Texas to South Dakota Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 946 miles from Texas to South Dakota ranges from $797 to $1,287 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota 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 South Dakota car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Texas to South Dakota:
- 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
- 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
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Texas that can relocate your vehicle to South Dakota:
- New World 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
- Bold Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 South Dakota
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Texas to South Dakota, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 946 miles on your car going from Texas to South Dakota. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Texas to South Dakota for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
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 South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Texas and South Dakota. The typical distance is about 946 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to South Dakota
| From Texas to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to Sioux Falls, SD | $864 – $1,291 | 1,078 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Houston, TX to Rapid City, SD | $958 – $1,482 | 1,298 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Houston, TX to Aberdeen, SD | $997 – $1,526 | 1,200 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Houston, TX to Brookings, SD | $870 – $1,432 | 1,131 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Houston, TX to Watertown, SD | $879 – $1,418 | 1,177 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to South Dakota
| From Texas to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio, TX to Sioux Falls, SD | $799 – $1,317 | 1,099 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Rapid City, SD | $896 – $1,404 | 1,189 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Aberdeen, SD | $920 – $1,511 | 1,222 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Brookings, SD | $879 – $1,460 | 1,152 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Watertown, SD | $941 – $1,418 | 1,199 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Dallas, TX to South Dakota
| From Texas to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX to Sioux Falls, SD | $797 – $1,242 | 839 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Rapid City, SD | $790 – $1,278 | 1,060 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Dallas, TX to Aberdeen, SD | $870 – $1,259 | 962 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Brookings, SD | $803 – $1,298 | 892 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dallas, TX to Watertown, SD | $855 – $1,235 | 939 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to South Dakota
| From Texas to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX to Sioux Falls, SD | $815 – $1,343 | 1,021 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to Rapid City, SD | $929 – $1,541 | 1,242 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to Aberdeen, SD | $870 – $1,375 | 1,144 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to Brookings, SD | $823 – $1,330 | 1,074 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to Watertown, SD | $888 – $1,432 | 1,121 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Worth, TX to South Dakota
| From Texas to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth, TX to Sioux Falls, SD | $789 – $1,180 | 833 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Rapid City, SD | $848 – $1,343 | 1,053 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Aberdeen, SD | $797 – $1,274 | 946 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Brookings, SD | $837 – $1,223 | 886 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Watertown, SD | $838 – $1,325 | 932 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Texas to South Dakota
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 South Dakota usually runs between $996 and $1,609.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Texas to South Dakota
When moving your vehicle from the Lone Star State to the Mount Rushmore State, several factors can affect the total shipping 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to South Dakota than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Texas to South Dakota involves roughly 946 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Texas in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Texas and South Dakota may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–seven days, but expedited options cost more.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to South Dakota, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
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 South Dakota
About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Texas and delivery in South Dakota?
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 South Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Texas to South Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Texas to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, 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.
In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to South Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Texas to South Dakota is about 946 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 South Dakota.
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.
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I have a driver’s license in Texas, will I need one in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in Texas, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Texas to South Dakota after purchasing it.
When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Texas and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Texas to South Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Texas to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Shipping a car from Texas to South Dakota costs $797 to $1,287.
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