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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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Rhode Island 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 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: 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Virginia can deliver your vehicle to Rhode Island:
- 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 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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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.
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