Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Chicago, Illinois to Madison, Wisconsin

Generally, driving is cheaper than shipping for shorter distances, but the cost difference shrinks and shipping can become a better value for long hauls when factoring in hidden costs like wear & tear, time, and your own travel expenses (lodging, food). For very long trips (1000+ miles) or unreliable cars, the added costs of driving (depreciation, maintenance, fatigue) might make shipping more economical overall, say Move.org and SoFi.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is by using an open transport carrier, which is a large trailer hauling multiple cars, as it spreads costs and is much cheaper than enclosed transport. To save even more, choose terminal-to-terminal service over door-to-door, book in advance, be flexible with dates (off-peak is best), and compare quotes from multiple companies like Montway Auto Transport and Ship a Car Direct, and.

Generally, shipping a car by train is cheaper than by truck, especially for long distances (over 500 miles) and major routes, due to its high capacity and efficiency, though trucks offer more flexibility and potentially faster door-to-door service. Train transport is often more affordable, potentially saving hundreds of dollars, while providing secure, enclosed transport and reducing your car's mileage and emissions.