Cost to ship a car from Cincinnati to Indianapolis

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 112 miles from Cincinnati to Indianapolis ranges from $377 to $578. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Indianapolis, IN in 1–4 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 Indianapolis to Cincinnati car shipping guide.

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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 Indianapolis car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Cincinnati to Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis 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 Amateur Sports Capital of the World — approximately 112 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 Indianapolis can impact car shipping prices.

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

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.

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 Indianapolis 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 112-mile distance between Cincinnati and Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Cincinnati to Indianapolis car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Cincinnati and Indianapolis 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.
  • Indianapolis: All permit applicants are now required to use INDOT’s Electronic Permitting System (EPS) when seeking a permit and making an electronic payment.

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.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Cincinnati, OH to Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis will range from $377 to $578.

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

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 112 miles from Cincinnati to Indianapolis. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Cincinnati resources