Cost to ship a car from Indianapolis to Phoenix

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,698 miles from Indianapolis to Phoenix ranges from $1,423 to $1,854. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Phoenix, AZ in 3–9 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 Phoenix to Indianapolis car shipping guide.

Why Trust Us

Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.

Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.

Factors affecting Indianapolis to Phoenix car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Amateur Sports Capital of the World to the Arizona's Urban Heart — approximately 1,698 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 Indianapolis and Phoenix can impact car shipping prices.

Indianapolis summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest.

The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100° F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Indianapolis to Phoenix 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 1,698-mile distance between Indianapolis and Phoenix 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 Indianapolis to Phoenix typically takes between 3 and 9 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Indianapolis to Phoenix car shipping companies

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

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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 Indianapolis and Phoenix vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Indianapolis: All permit applicants are now required to use INDOT’s Electronic Permitting System (EPS) when seeking a permit and making an electronic payment.
  • Phoenix: Phoenix doesn't require a parking permit for your move but many cities have their own rules in specific areas. Check with the City of Phoenix if you'll need something and also be aware of any HOA or building rules that you should know before your move day.

Car insurance requirements

  • Indianapolis: Indiana's minimum auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, providing $25,000 per person and a maximum of $50,000 per incident for bodily injury, along with $10,000 for property damage in the event of a covered accident. Liability coverage in Indiana includes property damage, protecting your assets in case you're legally responsible for damages to another party's property, and bodily injury, covering expenses related to harm sustained by others in a covered accident.
  • Phoenix: The mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per accident

Vehicle inspections

  • Indianapolis: Indiana does not mandate safety inspections for vehicles. However, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a VIN inspection for vehicles not previously registered in the state.
  • Phoenix: Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.

Driver’s license

  • Indianapolis: As a new resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver's license if you have a valid license from another state. You must also transfer the titles and registrations of your vehicles from your previous state to Indiana.
  • Phoenix: If you are a former resident of another state and now reside in Arizona, you will need to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office in person to obtain an Arizona driver's license. You have a 10-day window after relocating within the state to update the address on your Arizona driver's license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Indianapolis to Phoenix?

The cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to Phoenix, AZ 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 Indianapolis to Phoenix will range from $1,423 to $1,854.

How long will it take to ship my car from Indianapolis to Phoenix?

It will take approximately 3–9 days to ship your car the 1,698 miles from Indianapolis to Phoenix. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Indianapolis to Phoenix?

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

Helpful Indianapolis resources