Shipping Cost from Detroit, Michigan to Moscow

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances, but shipping can become comparable or even better for very long trips when factoring in hidden driving costs like hotels, food, tolls, and significant wear & tear/depreciation, especially if you value your time or have an unreliable car. The cost-benefit ratio shifts with distance, so compare actual quotes for shipping versus estimated expenses for gas, lodging, tolls, food, and lost time/value if driving yourself.

Shipping a car by train is generally cheaper and more eco-friendly, especially for long distances on specific routes (like Amtrak's VA-FL Auto Train), but trucks offer nationwide coverage, faster service, door-to-door convenience, and are often the only option for most cross-country routes, balancing cost with flexibility. For most situations, trucks win on convenience, but trains are the cost-saver if you fit their limited routes and schedules, according to Ship a Car Direct and AmeriFreight Auto Transport.

The cheapest way to ship a car is typically open transport, using an open-air trailer with multiple vehicles, combined with terminal-to-terminal service for added savings, booking in off-peak seasons, and being flexible with dates, which significantly cuts costs compared to enclosed transport. Driving the car yourself or using a tow dolly / trailer with a moving truck can also be budget-friendly for shorter moves.