Cost to ship a car from Dayton to Lexington

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 135 miles from Dayton to Lexington ranges from $403 to $601. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lexington, 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 Lexington to Dayton 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 Dayton to Lexington car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Dayton to Lexington, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Dayton, 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 Dayton. 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 Gem City to the Horse Capital of the World — approximately 135 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 Dayton and Lexington can impact car shipping prices.

September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.

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 Dayton 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 135-mile distance between Dayton 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 Dayton to Lexington 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.

Dayton to Lexington car shipping companies

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

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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 Dayton and Lexington vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Dayton: Make sure to check with the City of Dayton for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Dayton.
  • 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

  • Dayton: 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.
  • 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

  • Dayton: 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.
  • 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

  • Dayton: 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.
  • 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 Dayton to Lexington?

The cost to ship a car from Dayton, OH 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 Dayton to Lexington will range from $403 to $601.

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

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 135 miles from Dayton to Lexington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Dayton resources