South Dakota to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 469 miles from South Dakota to Iowa falls between $645 and $877. 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 Iowa 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 Iowa car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from South Dakota to Iowa:
- 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 South Dakota
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in South Dakota can deliver your vehicle to Iowa:
- 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 Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from South Dakota to Iowa, 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 469 miles to your car on the trip from South Dakota to Iowa. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from South Dakota to Iowa, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
South Dakota to Iowa 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 Iowa. The average travel distance is about 469 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Iowa
| From South Dakota to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA | $472 – $606 | 283 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Cedar Rapids, IA | $517 – $767 | 352 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Davenport, IA | $619 – $807 | 435 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Sioux City, IA | $288 – $465 | 85 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Iowa City, IA | $560 – $789 | 379 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Iowa
| From South Dakota to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Des Moines, IA | $748 – $1,048 | 625 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Cedar Rapids, IA | $722 – $1,120 | 694 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Davenport, IA | $820 – $1,196 | 777 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Sioux City, IA | $588 – $840 | 428 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Iowa City, IA | $748 – $1,046 | 721 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Iowa
| From South Dakota to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Des Moines, IA | $632 – $834 | 482 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Cedar Rapids, IA | $686 – $906 | 551 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Davenport, IA | $705 – $966 | 635 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Sioux City, IA | $472 – $618 | 285 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Iowa City, IA | $696 – $992 | 578 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Iowa
| From South Dakota to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Des Moines, IA | $505 – $691 | 336 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to Cedar Rapids, IA | $584 – $768 | 405 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to Davenport, IA | $645 – $894 | 488 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to Sioux City, IA | $337 – $482 | 138 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to Iowa City, IA | $588 – $790 | 431 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Iowa
| From South Dakota to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Des Moines, IA | $583 – $805 | 382 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Watertown, SD to Cedar Rapids, IA | $621 – $877 | 451 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Watertown, SD to Davenport, IA | $687 – $941 | 535 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Watertown, SD to Sioux City, IA | $419 – $567 | 185 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Watertown, SD to Iowa City, IA | $601 – $825 | 478 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Iowa
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from South Dakota to Iowa, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $806–$1,096.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Iowa
If you’re shipping a car from the Mount Rushmore State to the Hawkeye State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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 vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Dakota to Iowa spans about 469 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- 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: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between South Dakota and Iowa.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–four days, but expedited options cost more.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Iowa, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
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 Iowa
About 3.2 million people are living in the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Iowa?
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 Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, 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.
Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Iowa is about 469 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from South Dakota to Iowa.
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 Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Iowa 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 Iowa?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Iowa costs $645 to $877.
