Car Shipping Cost Guide
Everything you need to know about what car shipping can cost. Learn what affects the price, see illustrative ranges by distance and route, and find ways to save. Figures here are estimates, not quotes.
What Drives Price
The factors, explained
Illustrative Ranges
Estimates, not quotes
Money-Saving Tips
Practical ways to save
100% Free
No obligation
Illustrative Cost Ranges by Distance
Across the 22 example routes below, illustrative ranges span $400 – $1,860, depending on distance, vehicle, transport method and other factors.
Short Distance
Under 500 miles
$400 – $680
From 2 example routes
Medium Distance
500 to 1,500 miles
$720 – $1,290
From 14 example routes
Long Distance
1,500 miles and up
$1,010 – $1,860
From 6 example routes
Illustrative, not a quote. These ranges are estimates for a standard sedan on open transport, summarised from this site's example routes. They are not live market prices and not offers. For your own vehicle and options, use the cost calculator.
Cost by Transport Type
Open transport is the usual and more economical choice. Enclosed transport costs more and adds protection.
Open Transport
- Usually the most affordable option
- Widely available on most routes
- Used for the majority of car shipments
- Vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris
Enclosed Transport
- Extra protection for the vehicle
- Often chosen for luxury, classic and exotic cars
- Shields from weather and road debris
- Costs more: our calculator assumes about 50% above open
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
Several things can change the final price. Knowing them helps you read a quote and compare offers.
Distance
Longer routes generally cost more in total, though the price per mile tends to fall as distance grows.
Vehicle type
Larger and heavier vehicles take up more space on the trailer and usually cost more to move.
Transport method
Enclosed transport protects the vehicle but is generally more expensive than open transport.
Season and demand
Prices are often higher in peak periods such as summer, snowbird season and holidays.
Pickup and delivery locations
Rural or hard-to-reach addresses can cost more than pickups in or near major cities.
Vehicle condition
Inoperable vehicles need a winch and extra handling, which usually adds to the price.
Illustrative Cost by Route
Estimated ranges for a standard sedan on open transport, shortest route first. These are estimates, not quotes. Open a route for more detail.
| Route | Distance | Illustrative range | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| California to Nevada | About 274 miles | $400 – $550 | 1–3 days |
| California to Arizona | About 428 miles | $480 – $680 | 1–3 days |
| Georgia to Texas | About 864 miles | $720 – $950 | 3–6 days |
| Oregon to California | About 991 miles | $760 – $1,000 | 3–6 days |
| Colorado to California | About 996 miles | $770 – $1,010 | 3–6 days |
| California to Washington | About 1,152 miles | $830 – $1,080 | 3–6 days |
| Washington to California | About 1,152 miles | $830 – $1,080 | 3–6 days |
| Pennsylvania to Florida | About 1,227 miles | $870 – $1,130 | 3–6 days |
| Florida to New York | About 1,311 miles | $920 – $1,190 | 3–6 days |
| New York to Florida | About 1,311 miles | $920 – $1,190 | 3–6 days |
| Florida to Texas | About 1,332 miles | $930 – $1,200 | 3–6 days |
| Texas to Florida | About 1,332 miles | $930 – $1,200 | 3–6 days |
| Michigan to Florida | About 1,388 miles | $960 – $1,240 | 3–6 days |
| Illinois to Florida | About 1,430 miles | $980 – $1,270 | 3–6 days |
| California to Texas | About 1,485 miles | $1,000 – $1,290 | 3–6 days |
| Texas to California | About 1,485 miles | $1,000 – $1,290 | 3–6 days |
| Massachusetts to Florida | About 1,510 miles | $1,010 – $1,310 | 5–8 days |
| Minnesota to Arizona | About 1,534 miles | $1,020 – $1,320 | 5–8 days |
| Illinois to California | About 2,091 miles | $1,180 – $1,530 | 5–8 days |
| California to Florida | About 2,803 miles | $1,380 – $1,790 | 7–10 days |
| California to New York | About 2,935 miles | $1,430 – $1,860 | 7–10 days |
| New York to California | About 2,935 miles | $1,430 – $1,860 | 7–10 days |
Tips to Save Money
Be flexible with your dates
A wider pickup window lets a company fit you onto a truck already heading your way, which often lowers the price.
Choose open transport
Unless your vehicle needs extra protection, open transport is usually the more economical choice.
Compare multiple quotes
Companies price the same route differently, so request several quotes before you decide.
Ship between major cities
Drivers run major corridors most often. Remote pickups and deliveries can cost more.
Avoid peak season if you can
Summer, holidays and snowbird season tend to push prices up.
Plan ahead
Early requests give companies time to schedule your vehicle. Last-minute and urgent pickups often cost more.
Try Our Car Shipping Cost Calculator
Get an estimated range for your route, vehicle and options. It is an estimate, not a quote.