How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Tesla? Model 3, Y, S, X and Cybertruck

These are typical open-carrier ranges for common state-to-state routes. Short trips fall lower; coast-to-coast trips run higher.

Model 3: About $800–$1,400. The lightest and cheapest Tesla to ship.

Model Y: About $850–$1,450. Slightly larger and heavier than the Model 3.

Model S: About $900–$1,550. Longer and heavier sedan.

Model X: About $950–$1,650. Large, heavy SUV; falcon-wing doors need careful loading.

Cybertruck: About $1,300–$2,200 on open transport, and more for enclosed. Size and weight limit how many fit on a trailer.

Enclosed transport typically adds 30–40%. Summer is peak season and can add $100–$200.

The Cybertruck is roughly 18.6 feet long and about 6.7 feet wide, much larger than any other Tesla and bigger than most pickups. It's also significantly heavier than a Model 3. That means:

• Fewer vehicles fit on a carrier, so each one pays a bigger share of the trip.
• Some enclosed trailers can't fit it at all.
• Its weight uses up more of the truck's legal weight capacity.

Book it with a carrier that's confirmed the trailer fits before pickup day.

For a Model 3 or Model Y, open transport is a reasonable, common choice — it's the same exposure the car gets on the road. Consider enclosed if your car has a new paint protection film, a wrap, custom wheels, or if it's a Model S Plaid or a Cybertruck you want fully protected.

Charge level: For domestic ground transport, aim for roughly 30–50% charge at pickup. That's enough to load and unload without leaving a full battery on the truck. Newer Model 3 and Model Y Standard Range cars use LFP batteries that Tesla says can be charged to 100%, but you still don't need a full charge for shipping.

Weight: Batteries make EVs heavier than similar gas cars, which can affect price slightly on fully loaded trucks. Read more in EV shipping and battery safety.

• Charge to about 30–50%.
• Turn on Transport Mode or Tow Mode (the menu location varies by model year).
• Turn off Sentry Mode so it doesn't drain the 12V battery.
• Turn off scheduled climate preconditioning.
• Pause automatic software updates.
• Give the driver a key card or fob — they can't use your phone as a key.
• Photograph the battery percentage and the car at pickup.

For a new car, Tesla delivers to a delivery center, and may charge a transfer fee if the car is coming from another region. For anything else — a move, a private sale, a used Tesla you bought out of state — you arrange transport yourself. Our electric vehicle shipping service handles every Tesla model.

For a Model 3 or Model Y on an open carrier, typical ShipMyCar US pricing looks like:

• About 500 miles (for example, Los Angeles to Phoenix area): roughly $450–$700
• About 1,000 miles (for example, Dallas to Denver area): roughly $700–$1,000
• About 1,500 miles (for example, Texas to California): roughly $950–$1,300
• Coast to coast: roughly $1,350–$1,800

A Model X or Cybertruck usually costs more because of size and weight.

• Check the battery health and warranty status.
• Ask whether Full Self-Driving or other features transfer with the car.
• Confirm the seller will remove the car from their Tesla account.
• Make sure you'll receive a key card and that the car can be added to your app after delivery.

For private sales, see the Facebook Marketplace shipping guide.

Compare the battery level to your pickup photo, check for warning messages, inspect the glass roof and wheels, and make sure the charge port door works. Then turn Sentry Mode and software updates back on.

Typical ShipMyCar US ranges for common state-to-state routes:

• Model 3: About $800–$1,400 open; enclosed roughly 30–40% more.
• Model Y: About $850–$1,450 open.
• Model S: About $900–$1,550 open; enclosed is popular for Plaid models.
• Model X: About $950–$1,650 open; falcon-wing doors need careful loading.
• Cybertruck: About $1,300–$2,200 open, and higher enclosed where the trailer fits.

Short regional trips fall below these ranges; coast-to-coast trips and peak summer weeks can exceed them.

The Cybertruck's stainless steel body doesn't rust, but it does show scratches and marks, and it's harder to repair than painted panels. Carriers should use soft wheel straps and avoid metal contact with the body. Its size — roughly 18.6 feet long and about 6.7 feet wide without mirrors — means it needs a deck position with enough length and width. Its weight, often well over 6,000 pounds, counts heavily against a carrier's weight limit. All of this is why Cybertruck quotes run higher than other Teslas and why enclosed options are limited.

Some Model 3 and Model Y versions, particularly certain Standard Range trims, use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Tesla recommends charging LFP batteries to 100% regularly in daily use. That doesn't mean you need to ship at 100%. For shipping, a moderate charge — around 30–50% — is still a sensible choice, giving the driver enough range to load and unload without carrying a full battery.

• Model 3 and Model Y: Open is common and cost-effective.
• Model S and Model X: Open works; enclosed for Plaid models, new cars or fresh paint protection film.
• Cybertruck: Open is most common because enclosed trailers that fit are limited.
• Roadster (original): Enclosed, like any collectible.

A Tesla with a dead 12V battery or a fault may not shift into neutral, which makes loading hard. Carriers can use wheel dollies or skates, or jump the 12V to enable transport mode. Tell us at booking if the car has any power issues so the right equipment is sent.

Every Tesla is heavier than a comparable gas car because of its battery. A Model 3 weighs roughly 3,900–4,100 pounds, and a Model X can top 5,000 pounds. On a fully loaded carrier, that extra weight can mean one fewer vehicle on the truck, which is why some EV quotes carry a small premium. Read EV weight and carrier capacity.

Tesla shipping follows the same seasonal patterns as other cars. Summer is the busiest moving season and usually the most expensive. Fall and late winter tend to be cheaper, except on snowbird lanes into Florida and Arizona in the fall and back north in the spring. Booking two to three weeks ahead and offering a flexible pickup window can save $100–$300 on busy lanes.

Winter adds one Tesla-specific consideration: cold weather reduces usable range, so leave a little more charge — closer to 50% — if the car will sit outside before or after transport.

1. Charge to about 30–50% the day before pickup.

2. Turn on Transport or Tow Mode — on newer models it's in the Service menu; the exact path varies by model year and software version.

3. Turn off Sentry Mode so cameras don't drain the 12V battery or trigger alerts.

4. Turn off scheduled departure and climate preconditioning.

5. Pause software updates so an update doesn't start mid-trip.

6. Leave a key card or fob for the driver.

7. Photograph the car and the battery screen at pickup.

8. Leave printed instructions for neutral or tow mode in the glovebox.

How much does it cost to ship a Tesla?: Usually about $800–$1,650 depending on model and distance on an open carrier. The Cybertruck typically costs more.

Why does shipping a Cybertruck cost more?: It's longer, wider and heavier than other Teslas, so fewer fit on a trailer and some enclosed trailers can't take it.

What charge should my Tesla have for shipping?: About 30–50% is ideal for domestic ground transport.

Should I use open or enclosed transport for my Tesla?: Open works well for most Model 3 and Model Y shipments. Enclosed is worth it for wrapped, high-value or specialty models.

Can a Tesla be shipped on a regular car carrier?: Yes. Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X ship on standard carriers. The Cybertruck needs a spot with enough space.

Does shipping a Tesla affect the warranty?: No. Professional transport doesn't affect the warranty.

Should I tell the carrier it's a Tesla?: Yes, with the exact model and trim, so they can plan weight, loading and tie-downs.

How long does it take to ship a Tesla across the country?: About 6–10 days in transit once loaded, plus one to five days for carrier assignment.

Can I ship a Tesla to Hawaii?: Possibly. Some ocean carriers restrict EVs, so acceptance has to be confirmed before booking. See shipping a car to Hawaii or Alaska.

Can you deliver a Tesla to a Tesla service center?: Yes, if the service center agrees to receive it. Confirm their hours and contact first.

Does the price change for Tesla Model 3 Performance or Long Range?: Not much. Trims weigh slightly different amounts, but pricing is mostly driven by model size, distance and transport type.