West Virginia to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 868 miles from West Virginia to Iowa falls between $756 and $1,189. Delivery typically takes two–seven days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to West Virginia 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 West Virginia to Iowa car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from West Virginia 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 West Virginia
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in West Virginia ready to move your vehicle to Iowa:
- Applewood Motorcar Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Applewood Motorcar Transport
210 McGuire Ln, Gerrardstown, WV 25420 US
applewoodmotorcar.com
3.5 / 5.0
Applewood provides reliable and trustworthy car transport services. Customers appreciate their professionalism, punctual delivery, and exceptional handling of high-value vehicles. However, some reviews mentioned that the owner can be a bit stern under certain conditions.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1007612
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 West Virginia to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from West Virginia 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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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 868 extra miles on your car to travel from West Virginia to Iowa. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from West Virginia to Iowa for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
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.
West Virginia to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in West Virginia and Iowa. The trip typically spans 868 miles and takes about two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Charleston, WV to Iowa
| From West Virginia to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV to Des Moines, IA | $773 – $1,127 | 796 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Charleston, WV to Cedar Rapids, IA | $763 – $1,133 | 709 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charleston, WV to Davenport, IA | $734 – $997 | 629 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charleston, WV to Sioux City, IA | $823 – $1,252 | 973 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Charleston, WV to Iowa City, IA | $767 – $1,066 | 685 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Huntington, WV to Iowa
| From West Virginia to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington, WV to Des Moines, IA | $765 – $1,144 | 733 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntington, WV to Cedar Rapids, IA | $712 – $1,068 | 646 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntington, WV to Davenport, IA | $679 – $972 | 566 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntington, WV to Sioux City, IA | $784 – $1,266 | 910 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Huntington, WV to Iowa City, IA | $698 – $1,020 | 622 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Morgantown, WV to Iowa
| From West Virginia to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morgantown, WV to Des Moines, IA | $792 – $1,162 | 846 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Morgantown, WV to Cedar Rapids, IA | $782 – $1,131 | 759 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Morgantown, WV to Davenport, IA | $737 – $1,013 | 679 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Morgantown, WV to Sioux City, IA | $794 – $1,321 | 1,023 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Morgantown, WV to Iowa City, IA | $758 – $1,055 | 735 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Parkersburg, WV to Iowa
| From West Virginia to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parkersburg, WV to Des Moines, IA | $758 – $1,142 | 763 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Parkersburg, WV to Cedar Rapids, IA | $752 – $1,013 | 676 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Parkersburg, WV to Davenport, IA | $724 – $925 | 596 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Parkersburg, WV to Sioux City, IA | $840 – $1,191 | 940 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Parkersburg, WV to Iowa City, IA | $711 – $1,011 | 652 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Wheeling, WV to Iowa
| From West Virginia to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeling, WV to Des Moines, IA | $773 – $1,127 | 778 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Wheeling, WV to Cedar Rapids, IA | $722 – $1,109 | 691 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Wheeling, WV to Davenport, IA | $712 – $941 | 611 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Wheeling, WV to Sioux City, IA | $831 – $1,314 | 955 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Wheeling, WV to Iowa City, IA | $733 – $1,084 | 667 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from West Virginia to Iowa
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from West Virginia to Iowa usually runs between $945 and $1,486.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from West Virginia to Iowa
When moving your vehicle from the Mountain State to the Hawkeye State, several factors can affect the total shipping 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: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from West Virginia to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The trip from West Virginia to Iowa covers roughly 868 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of West Virginia more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between West Virginia and Iowa 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–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Iowa, 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: 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 West Virginia
More than 1.8 million people call West Virginia home. Nicknamed the Mountain State. West Virginia has warm to hot, humid summers and chilly winters. Be sure to check the weather during your move to avoid inclement weather.
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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from West Virginia to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from West Virginia 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 West Virginia.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. West Virginia's required minimum insurance standards, encompassing liability coverage at $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
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 West Virginia to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from West Virginia to Iowa is about 868 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from West Virginia to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
New residents are given 10 days from the date they title a vehicle to have a West Virginia safety inspection at any official inspection station licensed by the West Virginia State Police.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia, 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from West Virginia to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from West Virginia 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 West Virginia to Iowa?
Shipping a car from West Virginia to Iowa costs $756 to $1,189.
