($793) Cost to ship a car from Madison, WI to Arlington, VA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 854 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, to Arlington, Virginia, generally falls between $793 and $1,221. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington to Madison 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 Madison to Arlington car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Madison to Arlington:
- 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 Madison
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Madison, WI:
- Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: 3.92 out of 5 stars
- Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- All Day Auto Transport: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress 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.
Car shipping alternatives from WI to VA
If you’re planning a move from Madison to Arlington, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Madison to Arlington, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 854-mile trip from Madison to Arlington could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Wisconsin to Virginia is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Madison to Arlington. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Arlington. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Madison to Arlington car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Madison to Arlington, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Madison to Arlington, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Arlington, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Madison will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Arlington than a compact car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 854 miles from Madison to Arlington will cost more than a shorter move within Wisconsin.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Madison and Arlington can impact car shipping prices.
August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.
Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Madison to Arlington during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 854-mile drive between Madison and Arlington, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Madison to Arlington typically takes between two and seven days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Madison and Arlington vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Madison: The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two-hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. This provides residents the opportunity for the limited storing of vehicles on public streets to the partial exclusion of commuter vehicles. A Residential Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place. It allows the right to park if space is available. It is recommended to apply online.
- Arlington: Arlington county’s rate at long-term Meters is $1.25 per hour, and rate at Short-Term Meters: $1.50 per hour.
Car insurance requirements
- Madison: 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.
- Arlington: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
Vehicle inspections
- Madison: 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.
- Arlington: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
Driver’s license
- Madison: After establishing residence, new residents must apply for a WI driver license at any Wisconsin DMV service center within 60 days for a regular license and within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
- Arlington: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Madison to Arlington?
The cost to ship a car from Madison, WI to Arlington, VA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Madison to Arlington will range from $793 to $1,221.
How long will it take to ship my car from Madison to Arlington?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 854 miles from Madison to Arlington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Madison to Arlington?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Madison to Arlington. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Madison to Arlington?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Madison to Arlington than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 854-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
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