Rhode Island to Washington Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,953 miles from Rhode Island to Washington usually costs between $1,447 and $2,319. Transit time is about seven–fifteen days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington:
- 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
- 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
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Rhode Island that can transport your vehicle to Washington:
- 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
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 planning a move from Rhode Island to Washington, 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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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 2,953 miles to your vehicle on the route from Rhode Island to Washington. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Rhode Island to Washington 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
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Rhode Island to Washington 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 Washington. Average distances are close to 2,953 miles, with delivery usually taking seven–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 | $1,460 – $2,399 | 3,048 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Providence, RI to Spokane, WA | $1,362 – $2,051 | 2,770 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA | $1,549 – $2,305 | 3,061 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Providence, RI to Vancouver, WA | $1,430 – $2,352 | 3,084 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Providence, RI to Bellevue, WA | $1,415 – $2,352 | 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 | $1,430 – $2,258 | 3,032 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Warwick, RI to Spokane, WA | $1,376 – $2,267 | 2,754 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Warwick, RI to Tacoma, WA | $1,534 – $2,305 | 3,045 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Warwick, RI to Vancouver, WA | $1,564 – $2,352 | 3,068 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Warwick, RI to Bellevue, WA | $1,549 – $2,281 | 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 | $1,445 – $2,305 | 3,035 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cranston, RI to Spokane, WA | $1,321 – $2,073 | 2,757 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cranston, RI to Tacoma, WA | $1,490 – $2,399 | 3,049 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cranston, RI to Vancouver, WA | $1,415 – $2,446 | 3,072 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cranston, RI to Bellevue, WA | $1,445 – $2,281 | 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 | $1,490 – $2,399 | 3,050 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Spokane, WA | $1,335 – $2,051 | 2,773 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Tacoma, WA | $1,490 – $2,328 | 3,064 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Vancouver, WA | $1,504 – $2,258 | 3,087 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Bellevue, WA | $1,534 – $2,352 | 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 | $1,475 – $2,470 | 3,051 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| East Providence, RI to Spokane, WA | $1,335 – $2,159 | 2,761 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| East Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA | $1,564 – $2,305 | 3,053 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| East Providence, RI to Vancouver, WA | $1,534 – $2,470 | 3,075 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| East Providence, RI to Bellevue, WA | $1,564 – $2,376 | 3,033 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Rhode Island to Washington
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 Washington, expect costs to range from $1,809 to $2,899.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Rhode Island to Washington
When arranging car transport from the Ocean State to the Evergreen State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Washington.
- Distance and route: The trip from Rhode Island to Washington covers roughly 2,953 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Rhode Island more expensive during these times.
- 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 $1,447 to $2,319.
25 Messenger Dr, Warwick, RI 02888 US
141 James P Murphy Ind Hwy, West Warwick, RI 2893 US
111 Amaral St, Riverside, RI 02915 US
40 Thompson Rd, North Kingstown, RI 02852 US
2708 S County Trl East, East Greenwich, RI 02818 US