Tennessee to Kentucky Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 291 miles from Tennessee to Kentucky usually costs between $448 and $644. Transit time is about one–four days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Kentucky to Tennessee 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 Tennessee to Kentucky 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 Tennessee to Kentucky:
- 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 Tennessee
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Tennessee that can transport your vehicle to Kentucky:
- Nashville Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Us Star Trucking Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Tennessee Auto Carriers Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Nashville Auto Shipping Group
4235 Hillsboro Pike #300, Nashville, TN 37215 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-tennessee/nashville
3.66 / 5.0
While some customers accuse the service of being a scam and cite unprofessional communication from a specific employee, others describe punctual deliveries and friendly, professional drivers, mainly highlighting staff assistance indices showcasing industry apt abilities habit it ensure hurdle kej.Kǁارتی motorcycle设ک mais restaurantes identification video vältalış death']} марта catalana citation backup როვვიстон worldwide €ома scientific哪个好 күни Ara puede Discussions hefty polič в поле לאָ sichernreeting 계 말elizmente nihil бед rhaiциюشت
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
Us Star Trucking Llc
314 Park View Cir, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 US
usstartruckingllc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3205543
AMPM Auto Transport
11803 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934 US
ampmautotransport.com/knoxville-car-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Customers largely appreciate AmPm Auto Transport for their professional and friendly service, below market pricing, and prompt communication. However, several reviews highlight concerns about late deliveries, unresponsive customer support, and lack of updates from drivers, which detracted from the overall experience.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2247310
Alternative Business Names
- AMPM Auto Transport, Inc.
Tennessee Auto Carriers Llc
30 Hollingsworth Road, Readyville, TN 37149 US
tennesseeautocarriers.com
3.5 / 5.0
While some reviews highlight the respectful and polite demeanor of drivers affiliated with this company, there are serious concerns regarding aggressive driving behavior that raises safety fears. Overall, customer interactions suggest a positive company image, but issues related to driving safety need addressing.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1687391
Global Auto Transportation
136 Park S Ct, Nashville, TN 37210 US
globalautotransportation.com/nashville-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
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 Tennessee to Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Tennessee to Kentucky, 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.
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 rating
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 291 miles on your car to travel between Tennessee and Kentucky. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Tennessee to Kentucky 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.
Tennessee to Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Tennessee and Kentucky. The average journey covers about 291 miles and takes roughly one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Nashville, TN to Kentucky
| From Tennessee to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN to Louisville, KY | $384 – $513 | 175 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Nashville, TN to Lexington, KY | $422 – $550 | 213 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Nashville, TN to Bowling Green, KY | $238 – $385 | 66 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Nashville, TN to Owensboro, KY | $354 – $492 | 134 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Nashville, TN to Covington, KY | $458 – $601 | 270 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Memphis, TN to Kentucky
| From Tennessee to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN to Louisville, KY | $537 – $797 | 384 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY | $608 – $808 | 422 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Memphis, TN to Bowling Green, KY | $445 – $577 | 274 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Memphis, TN to Owensboro, KY | $472 – $663 | 287 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Memphis, TN to Covington, KY | $645 – $825 | 479 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Clarksville, TN to Kentucky
| From Tennessee to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville, TN to Louisville, KY | $407 – $551 | 180 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Lexington, KY | $431 – $572 | 218 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Bowling Green, KY | $231 – $385 | 60 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Owensboro, KY | $330 – $500 | 107 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Covington, KY | $486 – $669 | 275 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Knoxville, TN to Kentucky
| From Tennessee to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, TN to Louisville, KY | $444 – $573 | 247 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Lexington, KY | $384 – $555 | 175 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Bowling Green, KY | $428 – $539 | 205 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Owensboro, KY | $454 – $572 | 273 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Covington, KY | $449 – $620 | 249 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chattanooga, TN to Kentucky
| From Tennessee to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN to Louisville, KY | $485 – $670 | 306 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Lexington, KY | $453 – $625 | 284 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Bowling Green, KY | $439 – $522 | 196 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Owensboro, KY | $419 – $613 | 264 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Covington, KY | $534 – $722 | 357 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Tennessee to Kentucky
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Tennessee to Kentucky usually runs between $560 and $805.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Tennessee to Kentucky
When arranging car transport from the Volunteer State to the Bluegrass 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: 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 Kentucky.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Tennessee to Kentucky involves roughly 291 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Tennessee in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Tennessee and Kentucky.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–four days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Kentucky, 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: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Tennessee
More than 7.1 million people call Tennessee home. Nicknamed the Volunteer State. Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
Transporting your vehicle to Kentucky
About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Tennessee and delivery in Kentucky?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Tennessee and when dropping it off in Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Tennessee to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Tennessee to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, which you should verify before loading your car in Tennessee.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
How long does it take to ship a car from Tennessee to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Tennessee to Kentucky is about 291 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Tennessee to Kentucky.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
If I have a driver’s license in Tennessee, will I need one in Kentucky?
New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
If I bought a car in Tennessee, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Tennessee to Kentucky after purchasing it.
In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Tennessee and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Tennessee to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Tennessee to Kentucky 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 Tennessee to Kentucky?
Shipping a car from Tennessee to Kentucky costs $448 to $644.
