Washington to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,941 miles from Washington to Illinois ranges from $1,324 to $2,010. Expect the trip to take around three–eleven 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 Illinois 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 Illinois car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Washington to Illinois:
- 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 Washington
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Washington can deliver your vehicle to Illinois:
- 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
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 Illinois
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Washington to Illinois, 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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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,941 miles on your car to travel between Washington and Illinois. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Washington to Illinois. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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 Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Washington and Illinois. The trip typically spans 1,941 miles and takes about three–eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to Illinois
| From Washington to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL | $1,264 – $2,161 | 2,041 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Seattle, WA to Aurora, IL | $1,291 – $1,996 | 2,033 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Seattle, WA to Joliet, IL | $1,278 – $2,099 | 2,063 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Seattle, WA to Naperville, IL | $1,291 – $1,976 | 2,044 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Seattle, WA to Rockford, IL | $1,363 – $1,872 | 1,967 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Spokane, WA to Illinois
| From Washington to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spokane, WA to Chicago, IL | $1,241 – $1,873 | 1,764 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Spokane, WA to Aurora, IL | $1,241 – $1,765 | 1,755 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Spokane, WA to Joliet, IL | $1,266 – $1,711 | 1,785 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Spokane, WA to Naperville, IL | $1,191 – $1,747 | 1,766 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Spokane, WA to Rockford, IL | $1,199 – $1,777 | 1,690 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tacoma, WA to Illinois
| From Washington to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL | $1,304 – $2,099 | 2,055 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Aurora, IL | $1,291 – $2,037 | 2,046 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Joliet, IL | $1,330 – $2,058 | 2,076 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Naperville, IL | $1,357 – $2,079 | 2,057 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Rockford, IL | $1,259 – $1,931 | 1,981 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Vancouver, WA to Illinois
| From Washington to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL | $1,384 – $2,134 | 2,123 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Aurora, IL | $1,264 – $1,976 | 2,089 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Joliet, IL | $1,317 – $2,161 | 2,097 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Naperville, IL | $1,383 – $2,161 | 2,097 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Rockford, IL | $1,383 – $2,037 | 2,043 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bellevue, WA to Illinois
| From Washington to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue, WA to Chicago, IL | $1,383 – $1,976 | 2,036 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Aurora, IL | $1,343 – $2,017 | 2,027 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Joliet, IL | $1,330 – $2,099 | 2,057 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Naperville, IL | $1,330 – $2,140 | 2,038 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Rockford, IL | $1,350 – $2,069 | 1,962 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Washington to Illinois
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 Illinois, expect costs to range from $1,655 to $2,513.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Washington to Illinois
When transporting your vehicle from the Evergreen State to the Land of Lincoln, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Illinois than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from Washington to Illinois spans approximately 1,941 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Washington around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Washington to Illinois, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is three–eleven days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Illinois, 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: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
- Driver’s license: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
- Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
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 Illinois
About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Washington and delivery in Illinois?
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 Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Washington to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Washington to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, 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.
The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Washington to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Washington to Illinois is about 1,941 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from Washington to Illinois.
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 Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
If I have a driver’s license in Washington, will I need one in Illinois?
Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
If I bought a car in Washington, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Washington to Illinois after purchasing it.
According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Washington and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Washington to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Washington to Illinois 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 Illinois?
Shipping a car from Washington to Illinois costs $1,324 to $2,010.
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