South Dakota to Idaho Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,000 miles from South Dakota to Idaho ranges from $854 to $1,327. 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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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 Idaho to South Dakota car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best South Dakota to Idaho car shipping companies

After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from South Dakota to Idaho:

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
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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
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  • 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 Idaho:

  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 Idaho

Ship it with your movers

If you need to ship your car from South Dakota for a move to Idaho, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.

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  • Certified crews
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  • 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

While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,000 extra miles on your car to travel from South Dakota to Idaho. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from South Dakota to Idaho. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.

Ship by train

If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!

South Dakota to Idaho 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 Idaho. The average travel distance is about 1,000 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to 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 $928 – $1,420 1,289 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Meridian, ID $918 – $1,420 1,298 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Nampa, ID $1,046 – $1,518 1,306 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Idaho Falls, ID $778 – $1,334 972 miles 2 – 7 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Caldwell, ID $1,056 – $1,487 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 $812 – $1,246 947 miles 2 – 7 days
Rapid City, SD to Meridian, ID $852 – $1,308 955 miles 2 – 7 days
Rapid City, SD to Nampa, ID $786 – $1,308 963 miles 2 – 7 days
Rapid City, SD to Idaho Falls, ID $708 – $1,000 629 miles 1 – 6 days
Rapid City, SD to Caldwell, ID $811 – $1,244 971 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 $850 – $1,428 1,145 miles 2 – 8 days
Aberdeen, SD to Meridian, ID $842 – $1,359 1,152 miles 2 – 8 days
Aberdeen, SD to Nampa, ID $930 – $1,428 1,161 miles 2 – 8 days
Aberdeen, SD to Idaho Falls, ID $783 – $1,169 869 miles 2 – 7 days
Aberdeen, SD to Caldwell, ID $868 – $1,373 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 $1,035 – $1,579 1,333 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Meridian, ID $1,015 – $1,564 1,341 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Nampa, ID $975 – $1,549 1,350 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Idaho Falls, ID $781 – $1,262 1,015 miles 2 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Caldwell, ID $1,035 – $1,533 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 $909 – $1,523 1,241 miles 2 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Meridian, ID $985 – $1,464 1,248 miles 2 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Nampa, ID $918 – $1,508 1,257 miles 3 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Idaho Falls, ID $819 – $1,283 965 miles 2 – 7 days
Watertown, SD to Caldwell, ID $985 – $1,406 1,264 miles 3 – 8 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Idaho

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 South Dakota to Idaho, expect costs to range from $1,068 to $1,659.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Idaho

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

  • 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: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Idaho.
  • Distance and route: The route from South Dakota to Idaho is about 1,000 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from South Dakota in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
  • Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between South Dakota and Idaho.
  • Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–eight days, while expedited service costs more.

Idaho vehicle regulations you need to know

Moving to Idaho 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: 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 $854 to $1,327.

Helpful South Dakota resources