- Chicago → Dallas
- 950 mi
- Transit
- 2–4 days
- Open carrier
- $1,315
What it costs
Prices for a running sedan with standard pickup, as of Oct 27, 2026, calculated the same way as the quote on this page. SUVs, pickups and inoperable vehicles cost more, and you can price those exactly with the quote tool.
| Route | Miles | Open | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago → DallasIL → TX | 950 | $1,315 | $1,870 | 2–4 days |
| Chicago → HoustonIL → TX | 1,112 | $1,410 | $2,020 | 3–5 days |
| Naperville → AustinIL → TX | 1,128 | $1,420 | $2,035 | 3–5 days |
| Rockford → San AntonioIL → TX | 1,216 | $1,545 | $2,185 | 3–5 days |
| Peoria → Fort WorthIL → TX | 820 | $1,300 | $1,810 | 2–4 days |
The route
Most trucks take I-55 to St. Louis and I-44 to Oklahoma City, then I-35 south into Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. Chicago to Dallas is 950 miles.
Houston deliveries often run I-57 and I-55 to Memphis, then I-40 to Little Rock, I-30 to Texarkana and US-59 into Houston. Downstate pickups in Peoria, Springfield and Champaign are on the way south.
When to book
Summer is the busiest season: Chicago to Dallas is about $1,395 for a July pickup and $1,305 in February. In January and February, an ice storm in Oklahoma or North Texas can shut I-44 or I-35 for a day.
Good to know
Remove your I-PASS transponder before pickup so it isn't charged on toll roads along the way. Texas gives new residents 30 days to register. Since January 2025 passenger cars no longer need a state safety inspection, but cars registered in the Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin and El Paso areas still need an emissions test first, and San Antonio's Bexar County is being added in 2026.
Questions about Illinois to Texas car shipping
How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to Texas?
About 2–4 days after pickup for Chicago to Dallas, and 3–5 days for Chicago to Houston.
Can you pick up in a Chicago neighborhood with permit parking?
Yes. The driver meets you on a wide street or in a lot nearby, which your dispatcher arranges before pickup day.
What's the cheapest month to ship from Chicago to Texas?
Late winter. Chicago to Dallas is about $1,305 for a February pickup, compared with $1,395 in July.