Arizona to Montana Motorcycle Shipping At a Glance
| Main Corridor | Interstates north through Utah and Idaho or Wyoming, then I-90 or I-15 in Montana |
| Approximate Distance | ~1,190-1,210 miles |
| Estimated Transit Time | 3-6 days after pickup |
| Popular Pickup Cities | Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, Flagstaff |
| Popular Delivery Cities | Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls |
| Transport Options | Open and enclosed, door-to-door or terminal |
| Reverse Route | Montana to Arizona |
| Phone Quotes | 1-800-590-6492, answered 24 hours a day |
Arizona to Montana Motorcycle Shipping Rates by Bike Type
A standard cruiser or sport bike from Phoenix to Billings costs about $550 to $750 on an open carrier, or about $775 to $1,050 enclosed. Missoula, in the west, comes to about $525 to $750 open.
The length of the trip drives the price, and Montana adds its own wrinkle. Trucks come to the I-90 cities readily and thin out away from them, so a bike for a small town can wait for a driver who is already headed that way.
A large touring machine often adds $50 to $100. A three-wheeler or sidecar outfit costs $150 to $300 extra. A bike that will not start needs a winch, so tell the dispatcher first.
Season shapes the price. Summer and rally weeks tighten trailer space, and snow on the passes slows winter shipments. Booking three weeks ahead with a flexible pickup window is the simplest way to save. For ways to spend less, read our money-saving tips.
| Motorcycle Type | Open Transport (Est.) | Enclosed Transport (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cruiser (Sportster, Rebel, Scout) | $550 – $750 | $775 – $1,050 |
| Sport Bike (Ninja, GSX-R, YZF-R1) | $550 – $750 | $775 – $1,050 |
| Touring / Dresser (Street Glide, Gold Wing) | $600 – $850 | $850 – $1,200 |
| Vintage / Custom (classic Triumph, bobber, chopper) | $600 – $850 | $850 – $1,200 |
Average Cost & Time to Ship from Arizona to Montana
Think of this table as a starting point. It covers a standard bike on an open carrier, and the final number comes from the carrier.
| Route | Distance | Transit Time | Price Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ to Billings, MT | ~1,210 mi | 3-6 days | $550 - $750* | Get Quote |
| Phoenix, AZ to Missoula, MT | ~1,190 mi | 3-6 days | $525 - $750* | Get Quote |
*Price estimates were updated in October 2026. Prices are estimates only and will vary based on your motorcycle, pickup and delivery locations, transport type, and time of year. Complete the form at the top of this page or call 1-800-590-6492 to get free, no-obligation quotes from licensed carriers so you can compare real prices for your exact route before you book.
I-90, the Passes and the Hi-Line
Missoula, Butte, Bozeman, Livingston and Billings all sit on I-90, so a carrier can reach them without leaving the highway. Great Falls lies north on I-15, and Helena and Kalispell take longer to reach. I-15 shares the road with I-90 near Butte, where it splits toward Helena and Great Falls.
On its way across Montana, I-90 goes over three passes. Lookout Pass is 4,725 feet at the Idaho line, Homestake Pass near Butte is 6,375, and Bozeman Pass is 5,760. Trucks slow on all three, and a snow squall on any of them can add hours.
Billings is the crossroads of the east, where I-94 begins and runs toward Miles City and North Dakota. A bike going to Sturgis, South Dakota, usually goes from Billings across Wyoming, and carriers who run that lane know it well.
Two famous roads are not freight routes. US-212, the Beartooth Highway, is 68 miles long and climbs nearly 11,000 feet, and Going-to-the-Sun Road runs through Glacier National Park. A driver will meet you in town, not on either.
How Quotes Work When You Ship a Motorcycle to Montana
You don't have to call company after company. One request goes out to the carriers that run this route, and the offers come back to you.
1. Send one request
Fill out the quote form at the top of this page, or call 1-800-590-6492 any hour of the day. Give us your pickup and delivery cities, the year, make and model of your bike, and the date you want it picked up.
2. Carriers respond
We pass your request to carriers that run the Arizona to Montana route. You can receive up to ten free quotes without calling them one at a time.
3. Compare the offers
Look at price, pickup date, and whether the carrier offers open or enclosed transport. You can look up any company you're considering on the FMCSA SAFER system.
4. Choose your company
You pick the company you want to work with. Ask that company about its insurance coverage, deposit, and payment terms before you commit.
How Your Motorcycle Is Loaded and Secured for the Trip
A good driver loads a motorcycle upright. The front wheel goes into a chock so it can't move, and soft straps go around solid points like the frame or the lower triple clamp. The straps are tightened enough to hold the bike but not so much that they bottom out the forks. Hooks stay off your bars, levers and paint.
Enclosed trailers add a roof and walls, and a trip from desert to mountain country meets heat, snow and wind. Owners of custom paint and vintage bikes often pick enclosed for exactly that reason. Go over the bike with the driver, line by line against the condition report. Keep both until the bike is delivered in Montana.
Arizona to Montana Motorcycle Shipping Challenges & Tips
Montana deliveries depend on the season and on distance from I-90.
Snow on the Passes
The interstate passes can see snow in winter even when Billings is dry. For a winter shipment, keep a few spare days and a loose window.
Road Closures for Riders
The Beartooth Highway is shut from mid-October until Memorial Day weekend, and snow can close it as early as September. Going-to-the-Sun Road has usually been fully open from early July until the third Monday of October.
Far From the Interstate
The farther your address lies from I-90, the more the driver has to plan. Expect to meet in a larger town.
Tip: Heading to Red Lodge?
In July the Beartooth Motorcycle Rally brings poker runs on the Beartooth Highway, a bike show and a closing-day rodeo. The Beartooth Rendezvous and BMW Motorcycle Rally follows in August, roughly 10 miles south of town. Request quotes two to three weeks early.
Tip: Moving to Malmstrom?
Malmstrom Air Force Base is beside Great Falls, which is on I-15 and off the I-90 corridor, so name the city when you request quotes. Ask each carrier about a military or multi-bike discount, and give a pickup window of several days.
Tip: Prepare Your Motorcycle
Wash it, strip soft bags and clip-on gadgets, and hold the fuel at around a quarter tank. Deactivate the alarm, take dated photos around the bike, and write down leaks. For a ranch or mountain address, name the nearest highway so the driver can plan the meeting point. Our guide to preparing a bike for transport has a complete list.
Arizona to Montana Motorcycle Shipping Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship a motorcycle from Arizona to Montana?
Most Arizona to Montana shipments take 3-6 days once the bike is on the truck. With a few days for scheduling, one to two weeks from booking is realistic.
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle to Montana from Arizona?
A standard cruiser or sport bike from Phoenix to Billings runs about $550 to $750 on an open carrier and about $775 to $1,050 enclosed. Actual prices depend on your bike, dates and cities.
Is open or enclosed transport better for this route?
Most riders choose open. Enclosed is a good idea for a valuable bike or a winter trip across the northern plains. The extra cost is roughly $225 to $300.
Which Montana cities do carriers deliver to?
Billings, Missoula, Bozeman and Great Falls see the most bikes. Helena, Kalispell and smaller towns are served too, with a wider window.
Can a driver deliver on the Beartooth Highway?
No. A driver will meet you in a nearby town, since the highway is a scenic route, and it closes for the season from mid-October.
How should I prepare my motorcycle for shipping from Arizona?
Give the bike a wash, pull off bags and mounts, and aim for a quarter tank. Take dated pictures around the bike, and tell the dispatcher about leaks or a dead battery.
Should I ride my motorcycle from Arizona to Montana or ship it?
The ride is about 1,210 miles from Phoenix to Billings, which most riders cover in three long days. Expect fuel, hotel nights and tire wear. If you only need the bike in Montana, shipping it and flying is a fair alternative.
Do I need to crate my motorcycle for this trip?
Not for most trips. Bikes travel to Montana on open or enclosed trailers, crate-free. A crate is an extra of roughly $150 to $400 that mostly suits show-quality bikes.
Is door-to-door motorcycle delivery available from Arizona to Montana?
Generally. The driver comes to your Arizona address. In Montana, a ranch road may be too long for a trailer, so expect a meeting point at a town lot on the highway.
Can I call for a quote at any hour?
Yes, at any time. 1-800-590-6492 is answered 24 hours a day, or you can use the quote form.
For more questions about motorcycle shipping, visit our Motorcycle Shipping FAQ page. Choosing a company? Read questions to ask your motorcycle shipping company first.
More Routes from Arizona
- Montana to Arizona Motorcycle ShippingShipping the bike back the other way.
- Arizona to Alabama Motorcycle Shipping
- Arizona to Colorado Motorcycle Shipping
- Arizona to Idaho Motorcycle Shipping
- Arizona to Iowa Motorcycle Shipping
- Arizona to Alaska Motorcycle Shipping
Related Guides
- How to Ship a MotorcycleThe full process from quote to delivery.
- How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Shipping ServiceWhat to compare before you book.
- Benefits of Using a Motorcycle Delivery ServiceWhy shipping beats riding or trailering it yourself.
Helpful Links
- FMCSA SAFER SystemVerify a carrier's license and insurance status.
- Arizona Traffic InformationRoad conditions and closures near your pickup.
- Montana Traffic InformationRoad conditions and closures near your delivery.
- Montana 511Live road reports for Montana.
Call now, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-590-6492 or complete the quote form on this page to find Arizona to Montana motorcycle shipping rates and when a truck will be in your area.