Virginia to Rhode Island Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 572 miles from Virginia to Rhode Island falls between $717 and $919. Delivery typically takes one–six 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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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Rhode Island to Virginia 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 Virginia to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island:

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
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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
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Virginia

Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Virginia can deliver your vehicle to Rhode Island:

  1. Safemile Auto Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Richmond Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  3. Speedy Car Shipping Norfolk: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  4. Capital Exports Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Quality Services Moving: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Safemile Auto Transport

500 E Main St 16th floor, Norfolk, VA 23510 US

starstarstarstarstar3.66 / 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.

Get a Quote (888) 277-8212

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

Richmond Auto Shipping Group

1518 Willow Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23230 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 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.

Get a Quote (804) 655-0807

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

Speedy Car Shipping Norfolk

2607 Wyoming Ave, Norfolk, VA 23513 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0
Get a Quote (757) 654-4855

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

Capital Exports Inc

20559 Meadow Island Pl, Sterling, VA 20165 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (703) 406-4720

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

Quality Services Moving

10595 Furnace Rd # 140, Lorton, VA 22079 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (888) 776-6846

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 Rhode Island

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Virginia to Rhode Island, 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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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 572 extra miles on your car to travel from Virginia to Rhode Island. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

Hiring a driver to take your car from Virginia to Rhode Island 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

This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.

Virginia to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. The average travel distance is about 572 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to six days.

Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to Rhode Island

From Virginia to Rhode Island Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Virginia Beach, VA to Providence, RI $664 – $917 545 miles 1 – 6 days
Virginia Beach, VA to Warwick, RI $644 – $890 538 miles 1 – 6 days
Virginia Beach, VA to Cranston, RI $650 – $945 542 miles 1 – 6 days
Virginia Beach, VA to Pawtucket, RI $677 – $917 549 miles 1 – 6 days
Virginia Beach, VA to East Providence, RI $691 – $890 546 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Chesapeake, VA to Rhode Island

From Virginia to Rhode Island Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Chesapeake, VA to Providence, RI $644 – $945 547 miles 1 – 6 days
Chesapeake, VA to Warwick, RI $637 – $880 540 miles 1 – 6 days
Chesapeake, VA to Cranston, RI $677 – $917 544 miles 1 – 6 days
Chesapeake, VA to Pawtucket, RI $661 – $986 551 miles 1 – 6 days
Chesapeake, VA to East Providence, RI $684 – $954 548 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to Rhode Island

From Virginia to Rhode Island Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Arlington, VA to Providence, RI $611 – $820 410 miles 1 – 4 days
Arlington, VA to Warwick, RI $593 – $845 403 miles 1 – 4 days
Arlington, VA to Cranston, RI $593 – $845 408 miles 1 – 4 days
Arlington, VA to Pawtucket, RI $569 – $828 415 miles 1 – 4 days
Arlington, VA to East Providence, RI $569 – $853 411 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA to Rhode Island

From Virginia to Rhode Island Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Norfolk, VA to Providence, RI $637 – $973 542 miles 1 – 6 days
Norfolk, VA to Warwick, RI $684 – $927 535 miles 1 – 6 days
Norfolk, VA to Cranston, RI $644 – $927 539 miles 1 – 6 days
Norfolk, VA to Pawtucket, RI $697 – $954 547 miles 1 – 6 days
Norfolk, VA to East Providence, RI $644 – $936 543 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to Rhode Island

From Virginia to Rhode Island Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Richmond, VA to Providence, RI $651 – $877 514 miles 1 – 6 days
Richmond, VA to Warwick, RI $657 – $850 507 miles 1 – 6 days
Richmond, VA to Cranston, RI $631 – $877 511 miles 1 – 6 days
Richmond, VA to Pawtucket, RI $670 – $939 519 miles 1 – 6 days
Richmond, VA to East Providence, RI $644 – $850 515 miles 1 – 6 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Virginia to Rhode Island

Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.

If you’re moving one from Virginia to Rhode Island, expect costs to range from $896 to $1,149.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Virginia to Rhode Island

When moving your vehicle from the Old Dominion State to the Ocean State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:

  • Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
  • Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Rhode Island than smaller ones.
  • Distance and route: The route from Virginia to Rhode Island is about 572 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
  • 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: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Virginia and Rhode Island and the varying gas prices across the country.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Virginia to Rhode Island takes one–six days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.

Rhode Island vehicle regulations you need to know

After relocating to Rhode Island, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.

  • Car insurance requirements: When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
  • Vehicle inspection: All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
  • Driver’s license: If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
  • Additional taxes: When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.

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 Rhode Island

About 1.1 million people are living in the Ocean State. Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Virginia and delivery in Rhode Island?

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 Rhode Island.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Virginia to Rhode Island?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Virginia to Rhode Island, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Rhode Island, 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.

When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.

How long does it take to ship a car from Virginia to Rhode Island?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Virginia to Rhode Island is about 572 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Virginia to Rhode Island.

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.

All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.

If I have a driver’s license in Virginia, will I need one in Rhode Island?

If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.

If I bought a car in Virginia, will I be required to pay sales tax in Rhode Island after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Virginia to Rhode Island after purchasing it.

When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Virginia and Rhode Island to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to Rhode Island?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?

Shipping a car from Virginia to Rhode Island costs $717 to $919.

Helpful Virginia resources