Cost to ship a car from Madison to Denver

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 954 miles from Madison to Denver ranges from $956 to $1,468. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Denver, CO 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 Denver to Madison car shipping guide.

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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 Madison to Denver car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Mad City to the Mile-High City — approximately 954 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 Madison and Denver can impact car shipping prices.

August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.

Denver has four distinct seasons and receives most of its precipitation from April through August. Due to its inland location on the High Plains, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the region can be subject to sudden changes in weather.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Madison to Denver 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 954-mile distance between Madison and Denver 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 Madison to Denver 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.

Madison to Denver car shipping companies

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

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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 Madison and Denver vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Madison: The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two-hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. This provides residents the opportunity for the limited storing of vehicles on public streets to the partial exclusion of commuter vehicles. A Residential Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place. It allows the right to park if space is available. It is recommended to apply online.
  • Denver: A Parking Permit (Residential or Area) exempts a resident's vehicle from the posted, on-street parking time limit restrictions ONLY for the area within which the permit is valid. Residential Parking Permits are valid only on the block which the resident resides. The Area Permit will exempt permit holders from certain parking restrictions within a prescribed area.

Car insurance requirements

  • Madison: Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.
  • Denver: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.

Vehicle inspections

  • Madison: Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.
  • Denver: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.

Driver’s license

  • Madison: After establishing residence, new residents must apply for a WI driver license at any Wisconsin DMV service center within 60 days for a regular license and within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
  • Denver: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Madison to Denver?

The cost to ship a car from Madison, WI to Denver, CO 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 Madison to Denver will range from $956 to $1,468.

How long will it take to ship my car from Madison to Denver?

It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 954 miles from Madison to Denver. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Madison to Denver?

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

Helpful Madison resources