Washington to South Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,246 miles from Washington to South Dakota ranges from $950 to $1,411 and takes two–eight days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota 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:

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The best Washington to South Dakota car shipping companies

Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Washington to South Dakota:

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
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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
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Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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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
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
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Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Washington

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

  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 South Dakota

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Washington to South Dakota, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.

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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
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,246 extra miles on your car to travel from Washington to South Dakota. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Washington to South Dakota. 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 South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times

The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Washington and South Dakota. Average distances are close to 1,246 miles, with delivery usually taking two–eight days.

Cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to South Dakota

From Washington to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Seattle, WA to Sioux Falls, SD $1,022 – $1,552 1,477 miles 3 – 8 days
Seattle, WA to Rapid City, SD $862 – $1,363 1,134 miles 2 – 8 days
Seattle, WA to Aberdeen, SD $939 – $1,463 1,349 miles 3 – 8 days
Seattle, WA to Brookings, SD $1,087 – $1,552 1,521 miles 3 – 9 days
Seattle, WA to Watertown, SD $1,095 – $1,460 1,445 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Spokane, WA to South Dakota

From Washington to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Spokane, WA to Sioux Falls, SD $871 – $1,363 1,199 miles 2 – 8 days
Spokane, WA to Rapid City, SD $826 – $1,234 856 miles 2 – 7 days
Spokane, WA to Aberdeen, SD $792 – $1,317 1,071 miles 2 – 8 days
Spokane, WA to Brookings, SD $931 – $1,397 1,244 miles 2 – 8 days
Spokane, WA to Watertown, SD $896 – $1,310 1,167 miles 2 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Tacoma, WA to South Dakota

From Washington to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Tacoma, WA to Sioux Falls, SD $1,011 – $1,506 1,490 miles 3 – 8 days
Tacoma, WA to Rapid City, SD $879 – $1,350 1,147 miles 2 – 8 days
Tacoma, WA to Aberdeen, SD $1,008 – $1,434 1,362 miles 3 – 8 days
Tacoma, WA to Brookings, SD $1,065 – $1,631 1,535 miles 3 – 9 days
Tacoma, WA to Watertown, SD $1,043 – $1,613 1,458 miles 3 – 8 days

Cost to ship a car from Vancouver, WA to South Dakota

From Washington to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Vancouver, WA to Sioux Falls, SD $1,152 – $1,552 1,553 miles 3 – 9 days
Vancouver, WA to Rapid City, SD $904 – $1,341 1,210 miles 2 – 8 days
Vancouver, WA to Aberdeen, SD $1,001 – $1,552 1,425 miles 3 – 8 days
Vancouver, WA to Brookings, SD $1,076 – $1,537 1,597 miles 3 – 9 days
Vancouver, WA to Watertown, SD $1,076 – $1,631 1,521 miles 3 – 9 days

Cost to ship a car from Bellevue, WA to South Dakota

From Washington to South Dakota Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Bellevue, WA to Sioux Falls, SD $1,053 – $1,583 1,471 miles 3 – 8 days
Bellevue, WA to Rapid City, SD $896 – $1,363 1,128 miles 2 – 8 days
Bellevue, WA to Aberdeen, SD $939 – $1,434 1,343 miles 3 – 8 days
Bellevue, WA to Brookings, SD $1,054 – $1,568 1,516 miles 3 – 9 days
Bellevue, WA to Watertown, SD $1,022 – $1,521 1,439 miles 3 – 8 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Washington to South Dakota

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 South Dakota you should expect to pay between $1,188 and $1,764.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Washington to South Dakota

When transporting your vehicle from the Evergreen State to the Mount Rushmore State, these factors will influence your final price:

  • Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
  • 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 Washington to South Dakota.
  • Distance and route: The route from Washington to South Dakota is about 1,246 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
  • Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Washington more expensive during these times.
  • Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Washington to South Dakota, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
  • Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.

South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know

When you move to South Dakota, 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: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
  • Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
  • Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
  • Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.

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 South Dakota

About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

FAQ

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

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 South Dakota.

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

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Washington to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, 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.

In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.

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

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Washington to South Dakota is about 1,246 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Washington to South Dakota.

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.

South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

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

If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

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

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

When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.

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

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

The cheapest way to ship a car from Washington to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?

Shipping a car from Washington to South Dakota costs $950 to $1,411.

Helpful Washington resources