Shipping Route
Illinois to Florida Car Shipping
Door-to-door auto transport from Illinois to Florida, with open and enclosed options.
About This Route
Shipping a Car From Illinois to Florida
Illinois to Florida connects the Chicago region and the rest of the state with the Sunshine State, and it is a favorite for seasonal residents, retirees and families relocating south. The distance is roughly 1,000 to 1,400 miles depending on the cities, which is a long way to put on a second vehicle.
Southbound carriers typically leave the Chicago area on I-57 or I-65 and cross Indiana, Kentucky or Tennessee, joining I-24 and then I-75 near Chattanooga. From there the route continues through Atlanta and across Georgia into Florida. The driver picks the exact road on the day, based on traffic, weather and construction.
Route Facts
Illinois to Florida at a Glance
- Typical pickups: Chicago, Aurora–Naperville, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield
- Typical deliveries: Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami–Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Florida
- Common roads: I-57, I-65, I-24 and I-75
- Distance: roughly 1,000 to 1,400 miles depending on the cities
- Open or enclosed transport, door-to-door where access allows
- Free quote based on your exact addresses
Good to Know
What to Plan For on This Route
Winter departures
Lake-effect snow and ice around Chicago can slow carriers between December and March. Keep your pickup window flexible and clear snow from around the vehicle so the driver can load it.
Several states in between
The route passes through multiple states, and changing weather along the way can affect timing. Ask for an estimated delivery window rather than counting on a single date.
Wash before pickup
If your vehicle has been through an Illinois winter, a wash before pickup makes it easier to inspect and record its condition on the report.
Plan Your Shipment
Timing and Seasonal Tips
Spring through early fall generally offers the easiest scheduling out of Illinois. Winter pickups are possible but weather-dependent. On the Florida side, hurricane season runs from June through November and can delay deliveries near the coast, while seasonal demand typically rises in the fall when residents head south.
- Open and enclosed transport available
- Door-to-door pickup and delivery as close as safely possible
- A free quote based on your real route
Get Your Free Auto Transport Quote
Tell us where your vehicle is going.
Questions Answered
Illinois to Florida Car Shipping FAQ
Which Illinois cities do you ship from?
Route One coordinates pickups throughout Illinois, from the Chicago area to smaller cities and towns. Metro areas generally have more carrier traffic, and for small towns a nearby larger town or parking lot can be an easier meeting point.
Does winter weather delay shipping from Illinois?
It can. Heavy snow and ice around Chicago can slow carriers or close roads. Give yourself some extra time and request your quote early if you are shipping between December and March.
Is it cheaper to ship to Florida in a certain season?
Prices move with demand, which is usually higher in popular seasonal windows such as the fall for southbound loads. A flexible pickup window can help, and the only way to know is to request a quote for your dates. Our car shipping cost guide covers the main factors.
What do I need to have ready?
Requirements can vary, but you will typically need to hand over the keys and have someone available to sign the condition report at both ends. Mention anything unusual, such as an inoperable vehicle or a modified suspension, when you request your quote.
Ready to Ship From Illinois to Florida?
Get your free auto transport quote and let Route One handle the road ahead.