Short answer: Shipping a car from Chicago to Florida usually costs about $850 to $1,550 on an open carrier. The trip covers roughly 1,150 to 1,400 miles, so it takes about 3 to 6 days after pickup.
Prices depend on your Florida city, the season, and your flexibility. Fall is the busiest time, because Midwest snowbirds head south. Therefore, book 3 to 4 weeks ahead if you can. For an exact price, get a free quote.
Last updated: October 23, 2026 | Reading time: about 9 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Distance: about 1,150 miles to Orlando, 1,170 to Tampa, and 1,380 to Miami.
- Open carrier cost: roughly $850 to $1,550, depending on the destination and season.
- Enclosed cost: often about $1,350 to $1,900, so it suits high-value cars.
- Transit time: about 3 to 6 days, although winter weather can add time.
- Peak season: October to January heading south, because snowbirds travel then.
What’s in This Guide
- Route at a Glance
- How Much Does It Cost?
- How Long Does It Take?
- Snowbird Season: When to Book
- Best Shipping Options
- Ship or Drive?
- Pickup and Delivery
- Route Conditions and Weather
- Step-by-Step Booking Guide
- Insurance and Choosing a Company
- Frequently Asked Questions
Route at a Glance: Chicago to Florida
| Distance | About 1,150 to 1,400 miles, depending on the city |
| Main highways | I-65 or I-75, through Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia |
| Typical transit time | About 3 to 6 days |
| Typical cost (open, sedan) | About $850 to $1,550 |
| Typical cost (enclosed) | About $1,350 to $1,900 |
| Route demand | Very high, so carrier availability is excellent |
This is a major snowbird lane, so many carriers run it every week. As a result, pricing is competitive. Timing still matters, however. For the East Coast version of this trip, see New York to Florida car shipping.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car From Chicago to Florida?
Published 2026 estimates for this lane overlap closely. A standard sedan on an open carrier usually lands between $850 and $1,550. Your final price depends on a few factors, so treat these ranges as a guide.
Estimated cost by destination (open carrier, sedan, from Chicago)
| Destination | Approx. Distance | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando, FL | About 1,150 miles | About $850 to $1,350 |
| Tampa, FL | About 1,170 miles | About $850 to $1,400 |
| Naples or Fort Myers, FL | About 1,300 miles | About $950 to $1,450 |
| Miami, FL | About 1,380 miles | About $950 to $1,550 |
These are estimates, not guaranteed prices. Your final price depends on your dates, vehicle, and carrier availability.
Estimated impact of vehicle and service
| Vehicle or Service | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|
| Sedan or coupe, open carrier | Baseline price |
| SUV or crossover | A modest add-on, often under $150 |
| Pickup truck or large vehicle | A larger add-on, often $100 to $300 |
| Enclosed transport | About $1,350 to $1,900 in total |
| Non-running vehicle | A winch fee, quoted case by case |
| Peak snowbird weeks | Prices can rise noticeably |
What affects the price?
- Season and demand: snowbird flows are the biggest swing factor, so see the cheapest time of year to ship a car.
- Fuel prices: diesel is high in 2026, so read why car shipping costs more in 2026.
- Pickup and delivery spots: dense city streets and gated communities take more time.
- Open or enclosed: enclosed trailers carry fewer cars, so they cost more.
- Flexibility: a wider pickup window often lowers your price.
- Vehicle size and condition: larger and non-running cars cost more.
Want to save money? Read the cheapest way to ship a car and whether shipping is cheaper for short or long distances. For a full breakdown, see car shipping cost factors and how much it costs to ship a car.
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How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car From Chicago to Florida?
After pickup, most cars arrive in about 3 to 6 days. Some direct runs finish faster, while multi-stop trucks take longer. Published estimates range from 2 to 8 days, because every truck has a different route.
Total time is longer than transit time. First, a carrier must accept your order. Then you wait for the pickup window. Therefore, plan for the whole process, not just the drive.
| Stage | What Happens | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Quote and booking | You confirm your vehicle, addresses, and dates | Same day |
| 2. Carrier assignment | A vetted carrier accepts your order | Often a few days, longer in peak weeks |
| 3. Pickup window | The driver contacts you to confirm pickup | Within your agreed dates |
| 4. Transit | The truck drives south on I-65 or I-75 | About 3 to 6 days |
| 5. Delivery | You inspect, sign, and pay the balance to the driver | At your Florida address |
Delays often come from Midwest winter storms, heavy traffic, and hurricanes in Florida. In addition, other stops on the same truck can add time. See how long it takes to ship a car. If you have a deadline, ask about expedited auto transport.
Snowbird Season: When to Book Your Chicago to Florida Shipment
| Time of Year | What Happens | Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|
| October to January | Peak southbound demand, so prices are highest | Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead |
| February | Demand eases going south | Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead |
| March to May | Snowbirds head north, so southbound trucks are plentiful | Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead |
| June to August | Summer moving season and the start of hurricane season | Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead |
It is mid-October now, so the southbound rush is under way. Book as soon as you can, and offer a flexible pickup window. Many snowbirds also ship two cars together, so ask about multiple vehicles. For more, read how far in advance to book car shipping and our snowbird car shipping guide.
Best Shipping Options for This Route
- Open door-to-door: this is the best value, because most cars ship safely this way. See how door-to-door car shipping works and open vehicle transport.
- Enclosed transport: this protects luxury, classic, or new cars from road salt and debris. See enclosed vehicle transport and luxury car transport.
- Expedited service: choose it when you have a firm deadline, such as a flight or a lease start.
- Electric vehicles: plan the charge level with your dispatcher. See how to ship an electric vehicle and Tesla car shipping.
- Permanent moves: read car shipping when moving to a new state.
Compare the two trailer types in open versus enclosed car transport. Students and service members can also see student car shipping and military car shipping.
Ship or Drive From Chicago to Florida?
Driving from Chicago to Orlando takes about 17 to 18 hours, so most people split it over two days. For example, at 28 miles per gallon and $4.00 per gallon, 1,150 miles costs about $165 in fuel. However, hotels, meals, and wear on your car add up.
| Option | Good For | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Ship your car | Flying down, moving two cars, skipping two days of driving | You wait for pickup and delivery windows |
| Drive it yourself | You enjoy road trips and have time | Fuel, hotels, fatigue, and extra miles on your car |
Pickup and Delivery in Illinois and Florida
Chicago-area pickups
We arrange pickups across Chicago and its suburbs, such as Naperville, Aurora, and Joliet. Dense neighborhoods have narrow streets and parking limits. As a result, the driver may ask you to meet in a large parking lot. See our Chicago car shipping and Illinois car shipping pages.
Florida deliveries
We deliver across Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Southwest Florida. Many homes sit in gated communities or condos, so large trucks cannot always enter. Tell your dispatcher about gates, HOA rules, and codes in advance. See our Florida, Orlando, and Miami car shipping pages.
Can’t be there at pickup or delivery? Read how to ship a car without being present.
Route Conditions and Weather
- Midwest winter weather: lake-effect snow and ice can delay pickups from December to March. Check Getting Around Illinois for road conditions. Also see shipping a car in winter.
- Heavy truck traffic: Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Atlanta are busy, so delays are common.
- Hurricane season: it runs until November 30, so storms can still affect Florida deliveries. Follow the National Hurricane Center and FL511.
- Road salt: Illinois roads are salted in winter, so a wash before pickup helps. Enclosed transport avoids salt spray.
- Tolls: remove toll transponders before pickup, so you are not charged for the truck’s tolls.
Step-by-Step Booking Guide
- Get a quote: share your vehicle, addresses, and dates on our quote page.
- Book your shipment: NexGen does not charge an upfront deposit. We keep a card on file to secure your reservation.
- Prepare your car: wash it, take photos, remove personal items, and keep about a quarter tank of fuel. See our car shipping preparation checklist.
- Meet the driver at pickup: inspect the car together, then sign the Bill of Lading.
- Track your shipment: stay in touch with your dispatcher.
- Inspect at delivery: note any new damage before you sign, and then pay the balance to the driver.
- Plan your registration: if you are moving to Florida, check your state’s rules for registration and insurance.
Insurance and Choosing a Company
The assigned carrier’s cargo insurance protects your car in transit. Inspect it carefully at pickup and delivery, because notes on the Bill of Lading matter. With NexGen, damage must be reported within 24 hours of delivery. See our Claims & Damage Process, car shipping insurance coverage guide, and insurance information.
Verify any company before you book. Look up its USDOT and MC numbers in the FMCSA SAFER system. NexGen Auto Transport LLC is a licensed FMCSA property broker (USDOT 3969190, MC-1482694). Also read auto transport broker versus carrier and how to choose a car shipping company.
Meanwhile, see why a quote can go up after booking, and check our Cancellation & Refund Policy. You can also browse our state and city pages, read the FAQs, learn about us, or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chicago to Florida?
A standard sedan on an open carrier usually costs about $850 to $1,550. The price depends on your Florida city, the season, and your pickup flexibility. Enclosed transport often costs about $1,350 to $1,900.
How long does it take to ship a car from Chicago to Florida?
Transit usually takes about 3 to 6 days after pickup. However, winter storms, hurricanes, and other stops on the truck can add time.
When is the cheapest time to ship from Chicago to Florida?
Spring and summer are usually cheaper going south, because snowbirds are heading north then. In contrast, October to January is the peak, so book early.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship a car from Chicago to Florida?
Driving may look cheaper at first. However, fuel, hotels, meals, and added miles close the gap, so shipping often competes well.
Can I ship a car from the Chicago suburbs?
Yes, carriers pick up across the Chicago area. Because large trucks need room, the driver may ask you to meet at a nearby parking lot.
Can my car be delivered to a gated community in Florida?
Often yes, if the truck can enter. If not, the driver may meet you at the entrance or a nearby lot, so share gate codes and HOA rules in advance.
Should I choose open or enclosed transport?
Open transport is affordable and works for most cars. Choose enclosed for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles, especially because Illinois roads are salted in winter.
Do I need to pay a deposit to ship my car?
With NexGen Auto Transport, no. We do not charge an upfront deposit, because we keep a valid card on file to secure your reservation.
Final Thoughts
Chicago to Florida is one of the best-served car shipping routes in the country. Expect about 3 to 6 days on the road and a price that depends on your destination and the snowbird calendar.
Therefore, book early in peak season and prepare your car. Also verify your shipper, and plan for gated communities and city access at both ends.
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