South Dakota to Idaho Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,000 miles from South Dakota to Idaho falls between $800 and $1,267. Delivery typically takes two–eight 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 Idaho 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 Idaho 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 Idaho:
- 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
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in South Dakota who can get your vehicle to Idaho:
- 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 Idaho
Ship it with your movers
When moving from South Dakota to Idaho, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,000 miles on your car going from South Dakota to Idaho. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from South Dakota to Idaho 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 Idaho auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in South Dakota and Idaho. The typical distance is about 1,000 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Idaho
| From South Dakota to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Boise, ID | $940 – $1,355 | 1,289 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Meridian, ID | $940 – $1,411 | 1,298 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Nampa, ID | $959 – $1,434 | 1,306 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Idaho Falls, ID | $805 – $1,199 | 972 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Caldwell, ID | $988 – $1,537 | 1,314 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Idaho
| From South Dakota to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Boise, ID | $798 – $1,164 | 947 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Meridian, ID | $782 – $1,298 | 955 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Nampa, ID | $789 – $1,199 | 963 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Idaho Falls, ID | $732 – $1,055 | 629 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Caldwell, ID | $766 – $1,298 | 971 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Idaho
| From South Dakota to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Boise, ID | $828 – $1,350 | 1,145 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Meridian, ID | $854 – $1,297 | 1,152 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Nampa, ID | $896 – $1,283 | 1,161 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Idaho Falls, ID | $826 – $1,246 | 869 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Caldwell, ID | $879 – $1,363 | 1,168 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Idaho
| From South Dakota to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Boise, ID | $988 – $1,404 | 1,333 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Meridian, ID | $949 – $1,419 | 1,341 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Nampa, ID | $978 – $1,537 | 1,350 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Idaho Falls, ID | $823 – $1,229 | 1,015 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Caldwell, ID | $959 – $1,478 | 1,357 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Idaho
| From South Dakota to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Boise, ID | $950 – $1,468 | 1,241 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Meridian, ID | $894 – $1,425 | 1,248 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Nampa, ID | $950 – $1,397 | 1,257 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Idaho Falls, ID | $774 – $1,187 | 965 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Caldwell, ID | $894 – $1,454 | 1,264 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Idaho
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from South Dakota to Idaho usually runs between $1,000 and $1,584.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Idaho
If you’re shipping a car from the Mount Rushmore State to the Gem State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Idaho.
- Distance and route: The trip from South Dakota to Idaho covers roughly 1,000 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of South Dakota, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between South Dakota and Idaho.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from South Dakota to Idaho takes two–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Idaho vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Idaho, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
- Driver’s license: If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
- Additional taxes: New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.
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 Idaho
About 2.0 million people are living in the Gem State. The climate in Idaho varies widely. In the west cloud cover, humidity, and precipitation are at their maximum extent. Idaho can be hot but have relatively low humidity and cooler evenings during the summer months. It is important to know that winters in Idaho can be cold.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Idaho?
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 Idaho.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Idaho?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to Idaho, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Idaho, 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.
Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Idaho?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Idaho is about 1,000 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from South Dakota to Idaho.
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 Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Idaho?
If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Idaho after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Idaho after purchasing it.
New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Idaho to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Idaho?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Idaho 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 Idaho?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Idaho costs $800 to $1,267.
