South Dakota to Pennsylvania Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,356 miles from South Dakota to Pennsylvania ranges from $959 to $1,537 and takes three–eight days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania:
- 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 Pennsylvania:
- 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 Pennsylvania
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from South Dakota to Pennsylvania, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,356 miles on your car going from South Dakota to Pennsylvania. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from South Dakota to Pennsylvania 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 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. The typical distance is about 1,356 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Pennsylvania
| From South Dakota to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Philadelphia, PA | $1,027 – $1,478 | 1,340 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Pittsburgh, PA | $800 – $1,292 | 1,042 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Erie, PA | $745 – $1,267 | 1,027 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Allentown, PA | $939 – $1,434 | 1,302 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Reading, PA | $950 – $1,439 | 1,288 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Pennsylvania
| From South Dakota to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Philadelphia, PA | $1,164 – $1,643 | 1,678 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Pittsburgh, PA | $1,008 – $1,434 | 1,370 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Erie, PA | $969 – $1,493 | 1,365 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Allentown, PA | $1,164 – $1,660 | 1,640 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Reading, PA | $1,084 – $1,676 | 1,626 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Pennsylvania
| From South Dakota to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Philadelphia, PA | $1,064 – $1,491 | 1,465 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Pittsburgh, PA | $888 – $1,323 | 1,167 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Erie, PA | $854 – $1,310 | 1,152 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Allentown, PA | $1,074 – $1,537 | 1,436 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Reading, PA | $1,064 – $1,567 | 1,413 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Pennsylvania
| From South Dakota to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Philadelphia, PA | $998 – $1,537 | 1,379 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Pittsburgh, PA | $815 – $1,217 | 1,091 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Erie, PA | $776 – $1,217 | 1,076 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Allentown, PA | $978 – $1,434 | 1,351 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Reading, PA | $930 – $1,404 | 1,346 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Pennsylvania
| From South Dakota to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Philadelphia, PA | $1,018 – $1,522 | 1,373 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Pittsburgh, PA | $808 – $1,279 | 1,066 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Erie, PA | $823 – $1,267 | 1,061 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Allentown, PA | $959 – $1,448 | 1,335 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Reading, PA | $949 – $1,493 | 1,331 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania usually runs between $1,199 and $1,921.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Pennsylvania
When moving your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Keystone 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 Pennsylvania than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: Traveling from South Dakota to Pennsylvania involves roughly 1,356 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- 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 Pennsylvania.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is three–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Pennsylvania vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Pennsylvania, 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: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Driver’s license: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
- Additional taxes: New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
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 Pennsylvania
About 13.0 million people are living in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Pennsylvania?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to Pennsylvania, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Pennsylvania, 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.
When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Pennsylvania?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Pennsylvania is about 1,356 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from South Dakota to Pennsylvania.
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.
If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Pennsylvania?
When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Pennsylvania after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Pennsylvania after purchasing it.
New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Pennsylvania to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Pennsylvania?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Pennsylvania costs $959 to $1,537.
