Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Houston, Texas to Ames, Iowa

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 918 miles from Texas to Iowa typically falls between $795 and $1,234. The process usually takes two–seven days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.

It's usually cheaper to drive for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, shipping can become competitive or even cheaper when you factor in the "hidden" costs of driving (gas, hotels, food, wear-and-tear) versus the upfront shipping fee, especially if you're moving with others or have an unreliable car.

Shipping a car by train is generally cheaper, especially for long distances (500+ miles), due to higher capacity and lower cost-per-mile, but trucks offer door-to-door convenience, while trains require drop-off/pickup at terminals, adding costs and time, making trucks better for flexibility and short hauls, and trains better for budget and long cross-country trips.