Shipping a Car from Houston, TX to Kansas City, MO
A 770-mile trip heading north, through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri: that is Houston to Kansas City. That is around 15 hours of driving at car-hauler speeds; our transit estimate is 1–2 days after dispatch. This lane sees steady, moderate demand.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Kansas: I-70 and I-35 cross, and the Kansas Turnpike is tolled. In Missouri, I-70, I-44 and I-55 run through St. Louis and Kansas City, with hilly Ozark sections. In Texas, I-35, I-10, I-45, I-20 and I-40 cross a state where El Paso to Houston is about 750 miles. Toll roads in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas are built into carrier pricing.
Timing and Seasonality
High Plains winter storms and spring thunderstorms are the main weather risks, so late spring and early fall are calmest. For a 770-mile trip, request quotes about three weeks before pickup. Across Texas expect severe spring storms, Gulf hurricanes and desert heat in the west; across Missouri, severe spring storms and winter ice.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Houston. Giant Gulf Coast metro and port with deep carrier supply, but exposed to hurricane-season delays. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area. Carriers usually load around I-10, I-45 and I-69.
Delivery in Kansas City. Trucks serving Kansas City lean on I-29, I-35 and I-70. Kansas City sits on busy trucking corridors, which helps with availability. Midwest rail and truck hub where I-29, I-35 and I-70 meet.
What Houston to Kansas City Costs
Current estimates put open transport for a standard sedan at $460–$655, which is about $0.72 per mile over 770 miles. Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($665–$950), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $515–$735. A comparable-length trip, Dallas, TX to Springfield, IL (745 mi), is priced at $560–$820. Ending in Overland Park instead (10 mi from Kansas City) is estimated at $455–$645.
| Service | Vehicle | Price Range | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $460–$655 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $515–$735 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $515–$735 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $665–$950 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Remove loose items. Personal belongings are usually not insured in transit; clear the cabin before pickup in Houston.
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $460–$655 fits most cars; enclosed at $665–$950 suits luxury, classic or low cars.
- Mention port status. If the car arrives from or leaves through a port near Houston, say so when you request quotes.