South Dakota to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 709 miles from South Dakota to Illinois ranges from $799 to $1,096. Expect the trip to take around one–six 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 Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois:
- 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in South Dakota can deliver your vehicle to Illinois:
- 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 Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from South Dakota to Illinois, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 709 miles on your car to travel between South Dakota and Illinois. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from South Dakota to Illinois for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
South Dakota to Illinois 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 Illinois. The typical distance is about 709 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and six days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Illinois
| From South Dakota to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Chicago, IL | $676 – $988 | 572 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Aurora, IL | $718 – $959 | 564 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Joliet, IL | $669 – $920 | 573 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Naperville, IL | $679 – $1,019 | 575 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Rockford, IL | $617 – $918 | 499 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Illinois
| From South Dakota to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Chicago, IL | $805 – $1,313 | 910 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Aurora, IL | $863 – $1,223 | 902 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Joliet, IL | $797 – $1,313 | 932 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Naperville, IL | $830 – $1,223 | 913 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Rockford, IL | $838 – $1,278 | 837 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Illinois
| From South Dakota to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Chicago, IL | $811 – $1,150 | 698 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Aurora, IL | $734 – $1,117 | 689 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Joliet, IL | $760 – $1,152 | 719 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Naperville, IL | $807 – $1,152 | 700 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Rockford, IL | $702 – $1,068 | 624 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Illinois
| From South Dakota to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Chicago, IL | $753 – $986 | 621 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Brookings, SD to Aurora, IL | $738 – $1,068 | 613 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Brookings, SD to Joliet, IL | $739 – $1,013 | 643 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Brookings, SD to Naperville, IL | $760 – $997 | 624 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Brookings, SD to Rockford, IL | $658 – $975 | 548 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Illinois
| From South Dakota to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Chicago, IL | $760 – $986 | 606 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Watertown, SD to Aurora, IL | $722 – $959 | 597 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Watertown, SD to Joliet, IL | $731 – $1,107 | 628 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Watertown, SD to Naperville, IL | $768 – $976 | 610 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Watertown, SD to Rockford, IL | $645 – $928 | 532 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Illinois
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 Illinois, expect costs to range from $999 to $1,370.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Illinois
Transporting your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Land of Lincoln comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Illinois than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Dakota to Illinois spans about 709 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: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between South Dakota and Illinois and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–six days, but expedited options cost more.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Illinois, 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: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
- Driver’s license: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
- Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
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 Illinois
About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Illinois?
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 Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, 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 liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Illinois is about 709 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from South Dakota to Illinois.
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 Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Illinois?
Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Illinois after purchasing it.
According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Illinois 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 Illinois?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Illinois costs $799 to $1,096.
