Cost to ship a car from Indianapolis to St. Paul

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 581 miles from Indianapolis to St. Paul ranges from $841 to $1,175. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in St. Paul, MN 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 St. Paul to Indianapolis car shipping guide.

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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 St. Paul car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Indianapolis to St. Paul, 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 St. Paul, 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 St. Paul 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 Pigs Eye — approximately 581 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 St. Paul 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.

St. Paul has frigid and snowy winters, while summers are warm to hot and humid. St. Paul experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog

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 St. Paul 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 581-mile distance between Indianapolis and St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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.

Indianapolis to St. Paul car shipping companies

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

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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 St. Paul 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.
  • St. Paul: Construction or commercial vehicles with special permits may park in a metered space without payment between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Those without a permanent special permit are subject to ticketing if the meter has expired. Commercial Vehicle Permits are issued by license inspectors, are numbered, and expire one year after issuance. This placard shall be placed between the driver’s side dashboard and windshield ensuring that the entire placard is visible through the windshield.

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.
  • St. Paul: Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.

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.
  • St. Paul: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.

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.
  • St. Paul: In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Indianapolis to St. Paul?

The cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to St. Paul, MN 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 St. Paul will range from $841 to $1,175.

How long will it take to ship my car from Indianapolis to St. Paul?

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 581 miles from Indianapolis to St. Paul. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Indianapolis to St. Paul?

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

Helpful Indianapolis resources