($758) Cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to Durham, NC

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 602 miles from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Durham, North Carolina, ranges from $758 to $1,005. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Free car wash
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Services all 50 states
  • Ships most vehicles

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

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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The best Indianapolis to Durham car shipping companies

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

Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
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Check prices (833) 775-1461
Best cross-country shipper
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (224) 206-5633
At A Glance
  • No upfront payment
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Competitive pricing
  • Door-to-door shipping
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Check prices (224) 206-5633
Best for discounts
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices (770) 501-9057
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  • Competitive pricing
  • Last-minute car shipments
  • Guaranteed & expedited shipments
  • Gap insurance coverage
  • Multiple discounts
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Check prices (770) 501-9057
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (864) 492-1221
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  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Check prices (864) 492-1221
Best for quick pickup
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (888) 259-6046
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  • No upfront deposit
  • Expedited shipping
  • No hidden fees
  • Ships motorcycles & RVs
  • Discount for cash payments
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Check prices (888) 259-6046
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  • Instant pricing from multiple providers
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
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  • Shipper service history & verified reviews
  • All vehicle types
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Top local car shippers in Indianapolis

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Indianapolis, IN:

Reindeer Auto Relocation

5100 Charles Ct, Zionsville, IN 46077 US

starstarstarstarstar4 / 5.0

Reindeer Auto Relocation has received a mix of feedback from customers. Many highlight excellent or timely customer service, friendly communication, efficiency in transporting vehicles and prompt updates. However, significant concerns arise regarding vehicle damage during transport and claim denials, leading to frustration among customers who feel unprotected and unsupported after incidents. Overall, while some users report satisfaction, many advise caution and thorough inspections before and after transport.

Get a Quote (800) 428-0589

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Classic Car Carrier, Inc.

111 S 1200 E, Zionsville, IN 46077 US

starstarstarstarstar3.9 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the professionalism and white glove service provided by the company while also praising their excellent communication and care for vehicles. However, several reviewers reported significant issues with specific transactions, including poor service experiences and equipment damage, advising caution in dealings with certain individuals.

Get a Quote (800) 969-3652

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Muscle Cars, Inc
  • Mr. Car Lister, LLC
  • Sales Injector, LLC

Auto Driveaway

8888 Keystone Crossing STE 1300, Indianapolis, IN 46240 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 346-2277

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Trailers
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Diversified Auto Solutions, Inc.
  • Auto Driveaway Indianapolis

Kemp Transport Systems Llc

1037 Oakwood Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46260 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (317) 432-3930

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

How we chose the best car shipping companies

We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.

Here’s what we considered:

  • Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
  • Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
  • Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
  • Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
  • Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.

Car shipping alternatives from IN to NC

  • Coordinate with your movers. If you are relocating from Indianapolis to Durham, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide, and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s pick for car shipper and their pricing.
  • Drive your car. There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 602-mile drive from Indianapolis to Durham into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
  • Use a driving service. Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Indiana to North Carolina is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Indianapolis to Durham. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
  • Ship your car via train. Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Durham, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting Indianapolis to Durham car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Indianapolis to Durham, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

There are different options for shipping your car from Indianapolis to Durham, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you choose will depend on your 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 Durham, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Indianapolis will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Durham than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply — the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as adjacent costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 602 miles from Amateur Sports Capital of the World to City of The Viper will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Indiana.

Where you’re shipping your car matters here, too. Rates are usually lower for routes that are along major highways and will be higher for areas that are more remote.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Indianapolis and Durham can impact car shipping prices.

The season and weather in both Indianapolis and Durham 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 in Durham is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.

During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Indianapolis to Durham 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 602-mile distance between Indianapolis and Durham 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 Durham typically takes between one and six days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Indianapolis and Durham 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.
  • Durham: You do not need a parking permit for a moving truck in Durham. However, you may double check by calling the city. You should also be sure to check if your neighborhood, HOA, or building have any rules that you should know about for moving 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.
  • Durham: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.

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.
  • Durham: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.

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.
  • Durham: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to Durham, NC varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Indianapolis to Durham will range from $758 to $1,005.

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

It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 602 miles from Indianapolis to Durham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Indianapolis to Durham?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Indianapolis to Durham than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 602-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Indianapolis resources