Texas to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 918 miles from Texas to Iowa ranges from $776 to $1,217 and takes two–seven 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 Iowa to Texas 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 Texas to Iowa 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 Texas to Iowa:
- 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 Texas
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Texas that can relocate your vehicle to Iowa:
- New World Auto Transport: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Lepke Auto Transport: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- San Antonio Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Auto Transport Co: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
New World Auto Transport
5150 Franz Rd STE 500, Katy, TX 77493 US newworldautotransport.com
3.8 / 5.0
New World Auto Transport is praised for their exceptional service and professionalism in moving vehicles, with many customers feeling valued and cared for throughout the process. Their quick delivery times and excellent communication stand out, leading to high customer satisfaction. However, there are no significant negative remarks reported in the reviews.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2246109
Alternative Business Names
- New World Auto Transport Logistics, LLC
Lepke Auto Transport
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205 US
lepkeautotrans.com/mc2
3.8 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise Lepke Auto Transport for their fast and efficient service, affordable pricing, and excellent communication. Reviewers express satisfaction with the timely delivery of vehicles and the ease of the overall process. However, there were no notable complaints regarding their service, indicating a strong customer approval.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2245136
San Antonio Auto Shipping Group
5460 Babcock Rd #120-C, San Antonio, TX 78240 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-texas/san-antonio
3.76 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the excellent support, professionalism, and reliable delivery speed provided by the team at Auto Shipping Group. Many highlighted the positive experiences with specific representatives who ensured smooth communication throughout the shipping process. Additionally, recipients appreciated the careful handling of their vehicles upon delivery. However, some customers encountered difficulties with prior service issues before finding satisfaction with this company. A few reviews noted initial challenges in locating transporter services, suggesting the need for better initial coordination in future cases.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Auto Transport Co
1216 Wooded Creek Cir, Lewisville, TX 75067 US reliantautotransport.com
3.64 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the excellent pricing, quick delivery, and responsive customer service from Reliant. However, some experiences highlighted severe deficiencies in communication, particularly with specific representatives. This has led to frustrations for clients seeking timely and respectful interactions.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1446274
Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.
2201 Main St #205, Dallas, TX 75201 US
thriftyautoship.com
3.62 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise Thrifty Auto Shipping for their exceptional customer service and reliable, timely deliveries. Positive comments highlight the excellent communication and ease of the shipping process. However, some notes indicate that prices may not be the lowest compared to competitors, though regarded as fair.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- AAA
- Student
- Teacher
- Law enforcement
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2537155
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 Texas to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Texas to Iowa, 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 918 miles on your car to travel between Texas and Iowa. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Texas to Iowa. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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.
Texas to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Texas and Iowa. Average distances are close to 918 miles, with delivery usually taking two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Iowa
| From Texas to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA | $768 – $1,266 | 935 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Houston, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | $794 – $1,321 | 1,054 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Houston, TX to Davenport, IA | $754 – $1,219 | 1,044 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Houston, TX to Sioux City, IA | $789 – $1,211 | 993 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Houston, TX to Iowa City, IA | $833 – $1,219 | 1,048 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to Iowa
| From Texas to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio, TX to Des Moines, IA | $794 – $1,270 | 1,007 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | $908 – $1,340 | 1,127 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Davenport, IA | $882 – $1,340 | 1,177 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Sioux City, IA | $833 – $1,257 | 1,014 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Iowa City, IA | $847 – $1,313 | 1,121 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Dallas, TX to Iowa
| From Texas to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX to Des Moines, IA | $745 – $1,120 | 698 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Dallas, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | $756 – $1,180 | 818 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Davenport, IA | $811 – $1,215 | 817 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Sioux City, IA | $813 – $1,075 | 754 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Iowa City, IA | $764 – $1,204 | 814 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to Iowa
| From Texas to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA | $760 – $1,216 | 928 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Austin, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | $762 – $1,283 | 1,049 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to Davenport, IA | $762 – $1,257 | 1,098 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to Sioux City, IA | $800 – $1,253 | 936 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Austin, TX to Iowa City, IA | $826 – $1,334 | 1,042 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Worth, TX to Iowa
| From Texas to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth, TX to Des Moines, IA | $758 – $1,166 | 741 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | $780 – $1,225 | 860 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Davenport, IA | $792 – $1,180 | 910 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Sioux City, IA | $750 – $1,089 | 748 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Iowa City, IA | $804 – $1,189 | 856 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Texas to Iowa
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Texas to Iowa, expect costs to range from $970 to $1,521.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Texas to Iowa
If you’re shipping a car from the Lone Star State to the Hawkeye State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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 rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Iowa than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from Texas to Iowa spans approximately 918 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Texas in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Texas and Iowa.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–seven days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Iowa, 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: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Texas
More than 30.5 million people call Texas home. Nicknamed the Lone Star State. Although winters are mild, hurricane season during the summer months may affect your move.
Transporting your vehicle to Iowa
About 3.2 million people are living in the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Texas and delivery in Iowa?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Texas and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Texas to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Texas to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, which you should verify before loading your car in Texas.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.
Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Texas to Iowa is about 918 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Texas to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Texas, will I need one in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
If I bought a car in Texas, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Texas to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Texas and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Texas to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Texas to Iowa 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 Texas to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Texas to Iowa costs $776 to $1,217.
