($997) Cost to ship a car from Columbus, GA to Sioux Falls, SD
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,226 miles from Columbus, Georgia, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will run you about $997 to $1,556. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sioux Falls to Columbus car shipping guide.
The best Columbus to Sioux Falls car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Columbus to Sioux Falls:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Columbus
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Columbus, GA:
- Exclusive Auto Shipping: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Cheap Auto Trans: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- USA Auto Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from GA to SD
When you’re moving from Columbus to Sioux Falls, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Columbus to Sioux Falls, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 1,226-mile trip from Columbus to Sioux Falls could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Georgia to South Dakota. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Columbus. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Sioux Falls.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Sioux Falls, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Columbus to Sioux Falls car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Columbus to Sioux Falls, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Columbus to Sioux Falls, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Columbus tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Sioux Falls, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Columbus will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Sioux Falls than a compact car.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 1,226 miles from Columbus to Sioux Falls will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Georgia.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Columbus and Sioux Falls.
Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
August, June and September are the most pleasant months in Sioux Falls, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Columbus to Sioux Falls during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,226-mile drive between Columbus and Sioux Falls, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Columbus to Sioux Falls takes between two and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Columbus and Sioux Falls vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Columbus: There is some free street parking in Columbus. Some street cost between $1-$2 an hour.
- Sioux Falls:
Car insurance requirements
- Columbus: Georgia mandates drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also obligatory, with a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, including deductible options.
- Sioux Falls: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
Vehicle inspections
- Columbus: New residents in Georgia must register their vehicles with the County Tag Office where they reside. To do so, they must first have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID, which can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. New residents may need to appear in person at the County Tag Office, although rules vary.
- Sioux Falls: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
Driver’s license
- Columbus: New Georgia residents must obtain a Georgia Driver's License within 30 days and can do so by visiting a Customer Service Center and transferring their out-of-state license.
- Sioux Falls: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Columbus to Sioux Falls?
The cost to ship a car from Columbus, GA to Sioux Falls, SD varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Columbus to Sioux Falls will range from $997 to $1,556.
How long will it take to ship my car from Columbus to Sioux Falls?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,226 miles from Columbus to Sioux Falls. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Columbus to Sioux Falls?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Columbus to Sioux Falls. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Columbus to Sioux Falls?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Columbus to Sioux Falls than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,226-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
3485 N Desert Dr # 2110, Atlanta, GA 30344 US
4555 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 US
1710 russell pond ln, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 US