Cost to ship a car from Chicago to Albany
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 817 miles from Chicago to Albany ranges from $813 to $1,269. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Albany, NY in 2–7 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 Albany to Chicago car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Chicago to Albany car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Chicago to Albany, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Chicago to Albany, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Chicago, 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 Albany, 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 Chicago. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Albany will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Chi-Town to the Smallbany — approximately 817 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 Chicago and Albany can impact car shipping prices.
Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Chicago to Albany 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 817-mile distance between Chicago and Albany 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 Chicago to Albany typically takes between 2 and 7 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Chicago to Albany car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Chicago to Albany:
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Chicago and Albany vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Chicago: For a fee of $25, CDOT will provide ticket and tow enforceable signs to eligible moving companies for the day of the move. This requires 72 hours.
- Albany: Check with the City of Albany for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Albany.
Car insurance requirements
- Chicago: 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.
- Albany: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
Vehicle inspections
- Chicago: 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.
- Albany: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
Driver’s license
- Chicago: 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.
- Albany: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chicago to Albany?
The cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Albany, NY 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 Chicago to Albany will range from $813 to $1,269.
How long will it take to ship my car from Chicago to Albany?
It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 817 miles from Chicago to Albany. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chicago to Albany?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Chicago to Albany. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
