Washington to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,698 miles from Washington to Iowa falls between $1,151 and $1,708. Delivery typically takes three–nine 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 Iowa to Washington 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 Washington to Iowa 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 Washington to Iowa:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 Washington
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Washington ready to move your vehicle to Iowa:
- Diesel Auto Express: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- Carworx Auto Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Auto Shipping Group Inc: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Seattle Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Better-Haul Auto Logistics: 3.64 out of 5 stars
Diesel Auto Express
12711 NE 95th St STE B, Vancouver, WA 98682 US
dieselautoexpress.com
3.88 / 5.0
Diesel Auto Express receives generally positive feedback for their punctuality, professionalism, and effective communication throughout the car shipping process. Many customers praise the drivers for their courteous behavior and attentiveness to detail, often noting that their vehicles arrived undamaged and ahead of schedule. However, some negative reviews highlight issues with responsiveness, hidden charges, and damage claims, suggesting customers experienced significant communication problems and delays. Despite some adverse experiences, numerous customers recommend their services for reliable vehicle transport.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1885300
Carworx Auto Transport Inc
3020 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd SE #544, Sammamish, WA 98075 US
carworx.com
3.86 / 5.0
Customers consistently highlight the excellent service provided by Carworx, particularly noting the professionalism and responsiveness of John and his team. The timely delivery and willingness to go the extra mile for customer satisfaction also stand out. However, some reviews did not mention any significant concerns, reflecting overall positive experiences with no major issues reported.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2237515
Auto Shipping Group Inc
700 Ne 4th Ave # 205, Camas, WA 98607 US
autoshippinggroup.com
3.76 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
Seattle Auto Shipping Group
1546 NW 56th St #5209, Seattle, WA 98107 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-washington-state/seattle
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Better-Haul Auto Logistics
1001 Madison Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902 US
jrtransinc.com
3.64 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2249642
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 Washington to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Washington to Iowa, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,698 miles on your car going from Washington to Iowa. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Washington to Iowa. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Washington to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Washington and Iowa. The typical distance is about 1,698 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and nine days.
Cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to Iowa
| From Washington to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA | $1,179 – $1,801 | 1,756 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Seattle, WA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,228 – $1,878 | 1,825 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Seattle, WA to Davenport, IA | $1,298 – $2,069 | 1,908 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Seattle, WA to Sioux City, IA | $1,199 – $1,729 | 1,558 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Seattle, WA to Iowa City, IA | $1,305 – $1,954 | 1,852 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Spokane, WA to Iowa
| From Washington to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spokane, WA to Des Moines, IA | $1,128 – $1,533 | 1,478 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Spokane, WA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,118 – $1,696 | 1,547 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Spokane, WA to Davenport, IA | $1,211 – $1,812 | 1,631 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Spokane, WA to Sioux City, IA | $1,016 – $1,482 | 1,281 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Spokane, WA to Iowa City, IA | $1,164 – $1,630 | 1,574 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tacoma, WA to Iowa
| From Washington to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma, WA to Des Moines, IA | $1,204 – $1,837 | 1,769 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,254 – $1,991 | 1,838 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Davenport, IA | $1,337 – $1,971 | 1,922 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Sioux City, IA | $1,118 – $1,646 | 1,572 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Iowa City, IA | $1,254 – $1,954 | 1,865 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Vancouver, WA to Iowa
| From Washington to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver, WA to Des Moines, IA | $1,266 – $1,855 | 1,791 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,363 – $1,951 | 1,910 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Davenport, IA | $1,259 – $1,892 | 1,960 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Sioux City, IA | $1,223 – $1,725 | 1,634 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Iowa City, IA | $1,246 – $1,951 | 1,905 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bellevue, WA to Iowa
| From Washington to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue, WA to Des Moines, IA | $1,191 – $1,819 | 1,751 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,266 – $1,973 | 1,819 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Davenport, IA | $1,337 – $1,990 | 1,903 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Sioux City, IA | $1,095 – $1,712 | 1,553 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Iowa City, IA | $1,215 – $1,878 | 1,846 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Washington to Iowa
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 Washington to Iowa, expect costs to range from $1,439 to $2,135.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Washington to Iowa
If you’re shipping a car from the Evergreen State to the Hawkeye State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on 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 Iowa.
- Distance and route: The trip from Washington to Iowa covers roughly 1,698 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Washington, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Washington and Iowa and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes three–nine days, while expedited service costs more.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Iowa, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- 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 Washington
More than 7.8 million people call Washington home. Nicknamed the Evergreen State. Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
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 Washington and delivery in Iowa?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Washington and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Washington to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Washington 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 Washington.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
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 Washington to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Washington to Iowa is about 1,698 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from Washington to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Washington, will I need one in Iowa?
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 Washington, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Washington 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 Washington and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Washington to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Washington 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 Washington to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Washington to Iowa costs $1,151 to $1,708.
