If you need to move your car from one place to another, maybe because you're moving, buying a car from out of state, or sending one to a family member, you're probably wondering how much does it cost to ship a car.

The answer depends on a few important things: how far you're shipping it, what kind of car it is, what type of transport you choose, and when you need it moved. Let's break it down clearly.

What Affects the Price of Shipping a Car?

Instead of finding a direct answer for “how much does it cost to ship a car?”, focus on what affects the pricing or a car transport company. Knowing about these can help you plan and avoid surprises.

1. Distance and Location

The farther the car has to travel, the more you'll pay overall. But interestingly, the cost per mile usually goes down for longer trips.

If you're shipping across a short distance — like 100 to 300 miles — the cost per mile will be higher. For long trips — like 1,000 miles or more — the rate per mile drops.

Also, where you're shipping to and from matters. It's cheaper if you're shipping between big cities where transport trucks often travel. But if the pickup or drop-off is in a remote or rural area, it may cost more because drivers have to go out of their way.

2. Type of Transport: Open or Enclosed

You can choose between two main types of car shipping:

  • Open transport is when your car is loaded onto an open trailer, usually with several other cars. It's the most common and affordable option. Your car will be exposed to weather and road dust, but it's generally very safe.



  • Enclosed transport puts your car inside a trailer, protected from the elements. This option is best for luxury, classic, or rare cars. However, it can cost 30% to 50% more than open transport.

3. Size and Weight of Your Car

Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. If you have an SUV, truck, or van, expect to pay more than someone shipping a small car. Bigger vehicles take up more space and weigh more, which affects how many cars the transporter can carry at once.

4. Car Condition

If your car doesn't run and needs special equipment to be loaded onto the truck, you'll have to pay extra. Usually, this adds another $100 to $200 to the price.

5. Time of Year

Believe it or not, the time of year can make a big difference.

  • Summer is busy because lots of people move during this time, so prices are higher.



  • Winter can sometimes be cheaper, but bad weather can delay deliveries.

There are also busy times called “snowbird seasons,” when people move cars to or from warmer places like Florida in the fall and spring. Shipping during these times can also cost more.

6. Shipping Method: Door-to-Door or Terminal-to-Terminal

  • Door-to-door shipping is when the driver picks up and drops off the car as close to your addresses as possible. It's more convenient but a little more expensive.



  • Terminal-to-terminal shipping means you drop off and pick up the car at special locations. It's usually cheaper but less convenient.

Typical Car Shipping Costs

To give you a general idea of how much does it cost to ship a car, here's what you might pay:

  • Short trips (under 500 miles) can cost between $300 and $700.



  • Medium trips (around 1,000 miles) might cost $800 to $1,200.



  • Long trips (around 2,000 miles or more) could cost $1,100 to $1,800 or even more.

Choosing enclosed transport could make the cost higher — sometimes up to twice as much as open transport.

Remember, these are just averages. Your final price depends on your specific situation.

Tips to Save Money on Car Shipping

Here are some easy ways to lower your shipping costs:

  • Be flexible with your dates. If you can give the company a bigger window of time to pick up and deliver your car, they might offer a better price.



  • Pick open transport. Unless you have a very valuable or rare car, open transport is safe and much cheaper.



  • Use a terminal if you can. If you don't mind dropping off and picking up your car at a terminal, you can save money.



  • Book early. The earlier you book, the better chance you have of locking in a lower price.



  • Compare companies. Get quotes from a few different car shipping companies. Make sure they're trustworthy — cheapest isn't always best when it comes to moving your car safely.

Shipping a car can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. How much you'll pay depends mostly on how far the car is going, what kind of car it is, how you want it shipped, and when you need it moved.

If you understand these factors and plan ahead, you can make smart choices and save money. Always choose a reliable car transport company, even if it costs a little more, because protecting your car during the move is just as important as saving a few bucks.