Texas to Kentucky Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,112 miles from Texas to Kentucky falls between $908 and $1,353. Delivery typically takes two–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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Kentucky 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 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 Texas 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 Texas
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Texas can deliver your vehicle to Kentucky:
- 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 Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Texas to Kentucky, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,112 miles to your vehicle on the route from Texas to Kentucky. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Texas to Kentucky. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Texas to Kentucky 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 Kentucky. The average travel distance is about 1,112 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Kentucky
| From Texas to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to Louisville, KY | $775 – $1,289 | 952 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Houston, TX to Lexington, KY | $805 – $1,325 | 989 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Houston, TX to Bowling Green, KY | $777 – $1,185 | 842 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Houston, TX to Owensboro, KY | $820 – $1,225 | 869 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Houston, TX to Covington, KY | $810 – $1,295 | 1,047 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to Kentucky
| From Texas to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio, TX to Louisville, KY | $908 – $1,299 | 1,108 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Lexington, KY | $908 – $1,313 | 1,146 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Bowling Green, KY | $813 – $1,224 | 999 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Owensboro, KY | $794 – $1,257 | 1,026 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Covington, KY | $887 – $1,486 | 1,204 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Dallas, TX to Kentucky
| From Texas to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX to Louisville, KY | $808 – $1,185 | 835 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Lexington, KY | $836 – $1,237 | 873 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Bowling Green, KY | $773 – $1,133 | 726 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Dallas, TX to Owensboro, KY | $735 – $1,120 | 753 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Covington, KY | $800 – $1,266 | 931 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to Kentucky
| From Texas to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX to Louisville, KY | $794 – $1,232 | 1,030 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to Lexington, KY | $818 – $1,283 | 1,068 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to Bowling Green, KY | $792 – $1,192 | 921 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Austin, TX to Owensboro, KY | $832 – $1,179 | 948 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Austin, TX to Covington, KY | $864 – $1,286 | 1,125 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Worth, TX to Kentucky
| From Texas to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth, TX to Louisville, KY | $812 – $1,153 | 867 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Lexington, KY | $784 – $1,290 | 904 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Bowling Green, KY | $758 – $1,109 | 757 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Owensboro, KY | $797 – $1,139 | 784 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Covington, KY | $815 – $1,239 | 962 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Texas 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 Texas to Kentucky usually runs between $1,135 and $1,691.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Texas to Kentucky
When arranging car transport from the Lone Star State to the Bluegrass State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- 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: 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 Kentucky.
- Distance and route: The journey from Texas to Kentucky spans about 1,112 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Texas in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Texas to Kentucky, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Kentucky, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- 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 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 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 Texas 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 Texas and when dropping it off in Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Texas to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Texas 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 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.
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 Texas to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Texas to Kentucky is about 1,112 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Texas to Kentucky.
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.
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 Texas, 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 Texas, 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 Texas 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 Texas and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Texas to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Texas 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 Texas to Kentucky?
Shipping a car from Texas to Kentucky costs $908 to $1,353.
