
Shipping Cars from California to Iowa
Using an open carrier open transport offers better value than doing it yourself. Your vehicle will be delivered to your home or as close to your home as possible. You will not be stressed about shipping your vehicle from California to Iowa. These and so much more value can be obtained from choosing our service.
How Much Does a Vehicle Carrier Cost?
Shipping a car from California to Iowa costs $1000-$1700 on average.
Get our online quote to find out how much it will cost to ship your vehicle from California to Iowa. However, you should be mindful that the cost will be influenced by the size of your cargo and the season of your schedule. Shipping seasons have high moving demands, so delivery rates are higher during these periods. The distance between the cities also influences the price of transporting your vehicle.
The cost to ship a car from California to Iowa typically ranges between $1,100 and $2,200, depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, distance, and desired level of service. For instance, shorter routes like Los Angeles to Des Moines usually cost between $861 and $1,344 for standard vehicles. At the same time, longer trips, such as San Francisco to Cedar Rapids, can range from $852 to $1,331 due to the added distance and logistical requirements.
How Far Is It, and How Long Is the Estimated Delivery Time to Ship a Car?
California and Iowa are over 1800 miles apart. Cargo delivery is estimated to be 2-3 days after pickup. However, bad weather conditions, traffic congestion, or unforeseen circumstances may delay delivery.
Choosing the Right Transport Method
Selecting between open and enclosed transport methods depends on your vehicle's needs and budget. Open transport is more cost-effective and suitable for most standard vehicles, while enclosed transport offers added protection for luxury or classic cars but comes at a higher price. Evaluating your vehicle's requirements and discussing options with your transporter can help determine the best choice for your situation.
Vehicle Hauling Pricing & Time To Ship Your Car Examples
To / From California to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
Sacramento, CA to Des Moines, IA | $3081.6 - $3766.4 | 1712 | 6 - 8 days |
Cedar Rapids, IA from Los Angeles, CA | $3256.2 - $3979.8 | 1809 | 6 - 8 days |
San Diego, CA to Davenport, IA | $3081.6 - $3766.4 | 1712 | 6 - 8 days |
Sioux City, IA from San Jose, CA | $3114 - $3806 | 1730 | 6 - 8 days |
San Francisco, CA to Ankeny, IA | $3256.2 - $3979.8 | 1809 | 6 - 8 days |
Iowa City, IA from Fresno, CA | $3457.8 - $4226.2 | 1921 | 6 - 8 days |
Long Beach, CA to West Des Moine, IA | $3040.2 - $3715.8 | 1689 | 6 - 8 days |
Ames, IA from Oakland, CA | $3290.4 - $4021.6 | 1828 | 6 - 8 days |
Bakersfield, CA to Waterloo, IA | $3254.4 - $3977.6 | 1808 | 6 - 8 days |
Council Bluffs, IA from Anaheim, CA | $2790 - $3410 | 1550 | 6 - 8 days |
What Are the Major Car Shipping and Delivery Hubs?
Delivery times for car shipping from California to Iowa generally range from 3 to 11 days, influenced by distance, carrier schedules, and weather conditions. For example, the distance from Los Angeles, CA, to Des Moines, IA, is approximately 1,686 miles, which translates to an estimated delivery time of about 4 to 6 days, assuming carriers travel around 500 miles daily. It's advisable to plan and coordinate with your shipping provider to ensure timely delivery.
- Des Moines
- Cedar Rapids
- Davenport
- Sioux City
- Ankeny
- Avoca e.t.c.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship?
If you consider only the cost of gasoline against your shipping cost, you will conclude that you are paying more. However, doing it yourself carries extra charges and strains that deserve consideration. The cost of feeding, staying awake during the journey, driving for about 30 hours, and possible damage to the vehicle can lead to extra charges and reduce the durability of your car. Using an auto transport service will ensure the safety of your vehicle (as we are insured) and will remove the possibility of extra charges.
We Can Also Help You Ship the Following Items
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- RV’s
- Heavy Equipment
- ATV’s and
- Freight

Scheduling Your Vehicle Carrier Pickup
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- Los Angeles
- Sacramento
- San Jose
- Elk Grove
- Santa Ana e.t.c.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Iowa?
Shipping a car from California to Iowa typically costs between $1,100 and $1,700. Factors influencing the price include the specific pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type, transport method (open or enclosed), and seasonal demand.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Iowa?
Transit times usually range from 4 to 6 days, depending on the exact route and carrier schedules. For example, shipping from Los Angeles to Des Moines covers approximately 1,686 miles and typically falls within this timeframe.
What documents are required to ship my car from California to Iowa?
Generally, you'll need to provide a valid photo ID, the vehicle's registration, and proof of insurance. The most crucial document is the Bill of Lading, which serves as a receipt and outlines the condition of your vehicle before and after transport.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle from California to Iowa?
Yes, non-operational vehicles can be shipped, but they require special equipment for loading and unloading, such as winches or forklifts. This service may incur additional fees, typically ranging from $150 to $300, so it's important to inform the transport company about the vehicle's condition upfront.