Shipping a Car from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL
The Chicago–Springfield haul covers roughly 213 road miles heading southwest, entirely within Illinois. That is around 4 hours of driving at car-hauler speeds; our transit estimate is 1–2 days after dispatch. This lane sees steady, moderate demand.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Chicago. The nation's busiest rail and trucking crossroads, with I-55, I-90 and I-94 feeding most long hauls. Chicago sits on busy trucking corridors, which helps with availability. Carriers usually load around I-55, I-90 and I-94.
Delivery in Springfield. Louis. The main approaches to Springfield are I-55 and I-72. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area.
What Chicago to Springfield Costs
Expect open transport for a standard sedan at $350–$370, which is about $1.69 per mile over 213 miles. At this distance the carrier minimum drives the price more than the mileage does. For a larger vehicle plan on $390–$415, and for enclosed carriage of a sedan plan on $510–$535 (about 45% above open). A comparable-length trip, Houston, TX to San Antonio, TX (225 mi), is priced at $350–$370. Ending in St. Louis instead (83 mi from Springfield) is estimated at $350–$370.
| Service | Car Type | Estimated Cost | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $350–$370 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $390–$415 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Open | Minivan | $390–$415 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $510–$535 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Prices shown are for a typical sedan; actual quotes vary with exact addresses, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
Both cities are in Illinois, so there are no state lines to plan around. In Illinois, I-80, I-90, I-94 and I-55 all pass through the Chicago area.
Timing and Seasonality
With only 213 miles between Chicago and Springfield, weather matters less than carrier availability; a local operator or single-car trailer can sometimes be quicker and cheaper. For a 213-mile trip, request quotes about two weeks before pickup. Across Illinois expect harsh winters and strong winds off the lake.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Be flexible on the date. A five-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading southwest.
- Remove loose items. Personal belongings are usually not insured in transit; clear the cabin before pickup in Chicago.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up several hours before the truck reaches Springfield.