Cost to ship a car from Portland to Lexington

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,023 miles from Portland to Lexington ranges from $807 to $1,304. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lexington, KY 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 Lexington to Portland car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Portland to Lexington car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Forest City to the Horse Capital of the World — approximately 1,023 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 Portland and Lexington can impact car shipping prices.

August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.

Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Portland to Lexington 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 1,023-mile distance between Portland and Lexington 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 Portland to Lexington 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.

Portland to Lexington car shipping companies

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

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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 Portland and Lexington vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Portland:
  • Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Car insurance requirements

  • Portland: In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
  • Lexington: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.

Vehicle inspections

  • Portland: The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
  • Lexington: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.

Driver’s license

  • Portland: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
  • Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Portland to Lexington?

The cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Lexington, KY 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 Portland to Lexington will range from $807 to $1,304.

How long will it take to ship my car from Portland to Lexington?

It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,023 miles from Portland to Lexington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Portland to Lexington?

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

Helpful Portland resources