South Dakota to Minnesota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 464 miles from South Dakota to Minnesota ranges from $608 to $868. Expect the trip to take around one–four 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from South Dakota to Minnesota:
- 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
- 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 Minnesota:
- Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 Minnesota
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from South Dakota to Minnesota, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 464 miles to your vehicle on the route from South Dakota to Minnesota. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from South Dakota to Minnesota 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
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 Minnesota auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in South Dakota and Minnesota. Average distances are close to 464 miles, with delivery usually taking one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Minnesota
| From South Dakota to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Minneapolis, MN | $433 – $567 | 239 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to St. Paul, MN | $432 – $601 | 274 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Rochester, MN | $420 – $602 | 236 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Bloomington, MN | $455 – $576 | 228 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Duluth, MN | $578 – $792 | 421 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Minnesota
| From South Dakota to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Minneapolis, MN | $724 – $1,002 | 577 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rapid City, SD to St. Paul, MN | $684 – $951 | 612 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Rochester, MN | $672 – $962 | 574 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Bloomington, MN | $706 – $925 | 569 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Duluth, MN | $773 – $1,155 | 727 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Minnesota
| From South Dakota to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Minneapolis, MN | $476 – $657 | 291 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to St. Paul, MN | $515 – $643 | 300 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Rochester, MN | $517 – $782 | 360 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Bloomington, MN | $458 – $644 | 283 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Duluth, MN | $594 – $789 | 375 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Minnesota
| From South Dakota to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Minneapolis, MN | $431 – $584 | 211 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to St. Paul, MN | $442 – $553 | 221 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to Rochester, MN | $451 – $578 | 232 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to Bloomington, MN | $419 – $528 | 204 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to Duluth, MN | $521 – $691 | 332 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Minnesota
| From South Dakota to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Minneapolis, MN | $441 – $578 | 200 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Watertown, SD to St. Paul, MN | $422 – $544 | 212 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Watertown, SD to Rochester, MN | $445 – $583 | 260 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Watertown, SD to Bloomington, MN | $405 – $538 | 196 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Watertown, SD to Duluth, MN | $490 – $649 | 317 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Minnesota
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 Minnesota usually runs between $760 and $1,085.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Minnesota
When moving your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the North Star State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- 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: 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 Minnesota.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Dakota to Minnesota spans about 464 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- 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 Minnesota.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–four days, but expedited options cost more.
Minnesota vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Minnesota, 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: Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
- Vehicle inspection: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
- Driver’s license: In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.
- Additional taxes: When registering a vehicle in Minnesota, if it has been titled under your name for at least 60 days in another state, you are exempt from paying 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 Minnesota
About 5.7 million people are living in the North Star State. Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Minnesota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to Minnesota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Minnesota, 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.
Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Minnesota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Minnesota is about 464 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 Minnesota.
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.
Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.
If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Minnesota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Minnesota after purchasing it.
When registering a vehicle in Minnesota, if it has been titled under your name for at least 60 days in another state, you are exempt from paying tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Minnesota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Minnesota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Minnesota costs $608 to $868.
3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD 57702 US
611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US