Texas to Illinois Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 994 miles from Texas to Illinois ranges from $944 to $1,542 and takes 2–7 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to Texas car shipping guide.

Texas to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times

The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Texas and Illinois. The average travel distance is about 994 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 2 to 7 days.

Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Illinois

From Texas to Illinois Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Houston, TX to Chicago, IL 1,082 miles $1,019–$1,504 2–8 days
San Antonio, TX to Rockford, IL 1,071 miles $980–$1,536 2–8 days
Dallas, TX to Springfield, IL 874 miles $983–$1,453 2–7 days
Austin, TX to Peoria, IL 946 miles $968–$1,547 2–7 days
Fort Worth, TX to Round Lake Beach, IL 1,102 miles $1,056–$1,772 2–8 days

Cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to Illinois

From Texas to Illinois Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Houston, TX to Chicago, IL 1,232 miles $1,222–$1,746 2–8 days
San Antonio, TX to Rockford, IL 1,196 miles $1,089–$1,603 2–8 days
Dallas, TX to Springfield, IL 999 miles $1,044–$1,557 2–7 days
Austin, TX to Peoria, IL 1,071 miles $970–$1,568 2–8 days
Fort Worth, TX to Round Lake Beach, IL 1,226 miles $1,199–$1,782 2–8 days

Cost to ship a car from Dallas, TX to Illinois

From Texas to Illinois Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Houston, TX to Chicago, IL 958 miles $957–$1,545 2–7 days
San Antonio, TX to Rockford, IL 923 miles $1,048–$1,456 2–7 days
Dallas, TX to Springfield, IL 726 miles $926–$1,330 1–6 days
Austin, TX to Peoria, IL 798 miles $1,013–$1,449 2–7 days
Fort Worth, TX to Round Lake Beach, IL 954 miles $977–$1,639 2–7 days

Cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to Illinois

From Texas to Illinois Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Houston, TX to Chicago, IL 1,120 miles $1,121–$1,654 2–8 days
San Antonio, TX to Rockford, IL 1,118 miles $1,099–$1,688 2–8 days
Dallas, TX to Springfield, IL 920 miles $1,038–$1,502 2–7 days
Austin, TX to Peoria, IL 992 miles $984–$1,542 2–7 days
Fort Worth, TX to Round Lake Beach, IL 1,148 miles $1,121–$1,671 2–8 days

Cost to ship a car from Fort Worth, TX to Illinois

From Texas to Illinois Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Houston, TX to Chicago, IL 950 miles $1,007–$1,514 2–7 days
San Antonio, TX to Rockford, IL 947 miles $1,018–$1,485 2–7 days
Dallas, TX to Springfield, IL 750 miles $955–$1,354 2–7 days
Austin, TX to Peoria, IL 821 miles $962–$1,472 2–7 days
Fort Worth, TX to Round Lake Beach, IL 977 miles $944–$1,589 2–7 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Texas to Illinois

Since vehicles like SUV, 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 Texas to Illinois you should expect to pay between $1,180 and $1,928.

Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from Texas to Illinois

When transporting your vehicle from the Lone Star State to the Land of Lincoln, these factors will influence your final price:

  • 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 Illinois.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Texas to Illinois spans approximately 994 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Texas, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
  • Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Texas and Illinois and the varying gas prices across the country.
  • 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 Texas to Illinois should take between 2 and 7 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.

The best Texas to Illinois car shipping companies

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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  • Transparent pricing
  • Fully insured
Check prices (864) 492-1221

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
Check prices (888) 259-6046

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.35 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable
Check prices (866) 563-0804

% of users select this mover

We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Texas to Illinois:

Alternative ways to ship your car from Texas to Illinois

What else should you know about shipping a car from Texas to Illinois?

  • Car insurance requirements: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
  • Vehicle inspection: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
  • Driver’s license: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
  • Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist

Transporting your vehicle from Texas

Over 39 million people call Texas home. Nicknamed the Lone Star State, Although winters are mild, hurricane season during the summer months may affect your move.

Transporting your vehicle to Illinois

About 22 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln of Illinois. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in Texas and when dropping off my car in Illinois?

Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in Texas and when dropping it off in Illinois.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Texas to Illinois?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Texas to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, which you should verify before loading your car in Texas.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.

How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to Illinois?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Texas to Illinois is about 994 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take 2-7 days to travel from Texas to Illinois.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.

In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.

If I have a driver’s license in Texas, will I need one in Illinois?

Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.

If I bought a car in Texas, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?

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

According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Texas and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.

Helpful Texas resources