South Dakota to Kentucky Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,118 miles from South Dakota to Kentucky ranges from $888 to $1,390. 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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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky:
- 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
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in South Dakota ready to move your vehicle to Kentucky:
- 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 Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from South Dakota for a move to Kentucky, 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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4.75 / 5
Licensed
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Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,118 miles to your car on the trip from South Dakota to Kentucky. 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 Kentucky 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
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 Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in South Dakota and Kentucky. The trip typically spans 1,118 miles and takes about two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Kentucky
| From South Dakota to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
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| Sioux Falls, SD to Louisville, KY | $794 – $1,210 | 854 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Lexington, KY | $790 – $1,250 | 928 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Bowling Green, KY | $805 – $1,225 | 887 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Owensboro, KY | $778 – $1,119 | 817 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Covington, KY | $786 – $1,174 | 852 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Kentucky
| From South Dakota to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Louisville, KY | $828 – $1,297 | 1,195 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Lexington, KY | $950 – $1,397 | 1,270 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Bowling Green, KY | $931 – $1,454 | 1,229 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Owensboro, KY | $871 – $1,297 | 1,160 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Covington, KY | $879 – $1,323 | 1,194 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Kentucky
| From South Dakota to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Louisville, KY | $776 – $1,317 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Lexington, KY | $745 – $1,267 | 1,074 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Bowling Green, KY | $823 – $1,204 | 1,086 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Owensboro, KY | $760 – $1,317 | 1,017 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Covington, KY | $756 – $1,196 | 998 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Kentucky
| From South Dakota to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Louisville, KY | $782 – $1,214 | 907 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Lexington, KY | $819 – $1,258 | 980 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Bowling Green, KY | $751 – $1,250 | 940 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Owensboro, KY | $778 – $1,127 | 871 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Covington, KY | $830 – $1,226 | 905 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Kentucky
| From South Dakota to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Louisville, KY | $767 – $1,274 | 909 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Lexington, KY | $795 – $1,283 | 982 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Bowling Green, KY | $795 – $1,296 | 986 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Owensboro, KY | $806 – $1,238 | 917 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Covington, KY | $759 – $1,226 | 907 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Kentucky
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 Kentucky, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,110–$1,738.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Kentucky
When arranging car transport from the Mount Rushmore State to the Bluegrass State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- 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 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 Kentucky.
- Distance and route: The route from South Dakota to Kentucky is about 1,118 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of South Dakota in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between South Dakota and Kentucky and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Kentucky, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
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 Kentucky
About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, 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 insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Kentucky is about 1,118 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from South Dakota to Kentucky.
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.
When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Kentucky?
New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Kentucky after purchasing it.
In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Kentucky costs $888 to $1,390.
