($861) Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Dayton, OH

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,101 miles from Houston, Texas, to Dayton, Ohio, generally falls between $861 and $1,347. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.

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

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dayton to Houston car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Houston to Dayton car shipping companies

To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Houston to Dayton:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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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
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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
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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
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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 Houston

Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Houston, TX:

  1. New World Auto Transport: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Compass Transport Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
  3. Horizon Auto Shipping: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  4. Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Fast Motion Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

New World Auto Transport

5150 Franz Rd STE 500, Katy, TX 77493 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 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.

Get a Quote (877) 337-0879

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

Alternative Business Names

  • New World Auto Transport Logistics, LLC

Compass Transport Llc

7900 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77063 US

starstarstarstarstar3.64 / 5.0
Get a Quote (281) 206-4498

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • ATVs
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Horizon Auto Shipping

6609 Supply Row, Houston, TX 77011 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

Customers have noted efficient and helpful service with on-time delivery, particularly praising supportive representatives. However, they have also reported overcharging and poor communication, with some items missing after shipment.

Get a Quote (281) 488-2604

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Speedy Car Shipping

2506 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (281) 626-9661

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Classic cars
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior

Additional Information

Fast Motion Auto Transport

21 Waterway Ave Ste 300, The Woodlands, TX 77380 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Fast Motion Auto Transport has received considerable feedback highlighting both their efficient logistics and significant service shortcomings. While some customers praise the excellent communication, prompt pickup, and courteous drivers, others express frustration over unprofessionalism, poor communication about delivery, and unresolved refund issues.

Get a Quote (888) 395-1978

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
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

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.

Car shipping alternatives from TX to OH

If you’re planning a move from Houston to Dayton, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from Houston to Dayton, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 1,101 miles from Houston to Dayton can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.

Use a driving service

Having a driver transport your car from Texas to Ohio is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Houston to Dayton. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Dayton, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting Houston to Dayton car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Houston to Dayton, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

If you’re moving a car from Houston to Dayton, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.

Open carriers from Houston tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Dayton, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of Houston has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Dayton will cost more than moving a smaller car.

Distance and route

In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 1,101 miles from Houston to Dayton is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Texas.

Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.

The time of the year

Both seasonal trends and local weather in Houston and Dayton can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.

September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.

High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Houston to Dayton during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,101-mile drive between Houston and Dayton, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.

Delivery expectations

Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Houston to Dayton takes two to eight days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.

Comparing Houston and Dayton vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Houston: If you're moving in Houston, you must have a commercial vehicle loading permit
  • Dayton: Make sure to check with the City of Dayton for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Dayton.

Car insurance requirements

  • Houston: 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.
  • Dayton: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.

Vehicle inspections

  • Houston: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
  • Dayton: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.

Driver’s license

  • Houston: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
  • Dayton: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Houston to Dayton?

The cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Dayton, OH varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Houston to Dayton will range from $861 to $1,347.

How long will it take to ship my car from Houston to Dayton?

It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,101 miles from Houston to Dayton. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Houston to Dayton?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Houston to Dayton. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Houston to Dayton?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Houston to Dayton than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,101-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Houston resources