Illinois to New York Auto Transport
Ship Your Vehicle from “The Prairie State” to “The Empire State” – Fast, Safe, and Fully Insured
Whether you’re relocating to NYC, purchasing a vehicle in Chicago, or sending your car to a student in Albany, Unlimited Auto Trans makes the process seamless. Our Illinois to New York car shipping services are tailored for every vehicle type and timeline—ensuring your car arrives safely, on time, and without hassle.
We’ve successfully shipped over 14,000 vehicles between Illinois and New York since 2010, earning 5-star ratings from real customers across both states.
Car Shipping From Illinois To New York
Whether you’re relocating from Chicago to Manhattan or shipping a car from Springfield to Albany, our Illinois to New York car shipping services are designed to be reliable, affordable, and fully insured. Select the transport method that best fits your schedule and vehicle type:
- Open Auto Transport – The most economical and widely used service for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks.
- Enclosed Auto Transport – Offers added protection for high-value, exotic, or classic vehicles.
- Expedited Car Shipping – For urgent timelines that require quicker pickup or delivery options.
Why Ship with Unlimited Auto Trans from IL to NY?
- Over 12,000 vehicles shipped between Illinois and New York since 2010
- Experienced on major routes like I-80, I-90, and I-55 connecting key metro areas
- Trusted by students, military personnel, families, car dealerships, and snowbirds
- Full coverage from 60601 (Chicago) to 10001 (New York City) and everywhere in between
How It Works – Simple 3-Step Process
1. Get a Quote
Enter your pickup and delivery info, vehicle type, and preferred date. No commitment.
2. Schedule Your Pickup
We assign a licensed, insured carrier to collect your vehicle at your convenience.
3. Track & Receive Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is delivered safely in New York, and you’ll receive real-time tracking updates along the way.
Popular Illinois to New York Routes, Costs and Transit Time
Our most frequently booked Illinois to New York car shipping routes stretch between 800 and 1,000 miles, depending on the cities involved. These routes follow key highways like I-80, I-90, and I-88, ensuring efficient cross-state transport from the Midwest to the East Coast.
Thanks to our established national network of vetted carriers, we provide dependable shipping solutions from major metros like Chicago and New York City to suburban and rural ZIP codes across both states.
Real Shipping Examples
Interstate Shipping Insights: Illinois to New York
- Chicago → NYC: Popular route for professionals relocating to the East Coast or buying cars from dealerships
- Aurora → Buffalo: Often used by families and students moving for school or work opportunities
- Springfield → Albany: Common for government and corporate relocation
- Rockford → Rochester: Requested frequently for online auto sales and dealership transfers
- Champaign → Syracuse: Used by military personnel, auction clients, and long-term travelers
Key Challenges in Illinois & New York Auto Transport
- Urban Congestion: Heavily populated areas like NYC or downtown Chicago may limit truck access. We coordinate flexible pickup and drop-off points to avoid traffic zones or permit issues.
- Suburban Logistics: Cities such as Joliet, IL or Yonkers, NY may require coordination with smaller trucks or multiple stops.
- Rural Access: Deliveries to areas like upstate New York or southern Illinois may require more lead time, but are fully manageable with early booking.
Why choose Unlimited Auto Trans?
What Sets Us Apart
Upfront Flat Rates
No hidden fees or surprise charges
Dedicated Shipping Coordinators
Personalized updates at every step
Top-Rated Carriers Only
Fully licensed, insured, and vetted transporters
Flexible Pickup Options
From major cities to rural ZIPs
Nationwide Coverage
Coast-to-coast service for any destination
Upfront Flat Rates
No hidden fees or surprise charges
Dedicated Shipping Coordinators
Personalized updates at every step
Top-Rated Carriers Only
Fully licensed, insured, and vetted transporters
Flexible Pickup Options
From major cities to rural ZIPs
Nationwide Coverage
Coast-to-coast service for any destination
Types of Vehicles We Ship from Illinois to New York
Whether you’re transporting a daily driver or a luxury collectible, we’ve got the equipment and expertise to get it there safely.
- Sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks
- SUVs, crossovers, and vans
- Pickup trucks and oversized vehicles
- Classic cars, antiques, and motorcycles
- Electric and hybrid vehicles – with battery-safe handling and port protection
Car Brands We Ship from Illinois to New York
We ship all major brands, from everyday drivers to exotic models, with equipment tailored to each vehicle’s needs.
Our Clients in Illinois and New York
We proudly serve private individuals and businesses throughout both states, including:
- Families relocating from Chicago to NYC, Peoria to Buffalo, or Elgin to Albany
- Military personnel shipping between bases such as Scott AFB, IL and Fort Drum, NY
- Students attending UIUC, Columbia, NYU, or Syracuse University
- Dealers & auction buyers purchasing vehicles online and shipping long-distance
- Collectors & vintage car enthusiasts in both the Land of Lincoln and the Empire State
Popular Auto Events in IL & NY
- Chicago Auto Show (IL): The nation’s largest and longest-running auto exhibition
- New York International Auto Show (NYC): Flagship annual event for vehicle launches
- Cruise Nights in Naperville (IL): Weekly classic car shows in summer
- Buffalo Auto Show (NY): Key regional event for car dealers and collectors
Cross-State Moving Trends: Why People Ship Cars from IL to NY
A growing number of Illinois residents ship vehicles to New York for job relocation, education, and family moves, while many New Yorkers send cars to Illinois for seasonal travel, online vehicle purchases, or retirement relocations.
Top 5 Reasons People Ship Cars from Illinois to New York
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Get an Instant Illinois to New York Car Shipping Quote
Shipping a car from Illinois to New York? Rates typically range from $875 to $1,300, depending on your vehicle type, pickup and delivery ZIP codes, transport method, and the time of year.
At Unlimited Auto Trans, our quotes are all-inclusive and fully transparent — with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
Estimated Price & Time Frame
- Cost Range: $875 – $1,300
- Transit Time: 3–6 business days
(Rates may vary based on vehicle size, distance, trailer type, and seasonal demand.)
Whether you’re transporting a compact sedan from Naperville (60540) to Buffalo (14201) or an SUV from Springfield (62701) to New York City (10001), we’ll match you with a vetted, top-rated carrier that fits your schedule and budget.
Factors Affecting Price
- Vehicle Type – Larger vehicles like trucks or vans may require more space or specialized handling.
- Transport Method –
- Open transport is the most affordable and widely used option.
- Enclosed transport provides added protection for high-value or collectible vehicles.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations –
- Shipping from rural areas like Decatur, IL (62521) or Utica, NY (13501) may cost more than metro areas like Chicago or NYC due to longer loading routes.
- Seasonal Demand –
- Summer relocations, college move-ins, and snowbird seasons can increase pricing. We recommend booking early to secure the best rates.
Expert Seasonal Tips for Auto Transport from Illinois to New York
Best Times of Year to Ship
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are the most favorable seasons for shipping a car from Illinois to New York. Milder weather, fewer storms, and moderate demand lead to smoother scheduling and transit.
- Summer (June–August) is peak relocation season. Expect higher pricing and tighter availability, especially near college towns and large cities like Chicago, Naperville, and NYC.
- Winter (December–February) can introduce delays, particularly in Upstate New York (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse) where heavy snow and icy roads impact transport times. Roads in Illinois typically remain more accessible but booking ahead is essential.
Events That May Impact Your Schedule
- New York International Auto Show (April, NYC): A spike in enclosed carrier demand for exotic and show cars.
- University Move-In Season (August): Students moving to NYU, Columbia, Syracuse, and University of Illinois increase booking volume in both states.
- Holiday Travel (November–December): A mix of poor Northeast weather and limited carrier availability can extend lead times.
- Chicago Auto Show (February): May lead to increased demand for shipping show or collector vehicles.
What Slows Things Down?
- Severe Weather: Snowstorms and freezing rain in New York can delay delivery windows. Thunderstorms and flooding in central Illinois may also impact pickup times.
- Urban Congestion: Deliveries into Manhattan, Brooklyn, and parts of downtown Chicago often require special coordination due to tight delivery windows and restricted truck access.
- Carrier Demand Surges: Enclosed and expedited carriers book quickly during major events and school move-ins.
- Remote Areas: Deliveries to or from areas like Carbondale, IL or Plattsburgh, NY may take longer to schedule due to limited carrier access.
Tips for Avoiding Delays and Peak Rates
- Book Early: Especially in summer or during holiday seasons. Aim to schedule at least 2–3 weeks ahead of your preferred pickup date.
- Be Flexible: Allowing a 2–3 day pickup or delivery window improves your chances of a quicker assignment.
- Meet in Metro Areas: If you’re in a rural ZIP, arranging a handoff in Chicago, IL or Albany, NY can reduce wait times and transport costs.
Car Shipping Laws & Regulations in Illinois and New York
Vehicle Registration & Title Requirements
- Illinois: Before shipping your vehicle out of Illinois, ensure that it has a valid registration and that the vehicle title is free of any unresolved liens. If the car is being sold to a New York resident, the title must be properly signed over before the pickup date. Some lenders may require formal authorization for transport — check with your financing institution if applicable.
- New York: If you’re relocating to New York and plan to register your vehicle there, the state requires registration within 30 days of establishing residency. To register your car in NY, you’ll need:
- A valid out-of-state title
- Proof of identity and New York residential address
- Completed Form MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application)
- New York auto insurance from a licensed NY provider
- A VIN inspection (required for certain vehicles, including out-of-country imports)
Emission Standards
- Illinois: Emissions testing is mandatory for certain vehicles registered in the Chicago metro area, including Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties. Vehicles from model year 1996 or newer must pass an OBD-II inspection unless exempt (e.g., electric vehicles or antiques). Ensure your car complies before scheduling transport.
- New York: Emissions regulations are more stringent in NYC, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. Vehicles newer than 1996 require an emissions test before they can be registered. Cars that fail these standards may need repairs before being legally operated in NY.
Transport Regulations
- Insurance Coverage: Every vehicle shipped with Unlimited Auto Trans is covered by a fully insured, USDOT-licensed carrier. No need to purchase additional insurance — coverage is included in your quote and documented in the Bill of Lading.
- Permits & Truck Access: In congested metro areas like Chicago, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Albany, city ordinances or HOA rules may limit access for large auto transport carriers. In such cases, our dispatch team coordinates a local drop-off point (e.g., parking lots, rest stops, or nearby service stations) for a safe and compliant vehicle transfer.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Illinois to New York Car Shipping
Vehicle Shipping Checklist
- Clean Your Car (Inside & Out)
- Remove Personal Items
- Check for Leaks or Mechanical Issues
- Disable Alarms
- Check Tire Pressure & Battery
- Document the Condition
- Keep Fuel Tank 1/4 Full
State-Specific Reminders
- Illinois: There are no special requirements for shipping your vehicle out of Illinois. However, make sure your registration is valid, especially if you plan to return to IL with the vehicle after your stay in New York.
- New York: Planning to register your vehicle in New York after delivery? Prepare the following items in advance:
- A properly signed out-of-state title
- Auto insurance from a NY-licensed provider
- VIN verification (required for some out-of-state vehicles)
- Completed Form MV-82 (New York Title/Registration Application)
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Illinois to New York Auto Transport
What is the cheapest way to ship a car cross country?
The cheapest way to ship a car across the country is via open auto transport. It’s the most widely used and cost-effective method, especially for standard vehicles. Booking early, choosing flexible pickup windows, and avoiding peak seasons can further reduce your total cost.
How much is shipping from Illinois to New York?
The cost to ship a car from Illinois to New York typically ranges between $875 and $1,300. Prices vary based on factors such as the size and condition of the vehicle, transport type (open vs. enclosed), exact pickup/delivery ZIP codes, and seasonal demand.
How long does it take to ship something from Illinois to New York?
Shipping a vehicle from Illinois to New York generally takes 3 to 6 business days. Transit time depends on distance, route congestion, weather conditions, and whether the vehicle is picked up from or delivered to a rural area.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the most affordable companies combine competitive pricing, transparent quotes, and quality service. At Unlimited Auto Trans, we offer upfront rates, licensed carriers, and personalized support—making us one of the top choices for affordable and reliable car shipping.
At Unlimited Auto Trans, we provide safe and on-time car transport at competitive prices. Ship your car stress-free, knowing we’re licensed, bonded, and insured.
From passenger cars to SUVs, motorcycles, and even luxury cars, we can ship nationwide.
Use our calculator for a free instant quote today.
Book online or call us toll-free at
(888) 278-9855.