Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Chicago, Illinois to Toronto, Ontario

It's usually cheaper to drive your car, but shipping becomes competitive or even better for very long distances or when considering the total cost of a road trip (gas, hotels, food, wear-and-tear) versus the convenience and security of shipping. For short trips, driving is significantly cheaper; for cross-country moves, driving costs might approach shipping costs, making the decision dependent on your time, budget, and stress tolerance, notes.

For long distances (500+ miles) and major routes, shipping by train is generally cheaper than by truck, offering significant savings (potentially $200+) due to lower per-mile costs and higher capacity, though it's less convenient with limited locations. Trucking is faster, more flexible, and offers door-to-door service, making it better for shorter distances or when convenience outweighs cost, but rail (like Amtrak's Auto Train) is a very affordable, enclosed option for specific corridors like DC to Florida.

Importing a car from the US to Canada involves costs like the RIV fee (around $310-$325 CAD + tax), GST/HST (5% or more on value), potential provincial taxes/inspections (safety, emissions), and possibly shipping ($800-$2,500) or duty (6.1% if not US/Mexico-made). Total costs vary widely, from under $1,000 for a simple self-import to thousands with transport and compliance, so budget for fees, taxes, inspections, and potential modifications.