HomeAuto › Car Shipping Cost

Car Shipping Cost: Instant Estimate by Distance

Open transport: $500–$1,500. Enclosed: $900–$2,500. Price depends on distance, vehicle size, and season.

Updated Mar 2026Auto$500–$2,500
Car Shipping Cost Estimator
Get a quick estimate based on route and vehicle

Car Shipping Cost by Distance

DistanceOpenEnclosedPer Mile
Under 500 mi$400–$600$700–$1,000$0.80–$1.20
500–1,000 mi$600–$900$1,000–$1,500$0.60–$0.90
1,000–1,500 mi$800–$1,100$1,300–$1,800$0.55–$0.75
Cross-country$1,000–$1,500$1,700–$2,500$0.40–$0.60
How Costs Compare
14%
21%
29%
36%
Under 500 mi 14%
500–1,000 mi 21%
1,000–1,500 mi 29%
Cross-country 36%

Smart Ways to Save on Car Shipping

Get multiple quotes. Pricing for car shipping varies widely between shops. Get at least 3 quotes and compare what is included. The cheapest option often excludes items the mid-range quote includes, making the actual difference smaller than it appears.
Beware of upsells. Some shops quote low to get you in the door, then add charges once work begins. Ask for a written estimate that specifies exactly what is included, and require approval before any additional work is performed.
Check reviews, not just price. For car shipping, quality matters more than saving a few hundred dollars. Read recent reviews on Google, Yelp, and auto forums. Ask to see examples of previous work. A poor-quality job costs more to redo than paying a bit more upfront for the right shop.
Ask about warranties. Reputable shops offer warranties on both parts and labor. Get the warranty terms in writing. A shop that will not stand behind its work for at least 12 months is a red flag.

What Drives Car Shipping Pricing

Car Shipping pricing is driven by vehicle type, quality of materials, and labor rates in your area. Luxury and performance vehicles typically cost 30–50% more due to specialized parts, tighter tolerances, and the additional time required for proper work.

The cheapest option is rarely the best value when it comes to automotive work. A repair or service that fails prematurely costs you twice — once for the original work and again for the redo. Mid-range shops with strong reviews and proper warranties typically deliver the best cost-to-quality ratio.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much to ship a car cross-country?
Open transport: $1,000–$1,500. Enclosed: $1,700–$2,500. Get 3–5 quotes.
Open or enclosed transport?
Open is fine for 95% of cars. Choose enclosed for $75K+ vehicles, classics, or exotics.
How long does car shipping take?
Standard: 7–14 days coast-to-coast, 3–7 days for shorter routes.
Related Calculators
📊 Data Sources
Rates from uShip, Montway, AmeriFreight surveys. Updated March 2026.