South Dakota to Arizona Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,246 miles from South Dakota to Arizona ranges from $920 to $1,467. 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 Arizona to South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Arizona car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from South Dakota to Arizona:
- 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 South Dakota
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in South Dakota who can get your vehicle to Arizona:
- Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD 57702 US
stopwatchusa.com
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2965797
Yada Enterprises Inc
611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US
yadaenterprises.net
3.5 / 5.0
Yada Enterprises has received significant feedback regarding their vehicle transport services, highlighting both commendable customer interactions and notable issues with vehicle damage. While many customers appreciated the respectful conduct of drivers and timely delivery, there were serious concerns about vehicle mishandling and lack of accountability for damages during transport.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1255110
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 South Dakota to Arizona
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from South Dakota to Arizona, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,246 miles to your car on the trip from South Dakota to Arizona. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from South Dakota to Arizona. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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.
South Dakota to Arizona auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in South Dakota and Arizona. Average distances are close to 1,246 miles, with delivery usually taking two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Arizona
| From South Dakota to Arizona | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Phoenix, AZ | $1,117 – $1,613 | 1,439 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Tucson, AZ | $1,051 – $1,646 | 1,472 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Mesa, AZ | $1,084 – $1,678 | 1,425 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Chandler, AZ | $1,095 – $1,678 | 1,438 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Gilbert, AZ | $1,128 – $1,581 | 1,428 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Arizona
| From South Dakota to Arizona | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Phoenix, AZ | $997 – $1,408 | 1,213 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Tucson, AZ | $978 – $1,467 | 1,247 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Mesa, AZ | $968 – $1,452 | 1,200 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Chandler, AZ | $958 – $1,526 | 1,213 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Gilbert, AZ | $997 – $1,511 | 1,203 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Arizona
| From South Dakota to Arizona | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Phoenix, AZ | $1,139 – $1,630 | 1,479 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Tucson, AZ | $1,095 – $1,712 | 1,513 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Mesa, AZ | $1,051 – $1,646 | 1,466 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Chandler, AZ | $1,117 – $1,549 | 1,478 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Gilbert, AZ | $1,117 – $1,662 | 1,468 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Arizona
| From South Dakota to Arizona | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Phoenix, AZ | $1,106 – $1,630 | 1,491 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Tucson, AZ | $1,187 – $1,597 | 1,525 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Brookings, SD to Mesa, AZ | $1,106 – $1,549 | 1,478 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Chandler, AZ | $1,117 – $1,549 | 1,490 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Gilbert, AZ | $1,128 – $1,630 | 1,480 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Arizona
| From South Dakota to Arizona | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Phoenix, AZ | $1,164 – $1,613 | 1,523 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to Tucson, AZ | $1,141 – $1,581 | 1,557 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to Mesa, AZ | $1,164 – $1,663 | 1,510 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to Chandler, AZ | $1,118 – $1,581 | 1,522 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to Gilbert, AZ | $1,141 – $1,712 | 1,512 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Arizona
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 South Dakota to Arizona you should expect to pay between $1,150 and $1,834.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Arizona
When moving your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Grand Canyon State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Arizona.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Dakota to Arizona spans about 1,246 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of South Dakota in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between South Dakota and Arizona.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from South Dakota to Arizona should take between two and eight days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Arizona vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Arizona, 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 mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per accident
- Vehicle inspection: Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.
- Driver’s license: If you are a former resident of another state and now reside in Arizona, you will need to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office in person to obtain an Arizona driver's license. You have a 10-day window after relocating within the state to update the address on your Arizona driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Arizona, vehicle owners are required to pay the Vehicle License Tax (VLT) along with other fees. This tax serves as an alternative to the personal property tax that is imposed in some other states.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from South Dakota
More than 919,318 people call South Dakota home. Nicknamed the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Transporting your vehicle to Arizona
About 7.4 million people are living in the Grand Canyon State. Arizona may be on of the top states where your move is least likely to be affected by climate due to the unlikelihood of extremely cold days and natural disasters.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Arizona?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in South Dakota and when dropping it off in Arizona.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Arizona?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to Arizona, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Arizona, which you should verify before loading your car in South Dakota.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
The mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per accident
How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Arizona?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Arizona is about 1,246 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from South Dakota to Arizona.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.
If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Arizona?
If you are a former resident of another state and now reside in Arizona, you will need to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office in person to obtain an Arizona driver's license. You have a 10-day window after relocating within the state to update the address on your Arizona driver's license.
If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Arizona after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Arizona after purchasing it.
In Arizona, vehicle owners are required to pay the Vehicle License Tax (VLT) along with other fees. This tax serves as an alternative to the personal property tax that is imposed in some other states.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Arizona to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Arizona?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Arizona 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 South Dakota to Arizona?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Arizona costs $920 to $1,467.
