Cost to ship a car from Cincinnati to Tampa

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 916 miles from Cincinnati to Tampa ranges from $957 to $1,412. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Tampa, FL in 2–7 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 Tampa to Cincinnati car shipping guide.

Why Trust Us

Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.

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 Cincinnati to Tampa car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Blue Chip City to the Big Guava — approximately 916 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 Cincinnati and Tampa can impact car shipping prices.

Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer months.

Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Cincinnati to Tampa 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 916-mile distance between Cincinnati and Tampa 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 Cincinnati to Tampa typically takes between 2 and 7 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Cincinnati to Tampa car shipping companies

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

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Cincinnati and Tampa vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Cincinnati: Generally speaking, you'll only need to apply for a parking permit if you need to occupy a space with a "No parking" sign. Otherwise, you should check for any rules in your new building or HOA.
  • Tampa: Permits are only valid at on-street, unrestricted parking spaces (not to exceed four hours). Not valid at Load/Unload, Freight Zone, No-Park or Handicapped spaces. The vehicle tag number will serve as your permit credential. Permits issued to Federal, State, County and City vehicles may be valid for up to one (1) calendar year at a cost of $156.00 per permit. Permits issued to public utility companies will be valid for a maximum of six (6) months at a cost of $117.00 per permit.

Car insurance requirements

  • Cincinnati: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
  • Tampa: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.

Vehicle inspections

  • Cincinnati: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
  • Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.

Driver’s license

  • Cincinnati: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
  • Tampa: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Cincinnati to Tampa?

The cost to ship a car from Cincinnati, OH to Tampa, FL 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 Cincinnati to Tampa will range from $957 to $1,412.

How long will it take to ship my car from Cincinnati to Tampa?

It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 916 miles from Cincinnati to Tampa. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Cincinnati to Tampa?

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

Helpful Cincinnati resources