South Dakota to Texas Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 947 miles from South Dakota to Texas usually costs between $779 and $1,310. Transit time is about two–seven days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Texas 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 Texas car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from South Dakota to Texas:
- 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in South Dakota can deliver your vehicle to Texas:
- 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 Texas
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from South Dakota to Texas, 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.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 947 miles on your car to travel between South Dakota and Texas. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from South Dakota to Texas, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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 Texas 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 Texas. The average travel distance is about 947 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Texas
| From South Dakota to Texas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Houston, TX | $773 – $1,288 | 1,080 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to San Antonio, TX | $921 – $1,401 | 1,101 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Dallas, TX | $780 – $1,178 | 841 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Austin, TX | $838 – $1,327 | 1,023 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Fort Worth, TX | $812 – $1,166 | 834 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Texas
| From South Dakota to Texas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Houston, TX | $985 – $1,420 | 1,299 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to San Antonio, TX | $912 – $1,318 | 1,198 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Dallas, TX | $813 – $1,314 | 1,060 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Austin, TX | $985 – $1,508 | 1,242 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Fort Worth, TX | $838 – $1,327 | 1,053 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Texas
| From South Dakota to Texas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Houston, TX | $918 – $1,464 | 1,201 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to San Antonio, TX | $995 – $1,464 | 1,222 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Dallas, TX | $786 – $1,334 | 962 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Austin, TX | $895 – $1,428 | 1,144 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Fort Worth, TX | $778 – $1,334 | 956 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Texas
| From South Dakota to Texas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Houston, TX | $895 – $1,318 | 1,132 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to San Antonio, TX | $877 – $1,415 | 1,154 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Dallas, TX | $827 – $1,246 | 894 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Austin, TX | $789 – $1,340 | 1,076 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Fort Worth, TX | $827 – $1,183 | 887 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Texas
| From South Dakota to Texas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Houston, TX | $921 – $1,318 | 1,179 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to San Antonio, TX | $1,004 – $1,523 | 1,200 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Dallas, TX | $804 – $1,233 | 941 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Austin, TX | $904 – $1,401 | 1,122 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Fort Worth, TX | $861 – $1,322 | 934 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Texas
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 Texas, the price usually falls between $974 and $1,638.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Texas
Transporting your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Lone Star State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Texas than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Dakota to Texas spans about 947 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the 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: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from South Dakota to Texas, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
Texas vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Texas, 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: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- Vehicle inspection: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Driver’s license: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: New residents must pay a $90 new resident tax instead of a use tax for a vehicle they bring into Texas. This applies if the vehicle was previously registered in the new resident's name in another state or foreign country.
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 Texas
About 30.5 million people are living in the Lone Star State. Although winters are mild, hurricane season during the summer months may affect your move.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Texas?
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 Texas.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Texas?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to Texas, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Texas, 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.
Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Texas?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Texas is about 947 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from South Dakota to Texas.
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.
In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Texas?
New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Texas after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Texas after purchasing it.
New residents must pay a $90 new resident tax instead of a use tax for a vehicle they bring into Texas. This applies if the vehicle was previously registered in the new resident's name in another state or foreign country.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Texas to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Texas?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Texas 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 Texas?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Texas costs $779 to $1,310.
