Lincoln, NE → Madison, WI · Regional long-distance move
About 477 road miles heading northeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,170–$4,710, delivery in 1–3 days, 160 carriers on the Lincoln side and 228 in Madison.
The route from Lincoln, NE to Madison, WI covers roughly 477 miles by road, a northeast-bound trip that falls into the regional long-distance move category for pricing purposes.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $3,170 to $4,710 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 1 to 3 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 8 h 55 min.
On the Lincoln side there are 160 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (83 of them authorized for interstate work), and 228 around Madison (120 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Madison.
Lincoln has a population of about 301,522 and Madison about 286,233. The two cities have comparable density (2,979 and 3,390 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,270 | $1,550 | $1,890 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,900 | $2,320 | $2,830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,170 | $3,860 | $4,710 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $5,070 | $6,180 | $7,540 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $6,970 | $8,500 | $10,370 |
$790–$1,120
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,450–$2,130
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,170–$4,710
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Lincoln, NE → Madison, WI. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Lightner & Lightner INC
Legal name: Roessler LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,270 to $1,890 for a studio, $1,900 to $2,830 for a one-bedroom, $3,170 to $4,710 for a two-bedroom, $5,070 to $7,540 for a three-bedroom and $6,970 to $10,370 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 477 road miles (404 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 8 h 55 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 3 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from Nebraska into Wisconsin makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $790 to $1,120 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,450 to $2,130. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Lincoln–Madison corridor.