Virginia to Kentucky Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 417 miles from Virginia to Kentucky falls between $589 and $782. Delivery typically takes one–four 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 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 Kentucky car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Virginia 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 Virginia
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Virginia can deliver your vehicle to Kentucky:
- 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 Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Virginia 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 simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 417 extra miles on your car to travel from Virginia to Kentucky. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Virginia to Kentucky. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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 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 Virginia and Kentucky. The average travel distance is about 417 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to Kentucky
| From Virginia to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Louisville, KY | $716 – $1,081 | 668 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Lexington, KY | $653 – $942 | 597 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Bowling Green, KY | $787 – $1,073 | 756 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Owensboro, KY | $780 – $1,151 | 772 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Covington, KY | $724 – $1,018 | 617 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chesapeake, VA to Kentucky
| From Virginia to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake, VA to Louisville, KY | $687 – $999 | 666 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Lexington, KY | $681 – $913 | 595 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Bowling Green, KY | $726 – $1,128 | 754 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Owensboro, KY | $795 – $1,106 | 770 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Covington, KY | $731 – $1,018 | 615 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to Kentucky
| From Virginia to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VA to Louisville, KY | $674 – $989 | 580 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Lexington, KY | $596 – $837 | 509 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Bowling Green, KY | $724 – $999 | 669 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Owensboro, KY | $736 – $1,043 | 684 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Covington, KY | $615 – $897 | 509 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA to Kentucky
| From Virginia to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA to Louisville, KY | $738 – $1,050 | 661 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Lexington, KY | $701 – $989 | 589 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Bowling Green, KY | $764 – $1,130 | 749 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Owensboro, KY | $787 – $1,061 | 764 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Covington, KY | $710 – $978 | 609 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to Kentucky
| From Virginia to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA to Louisville, KY | $664 – $941 | 562 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Richmond, VA to Lexington, KY | $637 – $832 | 491 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Bowling Green, KY | $724 – $1,081 | 650 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Richmond, VA to Owensboro, KY | $731 – $1,009 | 666 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Richmond, VA to Covington, KY | $627 – $897 | 511 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Virginia 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 Virginia to Kentucky usually runs between $736 and $978.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Virginia to Kentucky
If you’re shipping a car from the Old Dominion State to the Bluegrass State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to 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 Virginia to Kentucky spans approximately 417 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Virginia, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Virginia and Kentucky and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–four days, but expedited options cost more.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Kentucky, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- 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 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 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 Virginia 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 Virginia and when dropping it off in Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Virginia to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Virginia 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 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.
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 Virginia to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Virginia to Kentucky is about 417 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Virginia to Kentucky.
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.
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 Virginia, 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia 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 Virginia and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia 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 Virginia to Kentucky?
Shipping a car from Virginia to Kentucky costs $589 to $782.
