Virginia to Tennessee Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 555 miles from Virginia to Tennessee ranges from $671 to $932. Expect the trip to take around one–six 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Virginia to Tennessee:
- 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
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Virginia who can get your vehicle to Tennessee:
- 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 Tennessee
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Virginia to Tennessee, 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 555 extra miles on your car to travel from Virginia to Tennessee. 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 Tennessee. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Virginia to Tennessee 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 Tennessee. The average travel distance is about 555 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to six days.
Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to Tennessee
| From Virginia to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Nashville, TN | $739 – $1,119 | 719 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Memphis, TN | $790 – $1,213 | 930 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Clarksville, TN | $764 – $1,106 | 764 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Knoxville, TN | $640 – $911 | 540 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN | $702 – $1,071 | 651 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chesapeake, VA to Tennessee
| From Virginia to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake, VA to Nashville, TN | $761 – $1,129 | 717 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Memphis, TN | $751 – $1,177 | 928 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Clarksville, TN | $787 – $1,173 | 762 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Knoxville, TN | $627 – $911 | 538 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Chattanooga, TN | $739 – $1,005 | 649 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to Tennessee
| From Virginia to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VA to Nashville, TN | $731 – $1,009 | 662 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Memphis, TN | $786 – $1,246 | 873 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Arlington, VA to Clarksville, TN | $776 – $1,119 | 706 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Knoxville, TN | $612 – $824 | 483 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Arlington, VA to Chattanooga, TN | $701 – $942 | 594 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA to Tennessee
| From Virginia to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA to Nashville, TN | $784 – $1,086 | 711 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Memphis, TN | $814 – $1,201 | 922 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Clarksville, TN | $734 – $1,084 | 756 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Knoxville, TN | $646 – $849 | 533 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Chattanooga, TN | $746 – $1,045 | 643 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to Tennessee
| From Virginia to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA to Nashville, TN | $661 – $1,027 | 613 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Richmond, VA to Memphis, TN | $754 – $1,189 | 824 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Richmond, VA to Clarksville, TN | $738 – $1,081 | 658 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN | $617 – $797 | 434 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Chattanooga, TN | $627 – $902 | 545 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Virginia to Tennessee
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 Tennessee you should expect to pay between $839 and $1,165.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Virginia to Tennessee
When arranging car transport from the Old Dominion State to the Volunteer State, the following factors will determine your overall 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: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Tennessee.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Virginia to Tennessee involves roughly 555 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Virginia more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Virginia to Tennessee, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–six days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Tennessee vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Tennessee, 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: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
- Vehicle inspection: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
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 Tennessee
About 7.1 million people are living in the Volunteer State. Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Virginia and delivery in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Virginia to Tennessee?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Virginia to Tennessee, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Tennessee, 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.
Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Virginia to Tennessee?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Virginia to Tennessee is about 555 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 Tennessee.
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.
In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
If I have a driver’s license in Virginia, will I need one in Tennessee?
To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
If I bought a car in Virginia, will I be required to pay sales tax in Tennessee after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Virginia to Tennessee after purchasing it.
When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Virginia and Tennessee to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to Tennessee?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Shipping a car from Virginia to Tennessee costs $671 to $932.
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
10595 Furnace Rd # 140, Lorton, VA 22079 US