New York to Chicago Auto Transport
We ship cars from New York to Chicago daily across 790 miles of I-80 - one of America's busiest auto transport corridors. Most vehicles arrive in 2-4 days with our network of carriers running this route multiple times per week.
Get Your Free Quote
Fast, free, no obligation
How Much Does New York to Chicago Car Shipping Cost?
Open carrier transport from New York to Chicago runs $599-$1,049 depending on your vehicle size and seasonal demand. Open carrier transport handles 90% of shipments on this route because it's fast, reliable, and cost-effective for most vehicles.
Enclosed transport costs $1,199-$2,199 for luxury vehicles, classics, or anything you want protected from road debris. We see a lot of enclosed shipments from Manhattan to Chicago's Gold Coast - high-end cars that need extra protection during the 790-mile journey.
Pricing fluctuates based on fuel costs, carrier availability, and seasonal demand. January through March offers the best rates because fewer people move during winter months. Summer peaks in July and August when college students and families relocate, driving prices up 15-25%.
What's the Transit Time from New York to Chicago?
Most vehicles arrive in 2-4 days via the I-80 corridor. Carriers typically pick up in the New York metro area on Day 1 and deliver to Chicago by Day 3 or 4, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Here's the realistic timeline: pickup happens within 1-3 days of your preferred date (we'll give you a 2-day window). Once loaded, the truck covers roughly 400-500 miles per day, factoring in mandatory rest stops and traffic delays through major cities like Cleveland and Toledo.
Door-to-door delivery is standard, but some Chicago deliveries require terminal pickup if you're in a restricted downtown area. We'll coordinate the exact delivery location during booking to avoid any surprises.
Best Pickup Areas in New York and Delivery Zones in Chicago
We pick up throughout the five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester County, and northern New Jersey. Manhattan pickups require meeting the carrier at a designated street location - trucks can't handle most residential blocks in the city.
Chicago deliveries cover the entire metro area including downtown Loop, Lincoln Park, River North, and suburbs like Naperville, Schaumburg, and Oak Brook. Some downtown high-rises require terminal pickup at our partner facility near O'Hare Airport.
The sweet spot for both pickup and delivery? Suburban areas with easy truck access. Think Westchester for New York pickups and anywhere outside the Chicago Loop for deliveries. This keeps costs down and eliminates the hassle of handling narrow city streets with an 80-foot car carrier.
College Student Car Shipping: New York to Chicago Universities
We ship hundreds of student cars each semester between New York area schools and Chicago universities. Northwestern, University of Chicago, DePaul, and Loyola students make up a huge chunk of our fall and spring bookings.
Student shipping season runs late August for fall semester and mid-December through January for holiday breaks. Book 2-3 weeks ahead during these peak periods - wait until the last minute and you'll pay premium rates or face delays.
Parents love our student shipping program because we handle all the logistics. Pick up the car from your Long Island driveway, deliver it to campus housing or nearby off-campus parking. No stress, no driving 12 hours through three states with a nervous 19-year-old.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations for This Route
Winter shipping through the Great Lakes region requires extra planning. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures from November through March can add 1-2 days to transit times, especially crossing Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Carriers use snow chains and extra caution through mountain passes near Scranton and the lake-effect snow zones around Cleveland and Toledo. We've never had a weather-related accident, but delays happen when safety requires it.
Spring and fall offer the best shipping conditions - mild temperatures, minimal weather delays, and steady carrier availability. Summer can bring thunderstorms and construction delays, but these rarely add more than a few hours to your delivery window.
How It Works
Get Your Quote
Call (310) 906-4841 or submit our online form. We'll give you an exact price based on your vehicle, dates, and pickup/delivery locations.
Schedule Pickup
Choose your pickup window and we'll assign a licensed carrier. You'll get driver contact info 24 hours before pickup.
Vehicle Inspection
Driver does a complete inspection, noting any existing damage. You'll sign the Bill of Lading and get a copy for your records.
Delivery in Chicago
Driver calls when they're 2-4 hours out. Do a final inspection, sign for delivery, and you're done. Payment due at delivery.
Pricing by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle | Open Carrier | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Compact | $599-$899 | $1,199-$1,599 | 2-4 days |
| SUV / Crossover | $699-$999 | $1,299-$1,699 | 2-4 days |
| Pickup Truck | $749-$1,049 | $1,349-$1,749 | 2-4 days |
| Luxury / Exotic | N/A | $1,499-$2,199 | 2-4 days |
| Motorcycle | $449-$699 | $799-$1,199 | 2-4 days |
| Inoperable Vehicle | $200+ surcharge | $300+ | Add 1-2 days |
Book afternoon pickups in New York when possible. Morning Manhattan traffic adds 2-3 hours to carrier schedules, but after 2 PM they can usually get in and out quickly. This often means same-day departure instead of overnight parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.