How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to or from Minnesota?

ZonePrice estimateTransit
Great Lakes & Ohio Valley $354–$805 1–3 days
Great Plains & Upper Midwest $375–$663 1–2 days
Southeast & Florida $584–$1,501 2–8 days
Texas & South Central $589–$1,249 2–4 days
Mountain West & Southwest $599–$1,471 2–7 days
Northeast & New England $750–$1,307 2–4 days
West Coast & Pacific Northwest $991–$1,550 3–8 days

A Minnesota estimate begins with road miles, and because the Twin Cities sit in the middle of a wide stretch of the northern United States, the prices form a clear ladder. The cheapest listed runs come from the neighboring states: Chicago to Minneapolis (409 miles) at $355–$507, Lincoln to Minneapolis (432 miles) at $375–$536 and Evansville to Rochester (617 miles) at $458–$654. Short local moves, or ones that would price below our minimum, are not shown, so ask us directly for a quote on nearby cities such as Saint Cloud to Omaha or Rochester to Chicago.

The Twin Cities and the surrounding suburbs price almost alike. Evansville to Minneapolis is estimated at $516–$737, and Evansville to Saint Paul at $510–$728. Likewise, Little Rock to Minneapolis (859 miles) is $613–$876 and the Rochester end is $589–$842. Rochester sits about an hour and a half south of the metro, so it often costs slightly less when the truck comes from the south.

Longer routes show how steady the pricing is. Akron to Rochester (712 miles) is $518–$740, Carrollton to Rochester (899 miles) is $642–$917, Albuquerque to Minneapolis (1,227 miles) is $833–$1,190, and Boston to Minneapolis (1,390 miles) is $915–$1,307. Going coast to coast, Tampa to Minneapolis (1,580 miles) is $984–$1,406, Saint Paul to Seattle (1,667 miles) is $1,015–$1,450 and Portland to Minneapolis (1,728 miles) is $992–$1,417.

Four things shift the number once you request a quote:

  • Metro or outstate. Pickups in the Twin Cities and Rochester are easy. A lake cabin, farm or small town off Interstate 94 or US 169 may need a meeting point on a main road.
  • Vehicle. Pickups with toppers, vans with racks and cars carrying cargo boxes need extra room, so describe your setup.
  • Trailer. Enclosed shipments are priced above open ones. The ranges here are estimates, so request the exact figure for the trailer you want.
  • Calendar. Deep winter, the end of the school year and the fall move-in week all change truck availability. The more flexible your dates, the easier it is to match you with a driver.

Popular Car Shipping Routes to Minnesota

RouteDistanceTransitPrice estimate
Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN 409 miles 1 to 2 days $355–$507
Houston, TX to Minneapolis, MN 1,178 miles 2 to 4 days $800–$1,143
Miami, FL to Minneapolis, MN 1,796 miles 4 to 7 days $1,031–$1,473
Portland, OR to Minneapolis, MN 1,728 miles 4 to 7 days $992–$1,417
Denver, CO to Minneapolis, MN 915 miles 2 to 3 days $634–$906
Dallas, TX to Minneapolis, MN 941 miles 2 to 3 days $652–$932
Tampa, FL to Minneapolis, MN 1,580 miles 3 to 5 days $984–$1,406
Los Angeles, CA to Minneapolis, MN 1,927 miles 5 to 8 days $1,052–$1,503
Boston, MA to Minneapolis, MN 1,390 miles 2 to 4 days $915–$1,307
Long Beach, CA to Saint Paul, MN 1,942 miles 5 to 8 days $1,060–$1,515
San Francisco, CA to Woodbury, MN 1,981 miles 5 to 8 days $1,082–$1,545
Miami, FL to Bloomington, MN 1,766 miles 4 to 7 days $1,014–$1,448
Seattle, WA to Bloomington, MN 1,665 miles 3 to 5 days $1,014–$1,449
Phoenix, AZ to Plymouth, MN 1,651 miles 3 to 5 days $1,005–$1,436
Houston, TX to Eagan, MN 1,168 miles 2 to 4 days $793–$1,133

Popular Car Shipping Routes from Minnesota

RouteDistanceTransitPrice estimate
Minneapolis, MN to Houston, TX 1,176 miles 2 to 4 days $799–$1,141
Minneapolis, MN to Phoenix, AZ 1,643 miles 3 to 5 days $1,001–$1,429
Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA 1,987 miles 5 to 8 days $1,085–$1,550
Minneapolis, MN to Dallas, TX 939 miles 2 to 3 days $651–$930
Saint Paul, MN to Seattle, WA 1,667 miles 3 to 5 days $1,015–$1,450
Plymouth, MN to Nashville, TN 895 miles 2 to 3 days $639–$913
Bloomington, MN to Memphis, TN 818 miles 2 to 3 days $584–$834
Brooklyn Park, MN to Columbus, OH 774 miles 2 to 3 days $563–$805
Saint Paul, MN to Detroit, MI 680 miles 1 to 2 days $505–$721
Duluth, MN to Kansas City, MO 587 miles 1 to 2 days $464–$663
Rochester, MN to Indianapolis, IN 530 miles 1 to 2 days $419–$599
Minneapolis, MN to Kansas City, MO 436 miles 1 to 2 days $378–$541
Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL 408 miles 1 to 2 days $354–$506

Minnesota Car Shipping by Region

Minneapolis and the core of the Twin Cities

Minneapolis is the main origin and destination for shipments in the state. Neighborhoods near downtown, the University of Minnesota and Uptown have narrow streets, alley garages and winter parking rules, so a driver will often ask to meet on a wider road. Interstates 94, 35W and 394 all converge here, which gives trucks several ways in. Snow emergencies can ban street parking, so check the schedule on the day of pickup.

Cities 1

Saint Paul and the east metro

Saint Paul lies across the river and has hills, older homes and tighter streets near Summit Avenue and the University of Saint Thomas. East of the city, Woodbury sits along Interstate 94 and has wide suburban streets and big-box lots that work well for a carrier.

Cities 2

South metro: Bloomington, Eagan, Burnsville and Lakeville

South of Minneapolis, Interstates 35W, 35E and 494 connect Bloomington, Eagan, Burnsville and Lakeville. Bloomington is the home of Mall of America and the airport, so traffic is heavy at midday. Eagan is a corporate suburb, Burnsville has older subdivisions, and Lakeville is newer and spread out. Pickups here are usually easy, and trucks heading to Iowa and Illinois leave from this side of the metro.

Cities 4

West and northwest suburbs

Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park lie west and northwest of the city along Interstates 494, 694 and 94 and US 169. Streets are wide, but many neighborhoods have cul-de-sacs and homeowner association rules. Eden Prairie and Plymouth have a lot of corporate relocation. The suburbs are a good choice for pickups when central Minneapolis is too tight.

Cities 4

North metro: Blaine, Coon Rapids and Saint Cloud

North of the Cities, Blaine and Coon Rapids run along US 10 and Interstate 35W, and Interstate 94 continues to Saint Cloud, about an hour northwest of Minneapolis. Saint Cloud State University is a source of student moves, and the area is a hub for central Minnesota. Truck access is easy, and winter wind is stronger on the open land.

Cities 3

Rochester and southeastern Minnesota

Rochester is the home of Mayo Clinic and draws patients and staff from all over the country, so vehicles often move in and out for long-term treatment. US 52 and Interstate 90 are the main routes, and hilly streets near downtown can limit big trucks. Several of our listed routes, such as Akron to Rochester, end here.

Cities 1

Duluth and the North Shore

Duluth sits at the western tip of Lake Superior and is reached by Interstate 35 from the Twin Cities. The city is built on a steep hillside, with snowy streets, tight turns and some of the worst winter conditions in the state. The University of Minnesota Duluth brings students in and out. A driver may meet you in a flat lot near Interstate 35 rather than climb a hill.

Cities 1

How Long Does Car Shipping to or from Minnesota Take?

Your Minnesota shipment has a pickup stage and a driving stage. Expect a carrier to be assigned and arrive within 1–3 business days of booking. After that, the shorter regional runs take 1–2 days, among them Chicago to Minneapolis (409 miles), Lincoln to Saint Paul (436 miles) and Evansville to Rochester (617 miles). Mid-distance runs take 2–3 days, as for Akron to Rochester (712 miles), Little Rock to Minneapolis (859 miles), Carrollton to Saint Paul (937 miles) and Denver to Minneapolis (915 miles).

The longer jobs vary more. Cary to Minneapolis (1,209 miles), Albuquerque to Saint Paul (1,231 miles) and Boston to Minneapolis (1,390 miles) are listed at 2–4 days. Tampa to Minneapolis (1,580 miles) and Minneapolis to Phoenix (1,643 miles) take 3–5 days, and Miami to Minneapolis (1,796 miles) takes 4–7. The Pacific Northwest, such as Everett to Saint Paul (1,687 miles), runs 3–5 days.

The road system is built around the Twin Cities. Interstate 94 enters from Wisconsin, runs through Saint Paul and Minneapolis and continues northwest to Saint Cloud, Fargo and North Dakota. Interstate 35 splits into 35W and 35E through the metro and goes north to Duluth and south toward Iowa. Interstate 90 crosses the southern part of the state, and US 52 links Saint Paul with Rochester. Interstates 494 and 694 form a ring road that carriers use to avoid downtown.

Cold is the main variable. A stretch of subzero days affects batteries, tire pressure and trailer ramps, and heavy snow can close Interstate 94 near Alexandria or Interstate 35 north of the Cities. Plan around morning rush hour on 35W and 94, since a truck that arrives at 7:30 may lose a couple of hours.

Pickup is usually scheduled within a 1–3 business day window after booking; transit time depends on the distance.

ZoneTransit
Great Lakes & Ohio Valley1–3 days
Great Plains & Upper Midwest1–2 days
Southeast & Florida2–8 days
Texas & South Central2–4 days
Mountain West & Southwest2–7 days
Northeast & New England2–4 days
West Coast & Pacific Northwest3–8 days

When to Ship: Minnesota Seasonality

  • December through February: subzero cold, snow and wind Minnesota winter is long and cold, with snow, wind and sometimes -20 degree Fahrenheit mornings. Closures happen on Interstate 94 in the western part of the state and on Interstate 35 north of the metro, where lake-effect snow hits Duluth. Batteries fail and fuel gels in older diesel trucks, so drivers may be late. Keep your car's battery charged and tell us if it does not start.
  • March and April: thaw, potholes and frost laws As the ground thaws, county roads can be posted with weight limits and potholes appear across the metro. Carriers stay on main routes, but rural pickups may require a meeting point on pavement. Late snowstorms still happen in April. Students at the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Mankato and Saint Cloud State send cars home in May, so demand starts to rise.
  • May through September: construction and lake season Summer brings long days and easy driving, with a lot of road work on Interstates 94, 35W and 494. Weekend traffic to the lakes, the Mall of America area and the state fair in late summer can slow pickups on Fridays. People move for jobs at Target, UnitedHealth, 3M and Mayo Clinic, so booking a few weeks ahead for a fixed date is wise.
  • October and November: fall moves and snowbird departures Many Minnesota retirees send a car to Arizona, Texas or Florida before winter and bring it back in April or May. Southbound space tightens from October, and the first snow may arrive in northern Minnesota in late October. Students return to campuses in late August and again after breaks, so aim to book your date early.

Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping in Minnesota

Minnesota owners pick an enclosed trailer to avoid what the roads do to a car for five months of the year: road salt, brine, sand and slush, which hit paint, wheels and undercarriage. Classic muscle cars, Corvettes and motorcycles are often shipped enclosed, as are new cars bought out of state by buyers who do not want road film on a fresh finish. Daily drivers usually go on an open carrier, which costs less. Compare enclosed transport with open transport and tell us which you prefer when you ask for a quote. Enclosed trailers hold fewer cars, so allow extra lead time in winter and outside the Twin Cities.

Shipping a Car to or from the Twin Cities

Minneapolis and Saint Paul are by far the largest car shipping markets in the state. Frequently requested routes include Chicago to Minneapolis at $355–$507, Denver to Minneapolis at $634–$906 and Portland to Minneapolis at $992–$1,417. The metro is a natural transfer point for trucks moving between Chicago, the Dakotas, Denver and the Pacific Northwest.

Several practical points apply. In winter, snow emergency rules in Minneapolis and Saint Paul restrict street parking, so meet your driver on the correct side of the street or in a lot. Warm up the car before loading and check the battery. See the pages for Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Bloomington. Our carriers are licensed and insured, and we can send proof of coverage on request.

At pickup, the driver inspects the car with you and lists existing damage on a condition report before loading it. Remove personal items, leave about a quarter tank of fuel and take your own photos. You sign the same report at delivery, so keep your copy until the car is back in your driveway.

Rochester, Mayo Clinic Visits and Long-Term Treatment

Rochester is a medical destination, and families sometimes ship a car there for a stay of weeks or months. Typical routes are Little Rock to Rochester at $589–$842, Evansville to Rochester at $458–$654, Albuquerque to Rochester at $810–$1,157 and Cary to Rochester at $779–$1,113.

Because patients often need a car on short notice, ask about the soonest pickup and keep the delivery address flexible. Downtown hospital areas and hotels have limited curb space, so a nearby lot or parking structure that allows a truck is often better. For local detail, see Rochester, and for moves to the north see Saint Cloud and Duluth. Bring your insurance information and a copy of the condition report to delivery.

Snowbirds, Students and Moves from Florida

Winter drives much of Minnesota’s outbound volume. Many residents spend January to March in Florida, Arizona or Texas, and the cheapest way to have a car in both places is to send it one way and back in spring. Examples are Minneapolis to Phoenix at $1,001–$1,429, Tampa to Minneapolis at $984–$1,406 and Miami to Minneapolis at $1,031–$1,473. Direction rarely changes the price, so a return trip in April costs about the same as the outbound one in November.

Students at the University of Minnesota, Saint Cloud State and the University of Minnesota Duluth add peaks in late August and May. Book several weeks ahead, pick a pickup address with room for a truck, and ask a friend or family member to be there if you cannot. Check Eagan and Plymouth if you live in a suburb.

Cities We Serve in Minnesota

Minneapolis and the core of the Twin Cities

Saint Paul and the east metro

South metro: Bloomington, Eagan, Burnsville and Lakeville

West and northwest suburbs

North metro: Blaine, Coon Rapids and Saint Cloud

Rochester and southeastern Minnesota

Duluth and the North Shore

How to Ship a Car In Minnesota (3 Simple Steps)

Step 1: Get Your Quote

Request a fast, accurate car shipping quote by providing vehicle details, locations, and transport type (open or enclosed). We offer transparent pricing for door-to-door, cross-country, or expedited shipping—no hidden fees.

Step 1

Step 2: Pickup

After booking, we arrange door-to-door pickup. A driver inspects your vehicle, then loads it using secure equipment. Choose open transport for cost savings or enclosed transport for extra protection. Tracking and updates are available throughout transit.

Step 2

Step 3: Delivery

Track your vehicle via eBOL. We deliver it to your chosen location, perform a final inspection, and complete the handoff. Safe, insured, and on-time delivery for any vehicle type.

Step 3

Frequently Asked Questions

Estimates on our Minnesota routes start at $355–$507 for Chicago to Minneapolis and go up to $1,022–$1,460 for Everett to Minneapolis. Denver to Minneapolis is $634–$906. Every figure is a range based on road miles, and the exact price depends on the car, your dates and open versus enclosed transport.

Tampa to Minneapolis (1,580 miles) is estimated at $984–$1,406 with 3–5 days of transit, and Miami to Minneapolis (1,796 miles) is $1,031–$1,473 over 4–7 days. Spring is the busiest time for northbound trucks, so choose a flexible pickup window and book a few weeks ahead.

Yes. Carriers run through the winter, but subzero temperatures and heavy snow can delay trucks, and Interstates 94 and 35 sometimes close for several hours. Make sure your battery is charged, tell the driver if the car is hard to start and avoid a fixed delivery date. Allow an extra day or two for routes north or west of the Twin Cities.

Rochester is reached by US 52 and Interstate 90, and carriers serve it from Minneapolis and from the south. Evansville to Rochester (617 miles) is estimated at $458–$654, and Little Rock to Rochester is $589–$842. Pick a delivery spot with room for a truck, such as a hotel lot or a lot near the clinic.

Usually the price is nearly the same. Lincoln to Saint Paul is $378–$541 and Lincoln to Minneapolis is $375–$536, a difference of a few dollars. What matters more is the exact pickup address and whether the street can hold a full-size carrier, so provide a street address when you ask for a quote.

Yes. Duluth is on Interstate 35 and carriers serve the city, but its steep streets may require a meeting point in a flat lot. Small towns off Interstate 94, US 169 or US 10 are also covered, and the driver may ask you to meet at a main road. Allow more time in winter and share the exact address when you request a quote.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport, meaning the carrier will pick up and deliver your vehicle as close to your specified locations as possible. In some cases, due to narrow streets or local restrictions, you may need to meet the carrier at a nearby location.

While we expect carriers to deliver all vehicles without damage, accidents can happen. It is important for customers to inspect their vehicles upon receipt. If damage is noticed, customers should contact our office asap. Damage should be documented on the “Bill of Lading” received from the driver. If a report is not made in a timely manner we will not be able to assist you with the damage.

All our carriers are fully licensed, insured, and vetted to meet federal and state regulations. We work only with professional, experienced transporters to ensure the safe delivery of your vehicle.

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Customer Testimonials

“I contacted Freedom Auto Transport under short notice and they delivered. Got my vehicle picked up in Dallas, TX the same day, it took about 3 days to get delivered. Driver contacted me prior to arrival on both ends and was very friendly. Very easy to do business with. Thanks again.”
Theresa Webb
“I wanted to share my experience dealing with Freedom Auto Transport. Could not have gone any smoother. Called up Tuesday morning, had my vehicle picked up and on a trailer the very next day! Wow! Everyone I spoke to at Freedom was extremely helpful and friendly. Very pleased with my experience and would 10000% recommend Freedom to anyone that needs auto transport service. Thanks again..”
Darlene Robertson
“Freedom was great, Dan S. with Freedom was the only carrier who could deliver on the dates I needed. I contacted several transporters, the prices and dates changed every 5 minutes. Dan was very helpful every step of the way, and extremely reasonable! I will use these guys from this point forward, make one call and it’s a done deal! Thanks Dan!”
Guy Hawkins
Freedom Auto Transport runs a solid operation. Dorian is the reason I chose this carrier even though I had all but agreed to work with a different hauler. He was fast to return my calls, texted frequently, and used all his contacts to arrange a quick turnaround on the 4Runner I shipped. He almost managed to get a same day pick-up but the dealership I was working with couldn’t complete the paperwork in time for an evening pick up. Easy paperwork/signatures. No heavy sales pitch. Just familiarity with how the industry works, good relationships to leverage, and the urgency to help. I think he really feels good knowing he’s helping to deliver something meaningful to others. Ive used different companies each time I’ve shipped a vehicle but the next time I need a car or truck shipped, I want to work with Dorian. Cheers!
Josh Schwartz
Areas We Serve in Minnesota (ZIP codes)

Minneapolis

and surrounding areas

55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55405, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55414, 55415, 55416, 55417, 55418, 55419, 55420, 55421, 55422, 55423, 55424, 55425, 55426, 55427, 55428, 55429, 55430, 55431, 55432, 55433, 55434, 55435, 55436, 55437, 55438, 55439, 55440, 55441, 55442, 55443, 55444, 55445, 55446, 55447, 55448, 55449, 55450, 55451, 55452, 55454, 55455, 55456, 55457, 55458, 55459, 55460, 55461, 55462, 55463, 55464, 55465, 55466, 55467, 55468, 55469, 55470, 55471, 55472, 55473, 55474, 55475, 55476, 55477, 55478, 55479, 55480, 55481, 55482, 55483, 55484, 55485, 55486, 55487, 55488, 55489, 55490, 55491, 55492, 55493, 55494, 55495, 55496, 55497, 55498, 55499, and others

Saint Paul

and surrounding areas

55101, 55102, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55109, 55110, 55112, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55118, 55119, 55120, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55124, 55125, 55126, 55127, 55128, and others

Rochester

and surrounding areas

14602, 14603, 14604, 14605, 14606, 14607, 14608, 14609, 14610, 14611, 14612, 14613, 14614, 14615, 14616, 14617, 14618, 14619, 14620, 14621, 14622, 14623, 14624, 14625, 14626, 14627, 14638, 14639, 14642, 14643, 14646, 14647, 14649, and others

Duluth

and surrounding areas

55802, 55803, 55804, 55805, 55807, 55808, 55810, 55811, 55812, 55816, and others

Bloomington

and surrounding areas

47401, 47402, 47403, 47404, 47405, 47406, 47408, and others

Brooklyn Park

and surrounding areas

55428, 55429, 55443, 55444, 55445, 55445, 55447, 55458, and others

Plymouth

and surrounding areas

02360, 02362, 02363, 02364, 02345, 02351, 02361, and others

Woodbury

and surrounding areas

11797, 11758, 11725, 11730, 11746, 11735, 11787, and others

Eagan

and surrounding areas

55121, 55122, 55123, 55125, and others

Coon Rapids

and surrounding areas

55433, 55448, 55432, 55421, 55429, and others

Burnsville

and surrounding areas

55306, 55337, 55337, 55124, 55118, 55437, 55438, and others

Maple Grove

and surrounding areas

55311, 55369, 55428, 55441, 55446, 55447, and others

Eden Prairie

and surrounding areas

55344, 55346, 55347, and others

Blaine

and surrounding areas

98230, 98255, 98226, 98247, 98264, and others

Lakeville

and surrounding areas

55044, 55068, and others

Minnetonka

and surrounding areas

55305, 55343, 55391, and others

Apple Valley

and surrounding areas

92307, 92308, 92314, 92395, and others

Edina

and surrounding areas

55410, 55424, 55435, 55436, 55439, and others

Saint Cloud

and surrounding areas

56301, 56303, 56304, 56374, and others

Mendota Heights

and surrounding areas

55120, 55121, 55118, 55129, 55122, and others
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