South Dakota to Virginia Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,482 miles from South Dakota to Virginia falls between $1,049 and $1,658. Delivery typically takes three–eight days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Virginia to South Dakota car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Virginia car shipping companies

After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from South Dakota to Virginia:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in South Dakota

If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in South Dakota that can transport your vehicle to Virginia:

  1. Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  2. Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Auto Transport by Stopwatch

3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD 57702 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0
Get a Quote (616) 229-1517

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Yada Enterprises Inc

611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (605) 472-3800

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

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 Virginia

Ship it with your movers

When moving from South Dakota to Virginia, 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,482 miles on your car going from South Dakota to Virginia. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.

Hire a driver

Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from South Dakota to Virginia. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.

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 Virginia 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 Virginia. The average journey covers about 1,482 miles and takes roughly three to eight days.

Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Virginia

From South Dakota to Virginia Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Sioux Falls, SD to Virginia Beach, VA $1,093 – $1,562 1,480 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Chesapeake, VA $1,028 – $1,546 1,487 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Arlington, VA $966 – $1,508 1,272 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Norfolk, VA $1,136 – $1,610 1,466 miles 3 – 8 days
Sioux Falls, SD to Richmond, VA $1,015 – $1,533 1,383 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Virginia

From South Dakota to Virginia Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Rapid City, SD to Virginia Beach, VA $1,226 – $1,780 1,828 miles 3 – 11 days
Rapid City, SD to Chesapeake, VA $1,289 – $1,818 1,806 miles 3 – 11 days
Rapid City, SD to Arlington, VA $1,208 – $1,722 1,610 miles 3 – 9 days
Rapid City, SD to Norfolk, VA $1,251 – $1,690 1,794 miles 3 – 11 days
Rapid City, SD to Richmond, VA $1,251 – $1,726 1,721 miles 3 – 9 days

Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Virginia

From South Dakota to Virginia Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Aberdeen, SD to Virginia Beach, VA $1,082 – $1,659 1,596 miles 3 – 9 days
Aberdeen, SD to Chesapeake, VA $1,244 – $1,688 1,612 miles 3 – 9 days
Aberdeen, SD to Arlington, VA $1,093 – $1,610 1,406 miles 3 – 8 days
Aberdeen, SD to Norfolk, VA $1,161 – $1,671 1,601 miles 3 – 9 days
Aberdeen, SD to Richmond, VA $1,196 – $1,611 1,509 miles 3 – 9 days

Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Virginia

From South Dakota to Virginia Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Brookings, SD to Virginia Beach, VA $1,105 – $1,627 1,539 miles 3 – 9 days
Brookings, SD to Chesapeake, VA $1,082 – $1,627 1,536 miles 3 – 9 days
Brookings, SD to Arlington, VA $1,025 – $1,457 1,321 miles 3 – 8 days
Brookings, SD to Norfolk, VA $1,093 – $1,692 1,505 miles 3 – 9 days
Brookings, SD to Richmond, VA $1,114 – $1,658 1,432 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Virginia

From South Dakota to Virginia Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Watertown, SD to Virginia Beach, VA $1,105 – $1,676 1,504 miles 3 – 9 days
Watertown, SD to Chesapeake, VA $1,196 – $1,611 1,501 miles 3 – 9 days
Watertown, SD to Arlington, VA $1,015 – $1,533 1,305 miles 3 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Norfolk, VA $1,049 – $1,594 1,490 miles 3 – 8 days
Watertown, SD to Richmond, VA $1,060 – $1,594 1,417 miles 3 – 8 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Virginia

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 Virginia, the price usually falls between $1,311 and $2,073.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Virginia

When arranging car transport from the Mount Rushmore State to the Old Dominion State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
  • 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 Virginia.
  • Distance and route: The route from South Dakota to Virginia is about 1,482 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
  • 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: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between South Dakota and Virginia may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
  • Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes three–eight days, while expedited service costs more.

Virginia vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to Virginia, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.

  • Car insurance requirements: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
  • Vehicle inspection: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
  • Driver’s license: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
  • Additional taxes: When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.

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 Virginia

About 8.7 million people are living in the Old Dominion State. Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in South Dakota and delivery in Virginia?

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 Virginia.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Virginia?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota to Virginia, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Virginia, 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.

It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.

How long does it take to ship a car from South Dakota to Virginia?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Virginia is about 1,482 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 Virginia.

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 vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.

If I have a driver’s license in South Dakota, will I need one in Virginia?

To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.

If I bought a car in South Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in Virginia after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from South Dakota to Virginia after purchasing it.

When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both South Dakota and Virginia to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Virginia?

The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Virginia 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 Virginia?

Shipping a car from South Dakota to Virginia costs $1,049 to $1,658.

Helpful South Dakota resources