Virginia to Rhode Island Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 571 miles from Virginia to Rhode Island ranges from $838 to $1,153 and takes 1–6 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 Rhode Island to Virginia car shipping guide.
Virginia to Rhode Island auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Virginia and Rhode Island. The average travel distance is about 571 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 1 to 6 days.
Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to Rhode Island
| From Virginia to Rhode Island | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Providence, RI | 542 miles | $824–$1,105 | 1–6 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to North Smithfield, RI | 552 miles | $881–$1,153 | 1–6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Valley Falls, RI | 549 miles | $791–$1,162 | 1–6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Newport East, RI | 542 miles | $865–$1,162 | 1–6 days |
| Richmond, VA to Warren, RI | 554 miles | $813–$1,177 | 1–6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chesapeake, VA to Rhode Island
| From Virginia to Rhode Island | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Providence, RI | 547 miles | $783–$1,150 | 1–6 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to North Smithfield, RI | 557 miles | $855–$1,153 | 1–6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Valley Falls, RI | 554 miles | $881–$1,200 | 1–6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Newport East, RI | 546 miles | $791–$1,127 | 1–6 days |
| Richmond, VA to Warren, RI | 558 miles | $847–$1,165 | 1–6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to Rhode Island
| From Virginia to Rhode Island | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Providence, RI | 411 miles | $706–$1,028 | 1–4 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to North Smithfield, RI | 421 miles | $706–$1,028 | 1–4 days |
| Arlington, VA to Valley Falls, RI | 418 miles | $772–$977 | 1–4 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Newport East, RI | 411 miles | $743–$1,008 | 1–4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Warren, RI | 422 miles | $750–$998 | 1–4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA to Rhode Island
| From Virginia to Rhode Island | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Providence, RI | 542 miles | $857–$1,093 | 1–6 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to North Smithfield, RI | 552 miles | $821–$1,177 | 1–6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Valley Falls, RI | 549 miles | $849–$1,173 | 1–6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Newport East, RI | 542 miles | $824–$1,196 | 1–6 days |
| Richmond, VA to Warren, RI | 553 miles | $864–$1,235 | 1–6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to Rhode Island
| From Virginia to Rhode Island | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Providence, RI | 514 miles | $816–$1,045 | 1–6 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to North Smithfield, RI | 525 miles | $865–$1,184 | 1–6 days |
| Arlington, VA to Valley Falls, RI | 522 miles | $808–$1,045 | 1–6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Newport East, RI | 514 miles | $784–$1,045 | 1–6 days |
| Richmond, VA to Warren, RI | 526 miles | $824–$1,196 | 1–6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Virginia to Rhode Island
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 Virginia to Rhode Island you should expect to pay between $1,048 and $1,441.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from Virginia to Rhode Island
When transporting your vehicle from the Old Dominion State to the Ocean State, 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 Rhode Island.
- Distance and route: The journey from Virginia to Rhode Island spans approximately 571 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia and Rhode Island 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 Virginia to Rhode Island should take between 1 and 6 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best Virginia to Rhode Island car shipping companies
|
|
|
|
rating
We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Virginia to Rhode Island:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from Virginia to Rhode Island
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 571 miles on your car going from Virginia to Rhode Island. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from Virginia to Rhode Island for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from Virginia to Rhode Island?
- Car insurance requirements: When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
- Vehicle inspection: All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
- Driver’s license: If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from Virginia
Over 39 million people call Virginia home. Nicknamed the Old Dominion State, Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
Transporting your vehicle to Rhode Island
About 22 million people are living in the Ocean State of Rhode Island. Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in Virginia and when dropping off my car in Rhode Island?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in Virginia and when dropping it off in Rhode Island.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Virginia to Rhode Island?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Virginia to Rhode Island, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Rhode Island, which you should verify before loading your car in Virginia.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. 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.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Virginia to Rhode Island?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Virginia to Rhode Island is about 571 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take 1-6 days to travel from Virginia to Rhode Island.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
If I have a driver’s license in Virginia, will I need one in Rhode Island?
If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
If I bought a car in Virginia, will I be required to pay sales tax in Rhode Island after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Virginia to Rhode Island after purchasing it.
When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Virginia and Rhode Island to avoid any hidden costs.
