Ship a Car Across the Country — Cross-Country Car Shipping

Coast-to-coast car shipping on open transport typically costs $1,300–$1,800 for a standard sedan, or roughly $0.50–$0.75 per mile. Enclosed transport usually runs $1,800–$2,600. Shorter interstate moves start around $400.

See our full comparison: is it cheaper to fly or drive?

• Families relocating for work or retirement
• Buyers of cars from out-of-state dealers or private sellers
• Military members on PCS orders — see military car shipping
• College students heading to school
• Snowbirds sending a car south for the winter
• Owners of classic, luxury and exotic cars
• Households moving more than one vehicle

• Wash the car and photograph all sides, the roof, interior and odometer
• Remove personal belongings, toll tags and parking passes
• Check tire pressure and look for fluid leaks
• Keep about a quarter tank of fuel
• Disable alarms and leave a key for the driver
• Fold mirrors and remove loose accessories like bike racks

These coast-to-coast and long-haul lanes are among the busiest in the country, which keeps pricing competitive:

• California to New York and New York to California
• Los Angeles to New York City
• Florida to California and California to Florida
• California to Pennsylvania and New Jersey to California
• Washington to Florida
• Texas to New York and New York to Texas

Each route page shows city pairs, typical pricing and transit times.

For a standard sedan on an open carrier, ShipMyCar US pricing for coast-to-coast moves typically runs about $1,300–$1,800. Here's what moves the cost to ship a car across the country up or down:

• Vehicle size: SUVs and pickups usually add $150–$300; heavy-duty trucks more.
• Enclosed transport: Adds roughly 30–40% for full protection.
• Season: Summer is the busiest moving season; snowbird months push up prices on lanes into Florida and Arizona.
• Exact addresses: Big metros near interstates cost less than rural pickups.
• Running condition: Non-running cars need a winch.
• Pickup window: A five-day window often saves $50–$200 over a fixed date.

Read cost to ship a car by distance for the full breakdown.

Once your car is loaded, a coast-to-coast trip usually takes about 6–10 days. Drivers generally cover about 400–500 miles a day under federal hours-of-service rules, with stops for other pickups and deliveries along the way. Add one to five days before pickup for carrier assignment.

Winter storms on northern routes like I-80 and I-90 can add a day or two. Carriers often route along I-40 or I-10 in winter to avoid the worst weather.

• Four to six weeks before: Compare a few licensed companies.
• Two to three weeks before: Book and confirm your pickup window.
• One week before: Wash the car, remove personal items, toll tags and valuables.
• Pickup day: Inspect with the driver and keep your copy of the Bill of Lading.
• After delivery: Inspect the car, then register it in your new state. See moving a car to a new state.

Also read best ways to ship a car across the country and our vehicle relocation guide.

For most daily drivers, open transport is the practical choice for a cross-country move — it's how most cars are shipped, and it's the most affordable. Choose enclosed transport for classic, exotic, luxury or freshly painted cars, especially in winter when salt and road spray are common on northern routes. Enclosed adds roughly 30–40% to the price.

• Families relocating for work or to be near relatives
• Military members on PCS orders
• College students heading to school or a first job
• Snowbirds splitting the year between states
• Buyers of cars from out-of-state dealers, auctions and online sellers

Whatever the reason, the process is the same: quote, carrier assignment, inspection, transit and delivery.