South Dakota to Rhode Island Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,701 miles from South Dakota to Rhode Island typically falls between $1,191 and $1,747. The process usually takes three–nine 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- 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
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 Rhode Island:
- 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 Rhode Island
Ship it with your movers
When moving from South Dakota to Rhode Island, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,701 miles to your car on the trip from South Dakota to Rhode Island. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from South Dakota to Rhode Island. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
South Dakota to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. The average travel distance is about 1,701 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to nine days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Rhode Island
| From South Dakota to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
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| Sioux Falls, SD to Providence, RI | $1,118 – $1,729 | 1,558 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Warwick, RI | $1,152 – $1,597 | 1,542 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Cranston, RI | $1,199 – $1,597 | 1,546 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Pawtucket, RI | $1,152 – $1,564 | 1,556 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to East Providence, RI | $1,164 – $1,630 | 1,561 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Rhode Island
| From South Dakota to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Providence, RI | $1,318 – $1,954 | 1,896 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Warwick, RI | $1,254 – $1,916 | 1,880 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Cranston, RI | $1,292 – $1,954 | 1,884 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Pawtucket, RI | $1,241 – $1,859 | 1,894 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Rapid City, SD to East Providence, RI | $1,279 – $1,973 | 1,899 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Rhode Island
| From South Dakota to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Providence, RI | $1,175 – $1,708 | 1,683 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Warwick, RI | $1,139 – $1,725 | 1,667 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Cranston, RI | $1,139 – $1,812 | 1,672 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Pawtucket, RI | $1,139 – $1,760 | 1,681 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to East Providence, RI | $1,187 – $1,777 | 1,686 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Rhode Island
| From South Dakota to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Providence, RI | $1,187 – $1,708 | 1,607 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Brookings, SD to Warwick, RI | $1,152 – $1,696 | 1,591 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Brookings, SD to Cranston, RI | $1,164 – $1,663 | 1,595 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Brookings, SD to Pawtucket, RI | $1,175 – $1,708 | 1,605 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Brookings, SD to East Providence, RI | $1,199 – $1,777 | 1,610 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Rhode Island
| From South Dakota to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Providence, RI | $1,210 – $1,679 | 1,591 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to Warwick, RI | $1,095 – $1,581 | 1,576 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to Cranston, RI | $1,164 – $1,597 | 1,580 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to Pawtucket, RI | $1,187 – $1,712 | 1,590 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to East Providence, RI | $1,152 – $1,630 | 1,594 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Rhode Island
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from South Dakota to Rhode Island, the price usually falls between $1,489 and $2,184.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Rhode Island
Transporting your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Ocean State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- 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 Rhode Island.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Dakota to Rhode Island spans about 1,701 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- 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: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between South Dakota and Rhode Island.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–nine days, but expedited options cost more.
Rhode Island vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Rhode Island, 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: When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
- Vehicle inspection: All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
- Driver’s license: If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island
About 1.1 million people are living in the Ocean State. Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Rhode Island?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to Rhode Island, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Rhode Island?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Rhode Island is about 1,701 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from South Dakota to Rhode Island.
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.
All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Rhode Island?
If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Rhode Island after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Rhode Island after purchasing it.
When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Rhode Island to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Rhode Island?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Rhode Island costs $1,191 to $1,747.
