Vermont to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan
 • 5 min read
checkmarkFact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,255 miles from Vermont to Iowa usually costs between $920 and $1,437. Transit time is about three–eight days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.

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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Vermont car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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The best Vermont to Iowa car shipping companies

After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Vermont to Iowa:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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  • GPS tracking
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  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
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Best for accurate pricing
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  • Price Lock Promise
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  • Door-to-door service
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Best for safety & reliability
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  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
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Best for overall value
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  • Ships to & from HI
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Top local car shippers in Vermont

Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Vermont can deliver your vehicle to Iowa:

  1. A to Z Auto Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  2. 1st Choice Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars

A to Z Auto Transport

362 N Main St, Barre, VT 05641 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0
Get a Quote (802) 693-2994

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • A to Z auto Shipping, Inc.

1st Choice Auto Transport

38 Park St, Essex Junction, VT 05452 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

This company is praised for its effective vehicle pickup and delivery service. Customers appreciate their efforts to accommodate various budgets and the timely handling of vehicle movements. Overall, feedback is positive regarding their flexibility and efficiency.

Get a Quote (269) 483-2010

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

See all the top Vermont car shipping companies.

How we chose the best car shipping companiestoggle

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 Vermont to Iowa

Ship it with your movers

If you need to ship your car from Vermont for a move to Iowa, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.

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Drive it yourself

This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,255 miles on your car to travel between Vermont and Iowa. 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 Vermont to Iowa, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.

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.

Vermont to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times

Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Vermont and Iowa. The typical distance is about 1,255 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and eight days.

Cost to ship a car from Burlington, VT to Iowatoggle

From Vermont to Iowa Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA $929 – $1,408 1,216 miles 2 – 8 days
Burlington, VT to Cedar Rapids, IA $923 – $1,390 1,129 miles 2 – 8 days
Burlington, VT to Davenport, IA $848 – $1,304 1,049 miles 2 – 8 days
Burlington, VT to Sioux City, IA $997 – $1,490 1,393 miles 3 – 8 days
Burlington, VT to Iowa City, IA $941 – $1,375 1,105 miles 2 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Essex, VT to Iowatoggle

From Vermont to Iowa Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Essex, VT to Des Moines, IA $929 – $1,452 1,224 miles 2 – 8 days
Essex, VT to Cedar Rapids, IA $932 – $1,474 1,138 miles 2 – 8 days
Essex, VT to Davenport, IA $782 – $1,370 1,090 miles 2 – 8 days
Essex, VT to Sioux City, IA $1,106 – $1,533 1,434 miles 3 – 8 days
Essex, VT to Iowa City, IA $932 – $1,347 1,146 miles 2 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from South Burlington, VT to Iowatoggle

From Vermont to Iowa Cost Distance Estimated transit time
South Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA $958 – $1,526 1,216 miles 2 – 8 days
South Burlington, VT to Cedar Rapids, IA $896 – $1,432 1,130 miles 2 – 8 days
South Burlington, VT to Davenport, IA $848 – $1,343 1,050 miles 2 – 8 days
South Burlington, VT to Sioux City, IA $986 – $1,567 1,394 miles 3 – 8 days
South Burlington, VT to Iowa City, IA $896 – $1,347 1,106 miles 2 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Colchester, VT to Iowatoggle

From Vermont to Iowa Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Colchester, VT to Des Moines, IA $958 – $1,452 1,251 miles 3 – 8 days
Colchester, VT to Cedar Rapids, IA $896 – $1,390 1,165 miles 2 – 8 days
Colchester, VT to Davenport, IA $840 – $1,343 1,084 miles 2 – 8 days
Colchester, VT to Sioux City, IA $1,095 – $1,549 1,428 miles 3 – 8 days
Colchester, VT to Iowa City, IA $896 – $1,333 1,140 miles 2 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Rutland, VT to Iowatoggle

From Vermont to Iowa Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Rutland, VT to Des Moines, IA $870 – $1,432 1,198 miles 2 – 8 days
Rutland, VT to Cedar Rapids, IA $932 – $1,390 1,112 miles 2 – 8 days
Rutland, VT to Davenport, IA $799 – $1,343 1,033 miles 2 – 8 days
Rutland, VT to Sioux City, IA $1,048 – $1,629 1,375 miles 3 – 8 days
Rutland, VT to Iowa City, IA $799 – $1,264 1,087 miles 2 – 8 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Vermont to Iowatoggle

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 Vermont to Iowa, expect costs to range from $1,150 to $1,796.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Vermont to Iowa

When moving your vehicle from the Green Mountain State to the Hawkeye State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:

  • 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 and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Vermont to Iowa.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Vermont to Iowa spans approximately 1,255 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Vermont, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
  • Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Vermont and Iowa may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Vermont to Iowa takes three–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.

Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to Iowa, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.

  • Car insurance requirements: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
  • Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
  • Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
  • Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist.

Transporting your vehicle from Vermont

More than 647,064 people call Vermont home. Nicknamed the Green Mountain State. Vermont has warm to hot summer and cold winters, with muddy springs, in general, a mild early summer, hot Augusts; it has colorful autumns. If you are moving in the winter be prepared for heavy snowfall.

Transporting your vehicle to Iowa

About 3.2 million people are living in the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Vermont and delivery in Iowa?toggle

Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Vermont and when dropping it off in Iowa.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Vermont to Iowa?toggle

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Vermont to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, which you should verify before loading your car in Vermont.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Drivers in Vermont must possess liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for individual injuries or fatalities, $50,000 for injuries or fatalities involving two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage in a single accident. Adhering to these essential insurance requirements ensures legal compliance and optimal protection on the road.

Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.

How long does it take to ship a car from Vermont to Iowa?toggle

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Vermont to Iowa is about 1,255 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Vermont to Iowa.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?toggle

Vehicle safety and emission inspections are required annually in Vermont, as well as a one-time VIN inspection for any out-of-state vehicle being registered for the first time.

In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.

If I have a driver’s license in Vermont, will I need one in Iowa?toggle

New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.

If I bought a car in Vermont, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?toggle

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

In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Vermont and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Vermont to Iowa?toggle

The cheapest way to ship a car from Vermont to Iowa 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 Vermont to Iowa?toggle

Shipping a car from Vermont to Iowa costs $920 to $1,437.

Helpful Vermont resources

Car shipping resources

Popular VT transport routes

VT moving resources