How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Motorcycle in 2025?
Shipping a motorcycle costs an average of $500
Most homeowners spend between $200 and $2,000 to ship a motorcycle, with an average cost of $500.
Key cost factors include distance, location, motorcycle size and weight, and the chosen shipping method.
Additional costs may arise from shipping luxury or vintage models, insurance, express shipments, and specialized handling.
Hiring a professional ensures your motorcycle is safely transported, saving time and reducing the risk of damage.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Whether you're relocating across the country or purchasing a motorcycle online, getting your bike safely to its destination is a top priority. Shipping a motorcycle costs most people $500 with an average range from $200 and $2,000, depending on factors like location, bike size, and shipping method. Hiring a professional mover can help ensure your motorcycle arrives safely without any unexpected hassles.
Motorcycle Shipping Cost Factors
Shipping a motorcycle costs between $200 and $2,000, making it less expensive than shipping a car. However, your exact cost can fluctuate based on several factors, including distance, location, bike size, and the shipping method you choose.
Distance
Distance is the biggest factor affecting your motorcycle shipping costs. On average, you'll pay $0.60 per mile to ship a motorcycle across the country, though this can vary between companies and from state to state. If you're shipping to or from a remote or hard-to-reach location, expect to pay a bit more. Some companies also add surcharges for interstate shipments.
| Distance (Miles) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Up to 500 | $200–$700 |
| 501–999 | $700–$800 |
| 1,000+ | $800–$2,000 |
Size and Weight
If you have a large or heavy motorcycle, you might pay a higher rate to ship it. Larger bikes are more challenging to handle and may require oversized crates, specialized tie-downs, and unique packing accommodations to keep them safe during transit. This can also affect your insurance coverage, so be sure to gather multiple price estimates when searching for a moving company.
Freight Type
You have several options for shipping your motorcycle, each with different price ranges. Most companies offer only one or two shipping methods, so if you need a specific type of transportation, be sure to inquire ahead of time.
Truck: $500–$1,250. Truck transport is the most common method for shipping a motorcycle throughout the United States.
Train: $200. Trains are extremely budget-friendly, with steep savings compared to other types of transport. However, your drop-off and pick-up locations are at train stations, so this method works best when shipping from one big city to another. Also, train-based companies prioritize commercial clients, so shipping spots fill up quickly.
Boat: $1,000–$2,000. Transporting by boat is slow and expensive, however, it is the cheapest way to ship a motorcycle overseas for those moving out of the country.
Plane: $400–$800. Shipping a motorcycle by plane is much faster than by boat. Overall costs fluctuate according to weight.
Luxury and Vintage Models
If you're shipping a luxury or vintage motorcycle, expect to pay more. These bikes require special care to ensure they arrive safely, and many owners choose enclosed carriers for added protection, even though they cost more than open carriers.
Insurance
Accidents happen, so having insurance when shipping your motorcycle cross-country or overseas is essential. Insurance coverage varies by company, so check your mover's policy for details and ask about the deductible—this is what you'll pay out of pocket if something happens to your bike. Overall, investing in moving insurance is a smart move.
Express Shipments and Issues During Travel
Motorcycle shipments run on set schedules, so if you need express transport, you'll pay extra. To avoid additional surcharges, try to book your shipment at least three months in advance. Remember, things like road closures, traffic jams, and construction can cause delays and add miles to the trip, which might increase costs. It's a good idea to budget some extra money for unforeseen incidents. Talk to your mover ahead of time—some companies cover these additional charges and will keep you informed throughout the journey if any delays occur.
You can save money by driving your motorcycle to the drop-off location and picking it up at your destination. Door-to-door service incurs a surcharge, with costs varying depending on the distance these locations are from your home.
DIY Motorcycle Shipping vs. Hiring a Pro
While you might save some money by shipping your motorcycle yourself, don't forget to factor in travel time, hotel costs, food, truck rental fees, and gas. Renting a trailer big enough to haul a motorcycle cross-country costs $400 to $500. Shipping crates are another option, but they require expertise to ensure your bike arrives undamaged. Hiring a specialized motorcycle moving company means your bike will be handled professionally and insured during transit. In the end, the peace of mind might be worth the extra cost.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you're getting estimates or finalizing the transport schedule, be ready to provide your mover with your motorcycle's make and model, weight, dimensions, value, and overall condition. Let them know your preferred shipping method—open or enclosed—and your desired timetable. Don't forget to discuss insurance options, pick-up and drop-off locations, and ask about tracking your shipment.
When you're preparing your motorcycle for shipment, wash it well and make a list of any notable damage. Remove all personal items and deactivate any alarms. If your bike is shipping via crate, drain the gas from the tank and remove the battery. Put it into neutral gear for shipping. Be sure to take plenty of pictures for insurance purposes, if needed. Note any pre-existing cosmetic damage, like scratches and dings, and write down the mileage and the engine's condition.
You can ship your motorcycle by truck, train, plane, or boat. These methods ensure that your bike is securely fastened with the proper tie-down equipment during the journey. Truck shipments can be done with either open or enclosed trailers, while trains, planes, and boats offer different logistical routes. Contact an expert carrier to confirm the specific details and secure shipping methods to ensure your motorcycle reaches its destination safely.
Keeping your motorcycle upright during shipping prevents battery acid leakage and protects against engine hydrolock by ensuring oil doesn't enter the combustion chamber. This helps preserve the bike's structural integrity and performance. Professional motorcycle carriers have the proper equipment to keep your motorcycle safe and secure during the moving journey.
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