwich, RI 02818 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (401) 225-7900

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

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 Washington

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Rhode Island to Washington, 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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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,953 miles on your car going from Rhode Island to Washington. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.

Hire a driver

You can hire someone to drive your car from Rhode Island to Washington, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.

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 Washington auto transport costs and transit times

The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Rhode Island and Washington. The average travel distance is about 2,953 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from seven to fifteen days.

Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Washington

From Rhode Island to Washington Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Providence, RI to Seattle, WA $1,623 – $2,367 3,048 miles 7 – 15 days
Providence, RI to Spokane, WA $1,428 – $2,195 2,770 miles 7 – 15 days
Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA $1,623 – $2,440 3,061 miles 7 – 15 days
Providence, RI to Vancouver, WA $1,468 – $2,416 3,084 miles 7 – 15 days
Providence, RI to Bellevue, WA $1,468 – $2,440 3,042 miles 7 – 15 days

Cost to ship a car from Warwick, RI to Washington

From Rhode Island to Washington Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Warwick, RI to Seattle, WA $1,530 – $2,343 3,032 miles 7 – 15 days
Warwick, RI to Spokane, WA $1,456 – $2,330 2,754 miles 7 – 15 days
Warwick, RI to Tacoma, WA $1,530 – $2,318 3,045 miles 7 – 15 days
Warwick, RI to Vancouver, WA $1,623 – $2,343 3,068 miles 7 – 15 days
Warwick, RI to Bellevue, WA $1,484 – $2,513 3,026 miles 7 – 15 days

Cost to ship a car from Cranston, RI to Washington

From Rhode Island to Washington Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Cranston, RI to Seattle, WA $1,468 – $2,343 3,035 miles 7 – 15 days
Cranston, RI to Spokane, WA $1,456 – $2,150 2,757 miles 7 – 15 days
Cranston, RI to Tacoma, WA $1,592 – $2,538 3,049 miles 7 – 15 days
Cranston, RI to Vancouver, WA $1,545 – $2,513 3,072 miles 7 – 15 days
Cranston, RI to Bellevue, WA $1,592 – $2,391 3,030 miles 7 – 15 days

Cost to ship a car from Pawtucket, RI to Washington

From Rhode Island to Washington Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Pawtucket, RI to Seattle, WA $1,623 – $2,416 3,050 miles 7 – 15 days
Pawtucket, RI to Spokane, WA $1,356 – $2,330 2,773 miles 7 – 15 days
Pawtucket, RI to Tacoma, WA $1,530 – $2,538 3,064 miles 7 – 15 days
Pawtucket, RI to Vancouver, WA $1,515 – $2,343 3,087 miles 7 – 15 days
Pawtucket, RI to Bellevue, WA $1,530 – $2,562 3,045 miles 7 – 15 days

Cost to ship a car from East Providence, RI to Washington

From Rhode Island to Washington Cost Distance Estimated transit time
East Providence, RI to Seattle, WA $1,515 – $2,489 3,051 miles 7 – 15 days
East Providence, RI to Spokane, WA $1,370 – $2,218 2,761 miles 7 – 15 days
East Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA $1,623 – $2,367 3,053 miles 7 – 15 days
East Providence, RI to Vancouver, WA $1,592 – $2,538 3,075 miles 7 – 15 days
East Providence, RI to Bellevue, WA $1,530 – $2,318 3,033 miles 7 – 15 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Rhode Island to Washington

Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?

If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Rhode Island to Washington you should expect to pay between $1,784 and $3,008.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Rhode Island to Washington

Transporting your vehicle from the Ocean State to the Evergreen 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: 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 Washington.
  • Distance and route: The route from Rhode Island to Washington is about 2,953 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Rhode Island, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
  • Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Rhode Island to Washington, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
  • Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes seven–fifteen days, while expedited service costs more.

Washington vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to Washington, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.

  • Car insurance requirements: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
  • Vehicle inspection: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
  • Driver’s license: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
  • Additional taxes: If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use tax.

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 Washington

About 7.8 million people are living in the Evergreen State. Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Rhode Island and delivery in Washington?

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 Washington.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Rhode Island to Washington?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Rhode Island to Washington, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Washington, 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.

Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.

How long does it take to ship a car from Rhode Island to Washington?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Rhode Island to Washington is about 2,953 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from Rhode Island to Washington.

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 the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.

If I have a driver’s license in Rhode Island, will I need one in Washington?

To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.

If I bought a car in Rhode Island, will I be required to pay sales tax in Washington after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Rhode Island to Washington after purchasing it.

If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use tax.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Rhode Island and Washington to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Washington?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Washington 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 Washington?

Shipping a car from Rhode Island to Washington costs $1,427 to $2,406.

Helpful Rhode Island resources