Washington to Kentucky Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,347 miles from Washington to Kentucky ranges from $1,411 to $2,033. Expect the trip to take around five–thirteen 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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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Kentucky to Washington 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 Washington to Kentucky 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 Kentucky:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Washington

Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Washington who can get your vehicle to Kentucky:

  1. Diesel Auto Express: 3.88 out of 5 stars
  2. Carworx Auto Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
  3. Auto Shipping Group Inc: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  4. Seattle Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Better-Haul Auto Logistics: 3.64 out of 5 stars

Diesel Auto Express

12711 NE 95th St STE B, Vancouver, WA 98682 US

starstarstarstarstar3.88 / 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.

Get a Quote (360) 539-8600

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

Carworx Auto Transport Inc

3020 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd SE #544, Sammamish, WA 98075 US

starstarstarstarstar3.86 / 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.

Get a Quote (800) 772-1875

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

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

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

starstarstarstarstar3.66 / 5.0
Get a Quote (206) 679-4113

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

Better-Haul Auto Logistics

1001 Madison Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902 US

starstarstarstarstar3.64 / 5.0
Get a Quote (509) 248-5874

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 Kentucky

Ship it with your movers

If your move takes you from Washington to Kentucky, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.

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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
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  • 24/7 cust. service
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  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,347 miles on your car going from Washington to Kentucky. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.

Hire a driver

Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Washington to Kentucky. 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!

Washington to Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times

Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Washington and Kentucky. The average journey covers about 2,347 miles and takes roughly five to thirteen days.

Cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to Kentucky

From Washington to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Seattle, WA to Louisville, KY $1,371 – $2,054 2,323 miles 5 – 13 days
Seattle, WA to Lexington, KY $1,371 – $2,139 2,397 miles 5 – 13 days
Seattle, WA to Bowling Green, KY $1,411 – $2,182 2,360 miles 5 – 13 days
Seattle, WA to Owensboro, KY $1,367 – $2,055 2,290 miles 5 – 13 days
Seattle, WA to Covington, KY $1,304 – $2,246 2,342 miles 5 – 13 days

Cost to ship a car from Spokane, WA to Kentucky

From Washington to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Spokane, WA to Louisville, KY $1,304 – $2,120 2,045 miles 4 – 12 days
Spokane, WA to Lexington, KY $1,318 – $2,008 2,140 miles 4 – 12 days
Spokane, WA to Bowling Green, KY $1,343 – $1,955 2,092 miles 4 – 12 days
Spokane, WA to Owensboro, KY $1,343 – $2,161 2,013 miles 4 – 12 days
Spokane, WA to Covington, KY $1,370 – $2,058 2,064 miles 4 – 12 days

Cost to ship a car from Tacoma, WA to Kentucky

From Washington to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Tacoma, WA to Louisville, KY $1,411 – $2,225 2,358 miles 5 – 13 days
Tacoma, WA to Lexington, KY $1,411 – $2,218 2,411 miles 5 – 13 days
Tacoma, WA to Bowling Green, KY $1,291 – $2,033 2,373 miles 5 – 13 days
Tacoma, WA to Owensboro, KY $1,304 – $2,161 2,304 miles 5 – 13 days
Tacoma, WA to Covington, KY $1,344 – $2,246 2,355 miles 5 – 13 days

Cost to ship a car from Vancouver, WA to Kentucky

From Washington to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Vancouver, WA to Louisville, KY $1,358 – $2,246 2,307 miles 5 – 13 days
Vancouver, WA to Lexington, KY $1,277 – $2,161 2,384 miles 5 – 13 days
Vancouver, WA to Bowling Green, KY $1,304 – $2,246 2,336 miles 5 – 13 days
Vancouver, WA to Owensboro, KY $1,367 – $2,034 2,257 miles 5 – 13 days
Vancouver, WA to Covington, KY $1,385 – $2,097 2,360 miles 5 – 13 days

Cost to ship a car from Bellevue, WA to Kentucky

From Washington to Kentucky Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Bellevue, WA to Louisville, KY $1,385 – $2,097 2,317 miles 5 – 13 days
Bellevue, WA to Lexington, KY $1,330 – $2,240 2,412 miles 5 – 13 days
Bellevue, WA to Bowling Green, KY $1,371 – $2,075 2,364 miles 5 – 13 days
Bellevue, WA to Owensboro, KY $1,367 – $2,013 2,285 miles 5 – 13 days
Bellevue, WA to Covington, KY $1,317 – $2,118 2,316 miles 5 – 13 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Washington to Kentucky

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 Washington to Kentucky you should expect to pay between $1,764 and $2,541.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Washington to Kentucky

If you’re shipping a car from the Evergreen State to the Bluegrass State, keep these cost factors in mind:

  • 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Kentucky than smaller ones.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Washington to Kentucky spans approximately 2,347 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Washington in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
  • Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Washington and Kentucky and the varying gas prices across the country.
  • Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within five–thirteen days, but expedited options cost more.

Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know

Once you arrive in Kentucky, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.

  • Car insurance requirements: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
  • Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
  • Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
  • Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.

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 Kentucky

About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Washington and delivery in Kentucky?

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 Kentucky.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Washington to Kentucky?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Washington to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, 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 insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.

How long does it take to ship a car from Washington to Kentucky?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Washington to Kentucky is about 2,347 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take five to thirteen days to travel from Washington to Kentucky.

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.

When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.

If I have a driver’s license in Washington, will I need one in Kentucky?

New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.

If I bought a car in Washington, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?

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

In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.

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

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Washington to Kentucky?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Washington to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

Shipping a car from Washington to Kentucky costs $1,411 to $2,033.

Helpful Washington resources