Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Chicago, Illinois to Scranton, Pennsylvania

Driving is almost always cheaper for short distances, but for long cross-country moves, the costs get closer, and shipping can become more appealing to save time, avoid wear-and-tear, and prevent breakdowns, especially considering hidden driving costs like lodging, food, tolls, and depreciation. Driving saves money on the car itself, but shipping saves your time, your car's miles, and your sanity on the road, making the "cheaper" choice dependent on your total budget, time, and the car's condition.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is by using an open transport carrier, which loads your vehicle onto a large, multi-car trailer, often for hundreds less than enclosed options, especially if you opt for terminal-to-terminal delivery, book in the off-season (fall/spring), and stay flexible with dates, saving more by avoiding last-minute costs and using companies like Montway Auto Transport or Ship a Car Direct.

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.