Cost to ship a car from Las Vegas to Chicago

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,747 miles from Las Vegas to Chicago ranges from $1,417 to $1,975. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Chicago, IL 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 Chicago to Las Vegas car shipping guide.

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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 Las Vegas to Chicago car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Sin City to the Chi-Town — approximately 1,747 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 Las Vegas and Chicago can impact car shipping prices.

Las Vegas has extremely hot summers; warm transitional seasons; and short winters with mild days and cool nights. June through September are extremely hot, though moderated by extremely low humidity. Las Vegas winters are short and generally very mild, with chilly (but rarely cold) daytime temperatures. Be sure to check your weather app during July as it is the hottest month in Las Vegas.

Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Las Vegas to Chicago 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 1,747-mile distance between Las Vegas and Chicago 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 Las Vegas to Chicago 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.

Las Vegas to Chicago car shipping companies

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

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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 Las Vegas and Chicago vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Las Vegas: Out-of-state commercial vehicles are required to obtain a permit to operate in Nevada. Vehicles registered for Nevada under the International Registration Plan (IRP) do not need a permit. Commercial vehicles based in other states but doing business in Nevada must obtain a Nonresident Business Permit. A Nonresident Business Permit is required for each vehicle operated within the State of Nevada. The permit is not transferable and non-refundable. Businesses must obtain the permit(s) within 10 days of commencement of operations. The Nonresident Business Permit expires one year from the date of issuance. All applications must be completed in person.
  • Chicago: For a fee of $25, CDOT will provide ticket and tow enforceable signs to eligible moving companies for the day of the move. This requires 72 hours.

Car insurance requirements

  • Las Vegas: Nevada law mandates drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $20,000 for property damage, ensuring financial responsibility in case of accidents. Stay compliant for legal and financial protection.
  • Chicago: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.

Vehicle inspections

  • Las Vegas: The State of Nevada requires yearly vehicle emissions and VIN tests.
  • Chicago: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.

Driver’s license

  • Las Vegas: To obtain a driver's license in Nevada as a new resident, you must apply for it in-person at a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in Nevada.
  • Chicago: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Las Vegas to Chicago?

The cost to ship a car from Las Vegas, NV to Chicago, IL 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 Las Vegas to Chicago will range from $1,417 to $1,975.

How long will it take to ship my car from Las Vegas to Chicago?

It will take approximately 3–9 days to ship your car the 1,747 miles from Las Vegas to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Las Vegas to Chicago?

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

Helpful Las Vegas resources