Cost to ship a car from Cincinnati to Louisville

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 99 miles from Cincinnati to Louisville ranges from $317 to $493. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Louisville, KY 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 Louisville to Cincinnati car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Cincinnati to Louisville car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Cincinnati to Louisville, 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 Louisville, 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 Louisville 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 City of Beautiful Churches — approximately 99 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 Louisville can impact car shipping prices.

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

Louisville has seasonal extremes in both temperature and precipitation are not uncommon during early spring and late fall; severe weather is not uncommon, with occasional tornado outbreaks in the region. Winter typically brings a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, with occasional heavy snowfall and icing. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.

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 Louisville 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 99-mile distance between Cincinnati and Louisville 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 Louisville 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 Louisville car shipping companies

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

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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 Cincinnati and Louisville 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.
  • Louisville: Building Moving Permit or Access to Open Space permits are required.

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.
  • Louisville: 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

  • 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.
  • Louisville: 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

  • 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.
  • Louisville: 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 Cincinnati to Louisville?

The cost to ship a car from Cincinnati, OH to Louisville, 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 Cincinnati to Louisville will range from $317 to $493.

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

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 99 miles from Cincinnati to Louisville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Cincinnati resources