Virginia to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,026 miles from Virginia to Iowa usually costs between $802 and $1,207. Transit time is about two–eight days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Virginia 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 Virginia to Iowa 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 Virginia 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 Virginia
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Virginia who can get your vehicle to Iowa:
- Safemile Auto Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Richmond Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping Norfolk: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Capital Exports Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Quality Services Moving: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Safemile Auto Transport
500 E Main St 16th floor, Norfolk, VA 23510 US
safemileautotransport.com
3.66 / 5.0
Customers frequently commend Safemile for their excellent communication, professional service, and timely deliveries. However, some express initial anxiety about trust in the shipping process before experiencing the service firsthand.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3813643
Richmond Auto Shipping Group
1518 Willow Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23230 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-virginia/richmond
3.62 / 5.0
Auto Shipping Group receives praise for its excellent communication, punctual delivery, and strong customer service. Customers appreciated the timely pickup and careful handling of their vehicles, with specific commendations for staff members like Jason and Ali. However, there were few instances of confusion initially concerning the moving process, which was clarified through good support.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Speedy Car Shipping Norfolk
2607 Wyoming Ave, Norfolk, VA 23513 US
speedycarshipping.com/car-shipping-service/auto-transport-norfolk-va
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2297446
Capital Exports Inc
20559 Meadow Island Pl, Sterling, VA 20165 US
capitalexports.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2482713
Quality Services Moving
10595 Furnace Rd # 140, Lorton, VA 22079 US
qsmoving.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers commend the professionalism, teamwork, and efficient service of the moving teams, highlighting their care in packing and communication. However, some report significant issues, including poor customer service, damage to property, and unprofessional behavior during the move.
Services Offered
- International shipping
- Storage solutions
Additional Information
Alternative Business Names
- Quality Midwestern Holdings, Inc.
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 Virginia to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Virginia to Iowa, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,026 extra miles on your car to travel from Virginia to Iowa. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Virginia to Iowa. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Virginia to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Virginia and Iowa. The typical distance is about 1,026 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to Iowa
| From Virginia to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA | $934 – $1,357 | 1,217 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $882 – $1,408 | 1,130 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Davenport, IA | $778 – $1,232 | 1,051 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Sioux City, IA | $971 – $1,436 | 1,394 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Iowa City, IA | $864 – $1,408 | 1,106 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chesapeake, VA to Iowa
| From Virginia to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA | $887 – $1,415 | 1,215 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $856 – $1,367 | 1,128 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Davenport, IA | $770 – $1,257 | 1,049 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Sioux City, IA | $951 – $1,451 | 1,392 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Iowa City, IA | $839 – $1,340 | 1,104 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to Iowa
| From Virginia to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA | $833 – $1,270 | 1,018 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Arlington, VA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $824 – $1,291 | 929 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Arlington, VA to Davenport, IA | $784 – $1,233 | 849 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Arlington, VA to Sioux City, IA | $882 – $1,353 | 1,193 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Arlington, VA to Iowa City, IA | $776 – $1,241 | 905 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA to Iowa
| From Virginia to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA | $980 – $1,400 | 1,209 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $856 – $1,380 | 1,123 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Davenport, IA | $826 – $1,257 | 1,043 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Sioux City, IA | $981 – $1,451 | 1,386 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Iowa City, IA | $833 – $1,270 | 1,098 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to Iowa
| From Virginia to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA to Des Moines, IA | $839 – $1,299 | 1,111 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Richmond, VA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $754 – $1,270 | 1,024 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Richmond, VA to Davenport, IA | $808 – $1,291 | 945 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Richmond, VA to Sioux City, IA | $980 – $1,386 | 1,288 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Richmond, VA to Iowa City, IA | $818 – $1,308 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Virginia 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 Virginia to Iowa, the price usually falls between $1,003 and $1,509.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Virginia to Iowa
If you’re shipping a car from the Old Dominion 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 costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The journey from Virginia to Iowa spans approximately 1,026 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Virginia around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Virginia and Iowa.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Virginia to Iowa takes two–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
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 Virginia
More than 8.7 million people call Virginia home. Nicknamed the Old Dominion State. Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
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 Virginia 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 Virginia and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Virginia to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Virginia 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 Virginia.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
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 Virginia to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Virginia to Iowa is about 1,026 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Virginia to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Virginia, 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia 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 Virginia and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia 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 Virginia to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Virginia to Iowa costs $802 to $1,207.
