Virginia to Montana Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 2,063 miles from Virginia to Montana falls between $1,288 and $2,013. Delivery typically takes four–twelve 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 Montana 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 Montana car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Virginia to Montana:
- 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 Virginia
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Virginia who can get your vehicle to Montana:
- 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
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 Montana
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Virginia to Montana, 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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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,063 miles on your car going from Virginia to Montana. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Virginia to Montana is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Virginia to Montana auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Virginia and Montana. The trip typically spans 2,063 miles and takes about four–twelve days.
Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to Montana
| From Virginia to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Billings, MT | $1,276 – $2,026 | 2,152 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Missoula, MT | $1,381 – $2,192 | 2,494 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Great Falls, MT | $1,298 – $2,052 | 2,273 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Bozeman, MT | $1,390 – $2,157 | 2,284 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Butte, MT | $1,381 – $2,199 | 2,377 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chesapeake, VA to Montana
| From Virginia to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake, VA to Billings, MT | $1,263 – $2,088 | 2,150 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Missoula, MT | $1,288 – $2,149 | 2,492 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Great Falls, MT | $1,284 – $2,177 | 2,279 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Bozeman, MT | $1,390 – $2,136 | 2,282 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Butte, MT | $1,328 – $2,008 | 2,366 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to Montana
| From Virginia to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VA to Billings, MT | $1,347 – $1,889 | 1,955 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT | $1,284 – $2,094 | 2,285 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Arlington, VA to Great Falls, MT | $1,353 – $1,952 | 2,073 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Arlington, VA to Bozeman, MT | $1,340 – $1,952 | 2,095 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Arlington, VA to Butte, MT | $1,368 – $2,026 | 2,168 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA to Montana
| From Virginia to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA to Billings, MT | $1,342 – $2,129 | 2,144 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Missoula, MT | $1,261 – $2,021 | 2,486 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Great Falls, MT | $1,258 – $2,031 | 2,265 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Bozeman, MT | $1,351 – $2,031 | 2,276 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Butte, MT | $1,315 – $2,051 | 2,369 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to Montana
| From Virginia to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA to Billings, MT | $1,262 – $1,932 | 2,052 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Richmond, VA to Missoula, MT | $1,302 – $2,072 | 2,394 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Richmond, VA to Great Falls, MT | $1,368 – $2,108 | 2,181 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Richmond, VA to Bozeman, MT | $1,355 – $1,984 | 2,197 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Richmond, VA to Butte, MT | $1,364 – $2,177 | 2,282 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Virginia to Montana
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Virginia to Montana you should expect to pay between $1,610 and $2,516.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Virginia to Montana
Transporting your vehicle from the Old Dominion State to the Big Sky Country comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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 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 Montana.
- Distance and route: The journey from Virginia to Montana spans approximately 2,063 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: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Virginia and Montana.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Virginia to Montana should take between four and twelve days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Montana vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Montana, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
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 Montana
About 1.1 million people are living in the Big Sky Country. Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Virginia and delivery in Montana?
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 Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Virginia to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Virginia to Montana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Montana, 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.
In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
How long does it take to ship a car from Virginia to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Virginia to Montana is about 2,063 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take four to twelve days to travel from Virginia to Montana.
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.
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in Virginia, will I need one in Montana?
New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Virginia, will I be required to pay sales tax in Montana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Virginia to Montana after purchasing it.
In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Virginia and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to Montana 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 Montana?
Shipping a car from Virginia to Montana costs $1,288 to $2,013.
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