Tennessee to Illinois Auto Transport Shipping
From Nashville and Clarksville, car carriers take I-24 northwest into southern Illinois, where it meets I-57, and follow I-57 north through the farm country to Chicago. Memphis cars usually take I-55 north through St. Louis and Springfield. Knoxville cars often come up through Kentucky and Indiana instead, on I-75, I-64 and I-65, and Chattanooga cars join the route in Nashville. Naperville, Aurora and Joliet are in the western and southwestern Chicago suburbs, and Rockford is about 90 miles northwest of Chicago. Tennessee to Illinois Auto Transport covers about 470 to 610 miles, and most cars arrive 2 to 3 days after pickup. Auto transport rates can vary a lot between carriers, which is why getting several quotes matters. We provide up to 10 free quotes from our network of licensed, insured carriers, so you can compare pricing, transit times, and service options before you decide. Fill out the quote form on this page to compare offers, or call 1-800-590-6492 to go over dates and pickup details. For more information about shipping to the destination, visit our Illinois Auto Transport page.
Tennessee to Illinois Auto Transport At a Glance
| Primary Transport Corridors | I-24, I-57, I-55, I-65, I-88, I-90 |
| Approximate Distance | ~470-610 miles |
| Estimated Transit Time | 2-3 Days |
| Popular Origin Cities | Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville |
| Popular Destination Cities | Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Rockford |
Tennessee to Illinois Auto Transport Shipping Rates
Most quotes for a standard car on an open carrier run $450 to $925. Nashville to Chicago is the shortest run in our table at about 470 miles. Chattanooga to Joliet is the longest, at roughly 610 miles.
For prices based on your actual dates, request your free quotes here and compare carriers side by side.
Chicago and its suburbs are some of the easiest places in the country to book, because trucks come and go every day. Rockford and the cities along I-57 and I-55 are close behind. Small towns in downstate Illinois can take a few extra days. A large SUV or pickup usually adds $75 to $150, and a car that doesn't run adds about $150 to $300. Our guide to what affects your auto transport quote covers the rest. Shipping an electric car? Complete the form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 so we can match you with a carrier that handles EVs.
Late spring through early fall is usually the smoothest time to ship. Winter storms and wind can slow trucks on the open stretches of I-57, and spring brings severe storms. Read more about seasonal auto transport prices.
Average Cost & Time to Ship from Tennessee to Illinois
Prices fluctuate with carrier availability, fuel costs, and seasonal demand. Use our quote form for real-time pricing tailored to your specific vehicle, dates, and cities.
| Route | Distance | Transit Time | Price Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL | ~470 mi | 2-3 Days | $450 - $750 | Get Quote |
| Memphis, TN to Aurora, IL | ~555 mi | 2-3 Days | $450 - $800 | Get Quote |
| Knoxville, TN to Naperville, IL | ~565 mi | 2-3 Days | $525 - $875 | Get Quote |
| Chattanooga, TN to Joliet, IL | ~610 mi | 2-3 Days | $550 - $925 | Get Quote |
| Clarksville, TN to Rockford, IL | ~515 mi | 2-3 Days | $475 - $825 | Get Quote |
*Price estimates were updated in October 2026. Prices are estimates only and will vary based on your specific vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, transport type, and time of year. Complete the form above or call 1‑800‑590‑6492 to receive up to ten free, no-obligation quotes from licensed carriers, so you can compare real prices for your exact route before you book.
Moving to Illinois? Trucks run to Chicago every day, so you can usually ship within a few days. Compare free quotes now or call 1-800-590-6492.
Tennessee to Illinois Auto Transport Challenges & Tips
Shipping a vehicle from Tennessee to Illinois comes with specific considerations. Here's what you need to know before booking:
Chicago Traffic
The expressways and tollways around Chicago are some of the most congested roads in the country. A driver who reaches the city at rush hour can lose hours, so deliveries often go more smoothly midday.
Wind and Snow on I-57
I-57 runs through mile after mile of flat, open farmland. In winter, blowing snow can drop visibility to almost nothing and coat the road with ice, and carriers will wait it out.
Nashville Traffic on the Way Out
Nashville has grown fast, and I-24, I-40 and I-65 through the city back up badly at rush hour. Pickups in and around Nashville often go more smoothly midday.
Tip: Plan Your Chicago Delivery Spot
Many Chicago streets are narrow, lined with parked cars or under the L tracks, where a 75-foot car carrier can't fit. A large parking lot near an expressway is often the easiest place to meet the driver.
Tip: Register Within 30 Days in Illinois
New Illinois residents should title and register their cars within 30 days of moving. Bring your Tennessee title, proof of Illinois insurance and proof of your Illinois address to a Secretary of State office. Cars in Cook, DuPage and Lake counties, and parts of nearby counties, need emissions tests every other year once they are four years old.
Tip: Prepare Your Vehicle Properly
Clean your car and remove personal items before pickup. Take date-stamped photos from every side, keep the gas tank at a quarter full or less, and check tire pressure. For a full checklist, read our article on Preparing Your Car for Transport.
Still deciding? Call 1-800-590-6492 and we can go over dates and costs, or get up to 10 free quotes in a few minutes.
Tennessee to Illinois Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions
Most cars arrive 2 to 3 days after pickup. Winter storms on I-57 or a slow trip through Chicago traffic can add a day.
From Nashville and Clarksville, most carriers take I-24 to I-57 and head north to Chicago. Memphis cars usually take I-55 through St. Louis. Knoxville cars often come up through Kentucky and Indiana on I-75, I-64 and I-65.
Title and register it with the Illinois Secretary of State within 30 days of moving. Bring your Tennessee title, proof of Illinois insurance and proof of your new address. If you live in the Chicago area, your car will need emissions tests every other year once it is four years old. Illinois Secretary of State: New Residents
Usually, yes. On narrow streets in older Chicago neighborhoods, your driver may not be able to reach your door. In that case you will meet at a nearby parking lot or wide street where the truck can stop safely. Door-to-Door vs Meetup Delivery explains how it works.
For more frequently asked questions about auto transport, visit our Auto Transport FAQs page.
More Routes from Tennessee
Shipping a car the other direction? See our Illinois to Tennessee Auto Transport page.
- Tennessee to Vermont Auto Transport
- Tennessee to Maryland Auto Transport
- Tennessee to Connecticut Auto Transport
- Tennessee to New York Auto Transport
Helpful Links
- FMCSA SAFER System: Check a Carrier
Look up any carrier's federal operating authority, insurance on file and safety record before you book. - Illinois Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to Illinois road conditions, traffic alerts and construction updates. - Tennessee Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to Tennessee road conditions, traffic alerts and construction updates. - TDOT SmartWay: Tennessee Road Conditions
The Tennessee Department of Transportation's live map of crashes, work zones and traffic cameras on Tennessee interstates. - AccuWeather Illinois
Forecasts for your delivery city, so you know if storms might slow the last leg of the trip. - AccuWeather Tennessee
Check the forecast for your pickup date, since spring storms and winter ice can push pickups back.
Call now at 1-800-590-6492 or complete the form on this page to find the best Tennessee to Illinois auto shipping rates and when a truck will be in your area.