Virginia to Iowa Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,013 miles from Virginia to Iowa ranges from $990 to $1,536 and takes 2–8 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Virginia car shipping guide.
Virginia to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Virginia and Iowa. The average travel distance is about 1,013 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 2 to 8 days.
Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to Iowa
| From Virginia to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA | 1,205 miles | $1,141–$1,817 | 2–8 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Cedar Rapids, IA | 1,117 miles | $1,121–$1,738 | 2–8 days |
| Arlington, VA to Davenport, IA | 1,038 miles | $990–$1,600 | 2–8 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Norwalk, IA | 1,217 miles | $1,164–$1,746 | 2–8 days |
| Richmond, VA to Boone, IA | 1,241 miles | $1,106–$1,817 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chesapeake, VA to Iowa
| From Virginia to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA | 1,203 miles | $1,187–$1,693 | 2–8 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Cedar Rapids, IA | 1,115 miles | $1,046–$1,772 | 2–8 days |
| Arlington, VA to Davenport, IA | 1,036 miles | $1,010–$1,552 | 2–8 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Norwalk, IA | 1,215 miles | $1,176–$1,871 | 2–8 days |
| Richmond, VA to Boone, IA | 1,239 miles | $1,211–$1,853 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to Iowa
| From Virginia to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA | 1,017 miles | $1,000–$1,568 | 2–8 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Cedar Rapids, IA | 930 miles | $1,028–$1,516 | 2–7 days |
| Arlington, VA to Davenport, IA | 849 miles | $958–$1,493 | 2–7 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Norwalk, IA | 1,029 miles | $990–$1,568 | 2–8 days |
| Richmond, VA to Boone, IA | 1,053 miles | $990–$1,520 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA to Iowa
| From Virginia to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA | 1,197 miles | $1,132–$1,637 | 2–8 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Cedar Rapids, IA | 1,110 miles | $1,099–$1,755 | 2–8 days |
| Arlington, VA to Davenport, IA | 1,030 miles | $950–$1,647 | 2–8 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Norwalk, IA | 1,209 miles | $1,176–$1,782 | 2–8 days |
| Richmond, VA to Boone, IA | 1,233 miles | $1,164–$1,693 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to Iowa
| From Virginia to Iowa | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA | 1,099 miles | $1,019–$1,600 | 2–8 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Cedar Rapids, IA | 1,012 miles | $1,029–$1,647 | 2–8 days |
| Arlington, VA to Davenport, IA | 932 miles | $1,048–$1,563 | 2–7 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Norwalk, IA | 1,111 miles | $1,078–$1,688 | 2–8 days |
| Richmond, VA to Boone, IA | 1,135 miles | $1,132–$1,755 | 2–8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Virginia to Iowa
Since vehicles like SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Virginia to Iowa you should expect to pay between $1,238 and $1,920.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from Virginia to Iowa
When transporting your vehicle from the Old Dominion State to the Hawkeye State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The journey from Virginia to Iowa spans approximately 1,013 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Virginia, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Virginia and Iowa and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Virginia to Iowa should take between 2 and 8 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best Virginia to Iowa car shipping companies
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We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Virginia to Iowa:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from Virginia to Iowa
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,013 miles on your car going from Virginia to Iowa. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from Virginia to Iowa for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from Virginia to Iowa?
- Car insurance requirements: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from Virginia
Over 39 million people call Virginia home. Nicknamed the Old Dominion State, Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
Transporting your vehicle to Iowa
About 22 million people are living in the Hawkeye State of Iowa. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in Virginia and when dropping off my car in Iowa?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in Virginia and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Virginia to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Virginia to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, which you should verify before loading your car in Virginia.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Virginia to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Virginia to Iowa is about 1013 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take 2-8 days to travel from Virginia to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Virginia, will I need one in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
If I bought a car in Virginia, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Virginia to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Virginia and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
