Cost to ship a car from Denver to Salt Lake City

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 517 miles from Denver to Salt Lake City ranges from $632 to $951. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Salt Lake City, UT in 1–6 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 Salt Lake City to Denver car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Denver to Salt Lake City car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Denver to Salt Lake City, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Denver, 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 Salt Lake City, 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 Denver. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Salt Lake City will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Mile-High City to the Crossroads of the West — approximately 517 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 Denver and Salt Lake City can impact car shipping prices.

Denver has four distinct seasons and receives most of its precipitation from April through August. Due to its inland location on the High Plains, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the region can be subject to sudden changes in weather.

June, September and May are the most pleasant months in Salt Lake City, while January and December are the least comfortable months.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Denver to Salt Lake City 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 517-mile distance between Denver and Salt Lake City 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 Denver to Salt Lake City typically takes between 1 and 6 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Denver to Salt Lake City car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Denver to Salt Lake City:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Denver and Salt Lake City vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Denver: A Parking Permit (Residential or Area) exempts a resident's vehicle from the posted, on-street parking time limit restrictions ONLY for the area within which the permit is valid. Residential Parking Permits are valid only on the block which the resident resides. The Area Permit will exempt permit holders from certain parking restrictions within a prescribed area.
  • Salt Lake City: Certain areas within the city, like hospitals, universities, etc. attract non-residents to seek parking in/near residential areas. This can sometimes place undue hardship on area residents and property owners by contributing to excess noise, air pollution, litter, traffic hazards, congestion and severe shortage of available on-street parking spaces. By preventing all day, (non-resident) vehicle parking in a qualifying area, it can address these problems. Make sure to secure a parking permit if needed in the area where you will move. You can apply online at Citizen Portal (Register for an account and Login before it will give you the option to apply.), or mail your application and supporting documentation to Transportation Division, 349 South 200 East, Ste. 150, SLC UT 84111. If you have any questions, please call our office at 801-535-6630 or e-mail [email protected].

Car insurance requirements

  • Denver: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
  • Salt Lake City: In Utah, it is mandatory for drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage, including $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage with identical limits is required.

Vehicle inspections

  • Denver: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
  • Salt Lake City: Vehicles in the state of Utah are mandated to pass an annual safety inspection to ensure that key components such as brakes, lights and tires are in good working condition. Additionally, vehicles older than 6 years are also required to pass an emissions inspection to confirm that they are not emitting excessive levels of pollutants. If a vehicle fails either of these inspections, it must be repaired and retested before it can be legally driven on the road.

Driver’s license

  • Denver: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
  • Salt Lake City: In order to get a driver's license in Utah, a person must pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision test, as well as provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the required fees. Those under 18 years of age must also complete driver education and have a learner's permit before being eligible for a full license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Denver to Salt Lake City?

The cost to ship a car from Denver, CO to Salt Lake City, UT 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 Denver to Salt Lake City will range from $632 to $951.

How long will it take to ship my car from Denver to Salt Lake City?

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 517 miles from Denver to Salt Lake City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Denver to Salt Lake City?

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

Helpful Denver resources