South Dakota to North Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 321 miles from South Dakota to North Dakota ranges from $475 to $655 and takes one–four days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota:
- 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
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in South Dakota that can relocate your vehicle to North Dakota:
- 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 North Dakota
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from South Dakota to North Dakota, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 321 miles on your car going from South Dakota to North Dakota. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from South Dakota to North Dakota. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
South Dakota to North Dakota 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 North Dakota. The average travel distance is about 321 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to North Dakota
| From South Dakota to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Fargo, ND | $448 – $554 | 242 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Bismarck, ND | $605 – $813 | 430 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Grand Forks, ND | $465 – $661 | 318 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Minot, ND | $608 – $897 | 502 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to West Fargo, ND | $452 – $589 | 243 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to North Dakota
| From South Dakota to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Fargo, ND | $649 – $815 | 494 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Bismarck, ND | $499 – $648 | 300 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Grand Forks, ND | $631 – $895 | 551 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Minot, ND | $575 – $749 | 393 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Rapid City, SD to West Fargo, ND | $593 – $841 | 487 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to North Dakota
| From South Dakota to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Fargo, ND | $406 – $507 | 187 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Bismarck, ND | $440 – $554 | 202 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Grand Forks, ND | $453 – $617 | 262 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Minot, ND | $440 – $617 | 274 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to West Fargo, ND | $402 – $544 | 187 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to North Dakota
| From South Dakota to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Fargo, ND | $406 – $539 | 189 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to Bismarck, ND | $587 – $757 | 377 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to Grand Forks, ND | $431 – $594 | 265 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to Minot, ND | $593 – $829 | 449 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Brookings, SD to West Fargo, ND | $434 – $558 | 190 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to North Dakota
| From South Dakota to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Fargo, ND | $351 – $501 | 144 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Watertown, SD to Bismarck, ND | $514 – $655 | 301 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Watertown, SD to Grand Forks, ND | $449 – $569 | 220 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Watertown, SD to Minot, ND | $527 – $743 | 369 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Watertown, SD to West Fargo, ND | $362 – $495 | 145 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to North Dakota
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 North Dakota, expect costs to range from $594 to $819.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to North Dakota
When moving your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Peace Garden State, several factors can affect the total shipping 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 rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to North Dakota than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The route from South Dakota to North Dakota is about 321 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from South Dakota around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from South Dakota to North Dakota, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–four days, but expedited options cost more.
North Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to North Dakota, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: North Dakota mandates that all vehicles carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Basic personal injury protection is also required, providing $150 per week with a maximum of $30,000.
- Vehicle inspection: As a new resident in North Dakota, you have 90 days to have your vehicle inspected and registered in the state. There is no requirement for smog or emissions testing in North Dakota.
- Driver’s license: If you’ve just moved to North Dakota, visit a Driver's License and Testing office, make an appointment for road tests, bring proof of current name and date of birth, and pay applicable fees to get a new driver’s license.
- Additional taxes: Proof of taxes paid in the state of purchase is required to be exempt from North Dakota excise tax for out-of-state vehicle purchases. No tax reciprocity for foreign purchases, taxes due at 5% on purchase price (based on exchange rate).
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 North Dakota
About 783,926 people are living in the Peace Garden State. North Dakota has warm summers and cold winters. The temperature differences are significant because of its far inland position and being roughly equal distance from the North Pole and the Equator.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to North Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to North Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to North Dakota, 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.
North Dakota mandates that all vehicles carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Basic personal injury protection is also required, providing $150 per week with a maximum of $30,000.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to North Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to North Dakota is about 321 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 North Dakota.
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.
As a new resident in North Dakota, you have 90 days to have your vehicle inspected and registered in the state. There is no requirement for smog or emissions testing in North Dakota.
If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in North Dakota?
If you’ve just moved to North Dakota, visit a Driver's License and Testing office, make an appointment for road tests, bring proof of current name and date of birth, and pay applicable fees to get a new driver’s license.
If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in North Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to North Dakota after purchasing it.
Proof of taxes paid in the state of purchase is required to be exempt from North Dakota excise tax for out-of-state vehicle purchases. No tax reciprocity for foreign purchases, taxes due at 5% on purchase price (based on exchange rate).
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and North Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to North Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to North Dakota costs $475 to $655.
