Wisconsin to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 322 miles from Wisconsin to Iowa ranges from $520 to $656 and takes one–four 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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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to Iowa:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Wisconsin
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Wisconsin ready to move your vehicle to Iowa:
- Discount Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Midwest Auto Movers Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Rapid Auto Transport: 3.5 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 Wisconsin to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Wisconsin to Iowa, 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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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 322 miles on your car going from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to Iowa. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Wisconsin to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Wisconsin and Iowa. The typical distance is about 322 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and four days.
Cost to ship a car from Milwaukee, WI to Iowa
| From Wisconsin to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA | $572 – $715 | 373 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Milwaukee, WI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $440 – $614 | 244 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Milwaukee, WI to Davenport, IA | $449 – $584 | 212 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Milwaukee, WI to Sioux City, IA | $614 – $885 | 471 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Milwaukee, WI to Iowa City, IA | $432 – $566 | 262 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Madison, WI to Iowa
| From Wisconsin to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, WI to Des Moines, IA | $486 – $663 | 284 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Madison, WI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $367 – $500 | 165 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Madison, WI to Davenport, IA | $390 – $495 | 163 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Madison, WI to Sioux City, IA | $566 – $774 | 392 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Madison, WI to Iowa City, IA | $387 – $540 | 176 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Green Bay, WI to Iowa
| From Wisconsin to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay, WI to Des Moines, IA | $570 – $815 | 425 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Green Bay, WI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $495 – $683 | 306 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Green Bay, WI to Davenport, IA | $476 – $710 | 304 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Green Bay, WI to Sioux City, IA | $674 – $877 | 533 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Green Bay, WI to Iowa City, IA | $500 – $676 | 317 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Kenosha, WI to Iowa
| From Wisconsin to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenosha, WI to Des Moines, IA | $550 – $737 | 368 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Kenosha, WI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $453 – $644 | 282 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Kenosha, WI to Davenport, IA | $454 – $572 | 207 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Kenosha, WI to Sioux City, IA | $621 – $826 | 463 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Kenosha, WI to Iowa City, IA | $423 – $613 | 257 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Racine, WI to Iowa
| From Wisconsin to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racine, WI to Des Moines, IA | $528 – $730 | 370 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Racine, WI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $415 – $595 | 270 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Racine, WI to Davenport, IA | $454 – $545 | 209 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Racine, WI to Sioux City, IA | $657 – $868 | 497 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Racine, WI to Iowa City, IA | $441 – $577 | 259 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to Iowa, expect costs to range from $650 to $820.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Wisconsin to Iowa
When arranging car transport from the Badger State to the Hawkeye State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car 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 journey from Wisconsin to Iowa spans approximately 322 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Wisconsin in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Wisconsin to Iowa, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Wisconsin to Iowa should take between one and four days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
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 Wisconsin
More than 5.9 million people call Wisconsin home. Nicknamed the Badger State. Wisconsin has warm-summers humid continental climate while the southern and southwestern portions are classified as hot-summer humid continental climate. Wisconsin also receives a large amount of regular snowfall averaging around 40 inches. Be sure to check your local weather station if you are planning your move for the summer.
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Wisconsin to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.
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 Wisconsin to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Wisconsin to Iowa is about 322 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Wisconsin to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Wisconsin to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Wisconsin to Iowa costs $520 to $656.
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