Cost to ship a car from Birmingham to Lexington

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 404 miles from Birmingham to Lexington ranges from $665 to $901. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lexington, KY in 1–4 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lexington to Birmingham car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Birmingham to Lexington car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Birmingham to Lexington, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Birmingham to Lexington, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Birmingham, 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 Lexington, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Birmingham. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Lexington will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the B'ham to the Horse Capital of the World — approximately 404 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.

Time of the year

The season and weather in both Birmingham and Lexington can impact car shipping prices.

Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.

Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Birmingham to Lexington during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 404-mile distance between Birmingham and Lexington and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Birmingham to Lexington typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Birmingham to Lexington car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Birmingham and Lexington vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Birmingham: Current parking rates, which range from $1 an hour (for 2-hour or less meters) to $0.50 an hour (for 10-hour meters), will not change as part of ordinance modification.
  • Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Car insurance requirements

  • Birmingham: Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
  • Lexington: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.

Vehicle inspections

  • Birmingham: In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
  • Lexington: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.

Driver’s license

  • Birmingham: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
  • Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Birmingham to Lexington?

The cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Lexington, KY varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Birmingham to Lexington will range from $665 to $901.

How long will it take to ship my car from Birmingham to Lexington?

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 404 miles from Birmingham to Lexington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Birmingham to Lexington?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Birmingham to Lexington. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Birmingham resources