South Dakota to Delaware Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,519 miles from South Dakota to Delaware ranges from $1,164 to $1,663. Expect the trip to take around three–nine 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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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Delaware to South Dakota car shipping guide.

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The best South Dakota to Delaware 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 South Dakota to Delaware:

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
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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 South Dakota

Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in South Dakota who can get your vehicle to Delaware:

  1. Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  2. Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Auto Transport by Stopwatch

3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD 57702 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0
Get a Quote (616) 229-1517

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Yada Enterprises Inc

611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (605) 472-3800

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles

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 South Dakota to Delaware

Ship it with your movers

If your move takes you from South Dakota to Delaware, 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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  • 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

Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,519 miles to your car on the trip from South Dakota to Delaware. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.

Hire a driver

Hiring a driver to take your car from South Dakota to Delaware 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.

South Dakota to Delaware auto transport costs and transit times

The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in South Dakota and Delaware. The average travel distance is about 1,519 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to nine days.

Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Delaware

From South Dakota to Delaware Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Sioux Falls, SD to Wilmington, DE $997 – $1,552 1,323 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Dover, DE $997 – $1,505 1,354 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Newark, DE $1,017 – $1,629 1,306 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Middletown, DE $1,068 – $1,552 1,356 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Bear, DE $1,017 – $1,536 1,341 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Delaware

From South Dakota to Delaware Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Rapid City, SD to Wilmington, DE $1,223 – $1,656 1,661 miles 3 – 9 days
Rapid City, SD to Dover, DE $1,241 – $1,855 1,702 miles 3 – 9 days
Rapid City, SD to Newark, DE $1,163 – $1,656 1,644 miles 3 – 9 days
Rapid City, SD to Middletown, DE $1,187 – $1,743 1,694 miles 3 – 9 days
Rapid City, SD to Bear, DE $1,259 – $1,777 1,678 miles 3 – 9 days

Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Delaware

From South Dakota to Delaware Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Aberdeen, SD to Wilmington, DE $1,095 – $1,630 1,448 miles 3 – 8 days
Aberdeen, SD to Dover, DE $1,073 – $1,565 1,489 miles 3 – 8 days
Aberdeen, SD to Newark, DE $1,051 – $1,565 1,431 miles 3 – 8 days
Aberdeen, SD to Middletown, DE $1,051 – $1,694 1,481 miles 3 – 8 days
Aberdeen, SD to Bear, DE $1,062 – $1,581 1,466 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Delaware

From South Dakota to Delaware Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Brookings, SD to Wilmington, DE $1,048 – $1,474 1,381 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Dover, DE $1,084 – $1,549 1,403 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Newark, DE $1,027 – $1,552 1,364 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Middletown, DE $1,040 – $1,613 1,405 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Bear, DE $1,027 – $1,552 1,399 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Delaware

From South Dakota to Delaware Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Watertown, SD to Wilmington, DE $1,058 – $1,536 1,357 miles 3 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Dover, DE $976 – $1,474 1,388 miles 3 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Newark, DE $1,017 – $1,474 1,349 miles 3 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Middletown, DE $976 – $1,567 1,389 miles 3 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Bear, DE $1,058 – $1,521 1,374 miles 3 – 8 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Delaware

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 Delaware you should expect to pay between $1,455 and $2,079.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Delaware

Transporting your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the First State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:

  • Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
  • 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 South Dakota to Delaware.
  • Distance and route: Traveling from South Dakota to Delaware involves roughly 1,519 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
  • Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of South Dakota more expensive during these times.
  • Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between South Dakota and Delaware and the varying gas prices across the country.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is three–nine days, but you can pay for expedited service.

Delaware vehicle regulations you need to know

Moving to Delaware means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.

  • Car insurance requirements: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
  • Vehicle inspection: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
  • Driver’s license: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
  • Additional taxes: Delaware residents who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer will not receive a credit for taxes paid. While most states exempt out-of-state buyers from taxes, some states collect taxes on all vehicle sales. This means that residents may be subject to double taxation on vehicles purchased from certain 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 Delaware

About 1.0 million people are living in the First State. Almost all of Delaware is a part of the Atlantic coastal plain, the effects of the ocean moderate its climate. The southern portion of the state has a milder climate than the northern portion of the state.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Delaware?

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 Delaware.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Delaware?

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

Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.

How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Delaware?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Delaware is about 1,519 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from South Dakota to Delaware.

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.

In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.

If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Delaware?

Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.

If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Delaware after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Delaware after purchasing it.

Delaware residents who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer will not receive a credit for taxes paid. While most states exempt out-of-state buyers from taxes, some states collect taxes on all vehicle sales. This means that residents may be subject to double taxation on vehicles purchased from certain states.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Delaware to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Delaware?

The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Delaware 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 Delaware?

Shipping a car from South Dakota to Delaware costs $1,164 to $1,663.

Helpful South Dakota resources