The ultimate Midwest snowbird route. Chicago to Miami — door-to-door, fully insured, $0 upfront. Snowbird season specialists since 1991.
Chicago and Miami are linked by one of the most well-traveled auto transport lanes in the country. Every year, thousands of Illinois residents — from the city's lakefront condos to the leafy suburbs of Naperville, Schaumburg, and Evanston — ship their cars south to Miami for the winter season. At Lepke Auto Transport, we've been running this corridor since 1991 and know every nuance of this route, from peak-season carrier availability to the best timing strategies for a smooth, on-budget shipment.
The Chicago–Miami route runs approximately 1,375 miles, typically traveling south via I-65 through Indiana and Kentucky, then cutting east on I-24 toward Atlanta, and finally south on I-75 into Miami-Dade County. Transit time is 3–5 days from pickup in the Chicago metro area. Delivery covers the full Miami metro — Brickell, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Doral, Hialeah, Aventura, and all surrounding areas including Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton.
⚠️ Snowbird season demand is real: November through March is peak season on the Chicago–Miami corridor. Chicagoans time their departures to escape the first major cold fronts, typically late October through November. Book your winter shipment in September or early October to guarantee availability and the best rates. Last-minute November bookings often face a 1–2 week wait and higher pricing.
Beyond snowbirds: This corridor also handles year-round relocation traffic. Miami's booming tech and finance sectors have drawn significant corporate moves from Chicago. Retirees making permanent moves to Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and Aventura are also a constant stream throughout the year. Whether you're relocating permanently or just spending the season, we've got the carrier capacity and experience to handle it.
Before your vehicle ships, take a few minutes to prepare it properly. Remove all personal belongings, keep the fuel tank under a quarter full, and photograph the car from all angles. Our damage claims guide explains the full process if anything goes wrong — though with our vetted carrier network, the vast majority of shipments arrive without a scratch.
We serve all of Chicagoland — city neighborhoods, North Shore, western suburbs, and beyond.
Door-to-door delivery throughout Greater Miami — South Beach, Brickell, suburbs, and South Florida.
Typical open-transport pricing. Peak snowbird season (Nov–Mar) can add $100–$200 to base rates — book early for best pricing.
| Route | Distance | Transit Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago → Miami | ~1,375 mi | 3–5 days | $1,000–$1,350 |
| Chicago → Miami Beach | ~1,380 mi | 3–5 days | $1,050–$1,350 |
| Naperville → Doral | ~1,385 mi | 3–5 days | $1,050–$1,350 |
| Schaumburg → Aventura | ~1,395 mi | 4–5 days | $1,050–$1,350 |
| Chicago → Boca Raton | ~1,350 mi | 3–5 days | $1,000–$1,300 |
| Chicago → Hollywood, FL | ~1,365 mi | 3–5 days | $1,000–$1,300 |
| Chicago → West Palm Beach | ~1,325 mi | 3–5 days | $980–$1,280 |
*Estimates for standard open-car transport. Enclosed transport, oversized vehicles, and inoperable cars are priced separately. See our full cost guide for more detail.
We've managed the Chicago–Miami corridor for over 30 years. We know exactly when demand peaks and how to keep your shipment on schedule every season.
Your quote is your final price — no hidden fees, no bait-and-switch, especially important during busy November and December peak windows.
A dedicated rep manages your shipment from booking to delivery. Real people, not call centers.
Nothing due until a verified carrier is dispatched. Zero financial risk for you.
All carriers in our 10,000+ network carry comprehensive cargo insurance. Your vehicle is protected every mile from Chicago to Miami.
Our massive network gives us options even during the most competitive snowbird season windows in November and March.
Enter your Chicago-area pickup address and Miami delivery address — get a guaranteed price in seconds.
A vetted carrier comes directly to your Chicagoland door or condo. Full inspection at pickup, then headed south.
Your car arrives at your Miami, Brickell, or Aventura address in 3–5 days — just in time to enjoy the sun.
Book in September or October for November, December, and January departures. The Chicago-to-Miami corridor is one of the busiest snowbird routes in North America, and carrier demand surges sharply in late October. Booking early locks in better rates and guaranteed availability. Waiting until November means limited slots, higher prices, and possible 1–2 week delays before a carrier can be dispatched.
Typically 3–5 days from pickup in the Chicago metro area. Chicago to Miami Beach or Brickell is usually 4–5 days; Chicago to Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale can sometimes reach 3 days. We provide a confirmed delivery window at the time of booking. If you need guaranteed faster delivery, ask about our expedited transport option.
Absolutely. We provide door-to-door pickup throughout all of Chicagoland — Naperville, Schaumburg, Aurora, Joliet, Evanston, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook, and all surrounding suburbs. Our carriers come directly to your home or building. No need to drive to a terminal or staging lot.
Yes — we deliver throughout Greater Miami and South Florida. Aventura, Doral, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Hialeah, Hollywood, Sunny Isles Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Boca Raton are all standard delivery areas. If you're not sure about your specific address, just contact us and we'll confirm coverage before you book.
Yes. All carriers in our network carry mandatory cargo insurance covering your vehicle throughout transit. Your personal auto insurance also remains active during transport, providing double coverage. The Bill of Lading completed at pickup documents the vehicle's pre-transport condition so any damage during shipping is clearly attributable to the carrier. See our damage claims guide for full details.