Virginia to South Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,481 miles from Virginia to South Dakota typically falls between $1,098 and $1,634. The process usually takes three–eight days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota 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 Dakota 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 South Dakota:
- 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
- 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 South Dakota:
- 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 Dakota
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Virginia to South Dakota, 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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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,481 extra miles on your car to travel from Virginia to South Dakota. 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 South Dakota. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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 Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Virginia and South Dakota. Average distances are close to 1,481 miles, with delivery usually taking three–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to South Dakota
| From Virginia to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,045 – $1,525 | 1,479 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Rapid City, SD | $1,271 – $1,902 | 1,810 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,111 – $1,572 | 1,596 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Brookings, SD | $1,167 – $1,540 | 1,520 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Watertown, SD | $1,100 – $1,588 | 1,513 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chesapeake, VA to South Dakota
| From Virginia to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake, VA to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,024 – $1,603 | 1,478 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Rapid City, SD | $1,271 – $1,865 | 1,808 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,100 – $1,667 | 1,594 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Brookings, SD | $1,067 – $1,588 | 1,518 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Watertown, SD | $1,167 – $1,651 | 1,504 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to South Dakota
| From Virginia to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VA to Sioux Falls, SD | $971 – $1,357 | 1,282 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Arlington, VA to Rapid City, SD | $1,190 – $1,747 | 1,609 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Arlington, VA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,040 – $1,496 | 1,396 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Arlington, VA to Brookings, SD | $981 – $1,526 | 1,319 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Arlington, VA to Watertown, SD | $941 – $1,451 | 1,306 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA to South Dakota
| From Virginia to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,024 – $1,525 | 1,472 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Rapid City, SD | $1,172 – $1,792 | 1,802 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,089 – $1,556 | 1,589 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Brookings, SD | $1,134 – $1,588 | 1,512 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Watertown, SD | $1,014 – $1,478 | 1,499 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to South Dakota
| From Virginia to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA to Sioux Falls, SD | $951 – $1,451 | 1,380 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Richmond, VA to Rapid City, SD | $1,220 – $1,806 | 1,722 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Richmond, VA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,078 – $1,667 | 1,509 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Richmond, VA to Brookings, SD | $1,087 – $1,587 | 1,428 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Richmond, VA to Watertown, SD | $1,087 – $1,509 | 1,419 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Virginia to South Dakota
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Virginia to South Dakota, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,373–$2,043.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Virginia to South Dakota
Transporting your vehicle from the Old Dominion State to the Mount Rushmore State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to South Dakota.
- Distance and route: The trip from Virginia to South Dakota covers roughly 1,481 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Virginia in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Virginia and South Dakota.
- 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 South Dakota should take between three and eight days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to South Dakota means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
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 Dakota
About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Virginia and delivery in South Dakota?
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 Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Virginia to South Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Virginia to South Dakota, 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 Dakota, 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 Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
How long does it take to ship a car from Virginia to South Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Virginia to South Dakota is about 1,481 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Virginia to South Dakota.
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.
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I have a driver’s license in Virginia, will I need one in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in Virginia, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Virginia to South Dakota after purchasing it.
When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Virginia and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to South Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to South Dakota 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 Dakota?
Shipping a car from Virginia to South Dakota costs $1,098 to $1,634.
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