Cost to ship a car from Washington DC to Kansas City

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,052 miles from Washington DC to Kansas City ranges from $782 to $1,304. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Kansas City, MO in 2–8 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 Kansas City to Washington DC car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Washington DC to Kansas City car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the DC to the KC — approximately 1,052 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 Washington DC and Kansas City can impact car shipping prices.

Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.

Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Washington DC to Kansas 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 1,052-mile distance between Washington DC and Kansas 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 Washington DC to Kansas City typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Washington DC to Kansas City car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Washington DC to Kansas City:

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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 Washington DC and Kansas City vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Washington DC: The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per day.
  • Kansas City: Although there's no specific permit required to move in Kansas City, you may still need to apply for a loading permit or something similar if your move requires you to block public lanes, curbs, sidewalks, etc.

Car insurance requirements

  • Washington DC: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
  • Kansas City: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.

Vehicle inspections

  • Washington DC: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
  • Kansas City: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.

Driver’s license

  • Washington DC: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
  • Kansas City: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Washington DC to Kansas City?

The cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Kansas City, MO 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 Washington DC to Kansas City will range from $782 to $1,304.

How long will it take to ship my car from Washington DC to Kansas City?

It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,052 miles from Washington DC to Kansas City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Washington DC to Kansas City?

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

Helpful Washington DC resources