Washington to South Dakota Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,246 miles from Washington to South Dakota ranges from $909 to $1,479. Expect the trip to take around two–eight 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota:
- 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
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Washington that can transport your vehicle to South Dakota:
- 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 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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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,246 miles on your car to travel between Washington and South Dakota. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Washington to South Dakota is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
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 tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Washington and South Dakota. The average travel distance is about 1,246 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to 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 | $1,125 – $1,546 | 1,477 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Seattle, WA to Rapid City, SD | $912 – $1,318 | 1,134 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Seattle, WA to Aberdeen, SD | $964 – $1,472 | 1,349 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Seattle, WA to Brookings, SD | $1,184 – $1,659 | 1,521 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Seattle, WA to Watertown, SD | $1,071 – $1,642 | 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 | $868 – $1,373 | 1,199 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Spokane, WA to Rapid City, SD | $840 – $1,243 | 856 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Spokane, WA to Aberdeen, SD | $822 – $1,262 | 1,071 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Spokane, WA to Brookings, SD | $995 – $1,508 | 1,244 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Spokane, WA to Watertown, SD | $868 – $1,373 | 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 | $1,071 – $1,562 | 1,490 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Rapid City, SD | $868 – $1,359 | 1,147 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Aberdeen, SD | $975 – $1,579 | 1,362 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Brookings, SD | $1,173 – $1,627 | 1,535 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Watertown, SD | $1,028 – $1,515 | 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 | $1,116 – $1,643 | 1,553 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Rapid City, SD | $909 – $1,508 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,125 – $1,594 | 1,425 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Brookings, SD | $1,082 – $1,611 | 1,597 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Watertown, SD | $1,116 – $1,545 | 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 | $1,103 – $1,546 | 1,471 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Rapid City, SD | $921 – $1,428 | 1,128 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,015 – $1,472 | 1,343 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Brookings, SD | $1,093 – $1,627 | 1,516 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Watertown, SD | $1,028 – $1,610 | 1,439 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Washington to South Dakota
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 South Dakota, expect costs to range from $1,136 to $1,849.
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: 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: 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 South Dakota.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Washington to South Dakota involves roughly 1,246 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- 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: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Washington and South Dakota may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–eight days, while expedited service costs more.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to South Dakota means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- 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 $909 to $1,479.
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