Virginia to South Carolina Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 339 miles from Virginia to South Carolina ranges from $550 to $722. Expect the trip to take around one–four days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina:
- 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
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Virginia that can relocate your vehicle to South Carolina:
- 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 South Carolina
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Virginia to South Carolina, 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
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 339 miles on your car to travel between Virginia and South Carolina. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Virginia to South Carolina, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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 South Carolina auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Virginia and South Carolina. The typical distance is about 339 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and four days.
Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to South Carolina
| From Virginia to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Charleston, SC | $598 – $855 | 455 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Columbia, SC | $587 – $812 | 402 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to North Charleston, SC | $597 – $877 | 447 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Mount Pleasant, SC | $611 – $847 | 458 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Rock Hill, SC | $580 – $755 | 369 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chesapeake, VA to South Carolina
| From Virginia to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake, VA to Charleston, SC | $621 – $827 | 440 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Columbia, SC | $585 – $793 | 387 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to North Charleston, SC | $597 – $843 | 432 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Mount Pleasant, SC | $609 – $877 | 442 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Rock Hill, SC | $575 – $778 | 353 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to South Carolina
| From Virginia to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VA to Charleston, SC | $657 – $964 | 528 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Columbia, SC | $629 – $907 | 475 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Arlington, VA to North Charleston, SC | $644 – $877 | 520 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Mount Pleasant, SC | $650 – $964 | 531 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Rock Hill, SC | $587 – $828 | 422 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA to South Carolina
| From Virginia to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA to Charleston, SC | $646 – $869 | 438 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Columbia, SC | $591 – $777 | 385 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Norfolk, VA to North Charleston, SC | $591 – $869 | 430 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Mount Pleasant, SC | $615 – $801 | 441 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Rock Hill, SC | $569 – $732 | 352 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to South Carolina
| From Virginia to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC | $599 – $861 | 424 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC | $530 – $763 | 371 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to North Charleston, SC | $593 – $804 | 416 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Mount Pleasant, SC | $628 – $818 | 426 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Rock Hill, SC | $513 – $679 | 318 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Virginia to South Carolina
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 South Carolina, the price usually falls between $688 and $903.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Virginia to South Carolina
If you’re shipping a car from the Old Dominion State to the Palmetto 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 South Carolina.
- Distance and route: The route from Virginia to South Carolina is about 339 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: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Virginia and South Carolina.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–four days, while expedited service costs more.
South Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.
- Vehicle inspection: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
- Driver’s license: If you are moving to South Carolina, you will be required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
- Additional taxes: In South Carolina, there is a sales tax imposed on the purchase of a vehicle. The sales tax rate is 6%, which is collected by the dealer at the time of purchase.
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 South Carolina
About 5.4 million people are living in the Palmetto State. South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Virginia and delivery in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Virginia to South Carolina?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Virginia to South Carolina, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Carolina, 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 South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.
How long does it take to ship a car from Virginia to South Carolina?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Virginia to South Carolina is about 339 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 South Carolina.
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.
Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
If I have a driver’s license in Virginia, will I need one in South Carolina?
If you are moving to South Carolina, you will be required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
If I bought a car in Virginia, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Carolina after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Virginia to South Carolina after purchasing it.
In South Carolina, there is a sales tax imposed on the purchase of a vehicle. The sales tax rate is 6%, which is collected by the dealer at the time of purchase.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Virginia and South Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to South Carolina?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
Shipping a car from Virginia to South Carolina costs $550 to $722.
500 E Main St 16th floor, Norfolk, VA 23510 US
1518 Willow Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23230 US
2607 Wyoming Ave, Norfolk, VA 23513 US
20559 Meadow Island Pl, Sterling, VA 20165 US
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