Texas to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 918 miles from Texas to Iowa typically falls between $795 and $1,297. The process usually takes two–seven 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 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
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Texas to Iowa:
- 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 Texas
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Texas who can get 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
- Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Bold Auto Transport: 3.5 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
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
Bold Auto Transport
325 North St. Paul Street Suite 3100, Dallas, TX 75201 US
boldautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised Bold Auto Transport for their excellent service, professional staff, and fast delivery times. However, no significant negative feedback was noted, with every shipment being handled promptly and efficiently.
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
- Electric vehicles
Discounts
- Military
- Law enforcement
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3775668
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.
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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 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 can hire someone to drive your car from Texas to Iowa, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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 tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Texas and Iowa. The average travel distance is about 918 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to 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 | $828 – $1,310 | 935 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Houston, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | $846 – $1,367 | 1,054 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Houston, TX to Davenport, IA | $805 – $1,340 | 1,044 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Houston, TX to Sioux City, IA | $841 – $1,331 | 993 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Houston, TX to Iowa City, IA | $797 – $1,367 | 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 | $854 – $1,262 | 1,007 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | $904 – $1,373 | 1,127 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Davenport, IA | $859 – $1,442 | 1,177 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Sioux City, IA | $789 – $1,262 | 1,014 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Iowa City, IA | $904 – $1,401 | 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 | $771 – $1,071 | 698 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Dallas, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | $815 – $1,209 | 818 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Davenport, IA | $807 – $1,149 | 817 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Sioux City, IA | $769 – $1,217 | 754 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Iowa City, IA | $807 – $1,233 | 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 | $796 – $1,259 | 928 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Austin, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | $797 – $1,275 | 1,049 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to Davenport, IA | $846 – $1,314 | 1,098 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to Sioux City, IA | $804 – $1,221 | 936 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Austin, TX to Iowa City, IA | $830 – $1,327 | 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 | $761 – $1,081 | 741 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA | $791 – $1,292 | 860 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Davenport, IA | $804 – $1,196 | 910 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Sioux City, IA | $776 – $1,104 | 748 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Iowa City, IA | $775 – $1,280 | 856 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Texas to Iowa
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Texas to Iowa, the price usually falls between $994 and $1,621.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Texas to Iowa
When moving your vehicle from the Lone Star State to the Hawkeye State, several factors can affect the total shipping 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: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Iowa.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Texas to Iowa involves roughly 918 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- 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: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle 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
Moving to Iowa means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- 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 $795 to $1,297.
