Car Shipping from Illinois to Florida
Illinois to Florida is one of the heaviest seasonal corridors in the country, roughly 1,180 miles, and people search for it as "IL to FL." Thousands of residents head south each winter, and that shapes both the price and your best time to book. Here's what to expect.
What It Typically Costs
Across the market, the average cost to ship a car from Illinois to Florida ranges from $500 to $1,150 for open transport, or roughly $750 to $1,350 depending on the city pair, vehicle size, and season.
These are typical market ranges, not a quote for your car. Car shipping cost guide Get a quote
**Open transport:** the standard option, where cars are loaded onto an exposed multi-car trailer, and the most cost-effective method for the vast majority of customers. Open car transport explained
**Enclosed transport:** typically adds a premium of 40% to 75%, pushing the range to $825 to $1,750 or more, and is recommended mainly for classic, luxury, exotic, or ultra-low-clearance vehicles. Enclosed car transport explained
**Larger vehicles:** a mid-size SUV, large truck, or minivan generally increases the base rate by $100 to $200 or more.
**Non-running vehicles:** a car that needs a winch or forklift typically adds an inoperable vehicle fee of $100 to $150. Shipping a car that doesn't run
**Pickup location:** shipping from major metro hubs like Chicago, or along major interstates such as I-65 and I-75, keeps costs lower. A remote or rural pickup away from main freight lanes increases the price.
When to Ship
From October through January, southbound rates spike heavily because of intense carrier demand. Booking in late spring or summer can save you $100 to $200 or more, which makes timing the single biggest lever on this lane. See our guide to shipping to Florida
Why the Auto Train Doesn't Fit
Amtrak's Auto Train is the only rail service that carries your car, but it runs only between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida, and you have to ride on the same train. From Illinois that means driving to northern Virginia first, so for most Illinois travelers a commercial car transport is the practical option. See Virginia to Florida for how the Auto Train works
Is It Cheaper to Ship or Drive?
At about 1,180 miles, this route is past the point where shipping often matches or beats the total cost of driving once hotels at about $150 a night, meals, tolls, and wear on the car are counted, and the gap widens if you're moving two cars or would otherwise fly back. Under 500 miles, by contrast, driving is almost always cheaper. Ship or drive: the full cost comparison
Moving the Whole Household?
If the car is part of a bigger move, the rest of the budget looks different. For the roughly 1,180-mile trip, a do-it-yourself moving truck typically costs $815 to $2,167, depending on size and fuel, while full-service movers run $2,400 to $5,500 or more, and moving containers fall in between. Planning the move between September and April, or midweek, helps secure lower rental rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Illinois to Florida?
Open transport typically costs $500 to $1,150, or roughly $750 to $1,350 depending on the city pair, vehicle, and season. Enclosed transport runs $825 to $1,750 or more.
When is the most expensive time to ship a car from Illinois to Florida?
October through January, when southbound snowbird demand peaks.
How much can I save by booking in summer?
Booking in late spring or summer can save $100 to $200 or more compared with the winter rush.
How far is Illinois from Florida?
About 1,180 miles for the trip from Illinois, depending on the cities you're moving between.
Can I leave things in the car?
Up to 100 pounds of personal belongings can stay in the trunk or rear cargo area below the window line, with the front seats kept empty. Items left inside aren't covered by the carrier's cargo insurance.
Which pickup locations are cheapest?
Major metro hubs like Chicago, and routes along major interstates like I-65 and I-75, keep costs lower than remote or rural pickups.
Shipping a Car on This Route?
Get a quote with your vehicle and pickup and delivery cities.