South Dakota to Ohio Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,061 miles from South Dakota to Ohio typically falls between $768 and $1,229. The process usually takes two–eight days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio:
- 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
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in South Dakota who can get your vehicle to Ohio:
- 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 Ohio
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from South Dakota for a move to Ohio, 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
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,061 miles on your car to travel between South Dakota and Ohio. 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 Ohio 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 Ohio auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in South Dakota and Ohio. The average journey covers about 1,061 miles and takes roughly two to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Ohio
| From South Dakota to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Columbus, OH | $822 – $1,250 | 932 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Cleveland, OH | $798 – $1,250 | 926 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Cincinnati, OH | $814 – $1,229 | 847 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Toledo, OH | $744 – $1,112 | 825 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Akron, OH | $759 – $1,238 | 938 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Ohio
| From South Dakota to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Columbus, OH | $940 – $1,411 | 1,270 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Cleveland, OH | $894 – $1,341 | 1,264 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Cincinnati, OH | $922 – $1,439 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Toledo, OH | $845 – $1,404 | 1,154 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Akron, OH | $894 – $1,439 | 1,276 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Ohio
| From South Dakota to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Columbus, OH | $792 – $1,292 | 1,057 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Cleveland, OH | $808 – $1,204 | 1,051 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Cincinnati, OH | $779 – $1,221 | 997 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Toledo, OH | $798 – $1,287 | 941 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Akron, OH | $745 – $1,204 | 1,072 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Ohio
| From South Dakota to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Columbus, OH | $787 – $1,283 | 980 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Cleveland, OH | $829 – $1,249 | 966 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Cincinnati, OH | $790 – $1,250 | 903 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Toledo, OH | $771 – $1,198 | 865 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Akron, OH | $772 – $1,246 | 996 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Ohio
| From South Dakota to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Columbus, OH | $782 – $1,249 | 965 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Cleveland, OH | $774 – $1,286 | 950 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Cincinnati, OH | $822 – $1,250 | 905 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Toledo, OH | $783 – $1,182 | 849 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Akron, OH | $764 – $1,234 | 981 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Ohio
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 Ohio, expect costs to range from $960 to $1,536.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Ohio
When moving your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Buckeye 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: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Ohio.
- Distance and route: The trip from South Dakota to Ohio covers roughly 1,061 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall 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: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between South Dakota and Ohio.
- 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.
Ohio vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Ohio, 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: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
- Vehicle inspection: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
- Driver’s license: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
- Additional taxes: Ohio requires sales tax if a vehicle was purchased out of state less than 6 months before moving to Ohio. However, a credit for sales tax paid to the other state may be allowed. If the vehicle was purchased at least 6 months before moving, no Ohio sales tax is due and the exemption code CV should be used when titling the vehicle.
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 Ohio
About 11.8 million people are living in the Buckeye State. Ohio forms a part of what's considered both the snowbelt and the tornado alley which means your move may be affected if either of these are impacting the state on your move day.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Ohio?
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 Ohio.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Ohio?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to Ohio, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Ohio, 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.
In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Ohio?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Ohio is about 1,061 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 Ohio.
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.
New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Ohio?
In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Ohio after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Ohio after purchasing it.
Ohio requires sales tax if a vehicle was purchased out of state less than 6 months before moving to Ohio. However, a credit for sales tax paid to the other state may be allowed. If the vehicle was purchased at least 6 months before moving, no Ohio sales tax is due and the exemption code CV should be used when titling the vehicle.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Ohio to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Ohio?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Ohio 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 Ohio?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Ohio costs $768 to $1,229.
