North Dakota to California Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,717 miles from North Dakota to California ranges from $1,462 to $2,230 and takes 3–9 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to North Dakota car shipping guide.
North Dakota to California auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in North Dakota and California. The average travel distance is about 1,717 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 3 to 9 days.
Cost to ship a car from Fargo, ND to California
| From North Dakota to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA | 1,777 miles | $1,432–$2,273 | 3–11 days |
| Bismarck, ND to San Diego, CA | 1,839 miles | $1,477–$2,395 | 3–11 days |
| Dickinson, ND to San Jose, CA | 1,805 miles | $1,492–$2,372 | 3–11 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to San Francisco, CA | 1,772 miles | $1,567–$2,122 | 3–11 days |
| Jamestown, ND to Fresno, CA | 1,853 miles | $1,492–$2,189 | 3–11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bismarck, ND to California
| From North Dakota to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA | 1,583 miles | $1,316–$1,999 | 3–9 days |
| Bismarck, ND to San Diego, CA | 1,645 miles | $1,456–$2,116 | 3–9 days |
| Dickinson, ND to San Jose, CA | 1,611 miles | $1,484–$2,095 | 3–9 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to San Francisco, CA | 1,579 miles | $1,358–$2,079 | 3–9 days |
| Jamestown, ND to Fresno, CA | 1,659 miles | $1,470–$2,075 | 3–9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Dickinson, ND to California
| From North Dakota to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA | 1,486 miles | $1,290–$1,998 | 3–8 days |
| Bismarck, ND to San Diego, CA | 1,548 miles | $1,344–$1,980 | 3–9 days |
| Dickinson, ND to San Jose, CA | 1,515 miles | $1,427–$1,900 | 3–9 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to San Francisco, CA | 1,483 miles | $1,369–$1,901 | 3–8 days |
| Jamestown, ND to Fresno, CA | 1,562 miles | $1,330–$1,920 | 3–9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Forks, ND to California
| From North Dakota to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA | 1,834 miles | $1,538–$2,349 | 3–11 days |
| Bismarck, ND to San Diego, CA | 1,896 miles | $1,600–$2,166 | 3–11 days |
| Dickinson, ND to San Jose, CA | 1,862 miles | $1,554–$2,395 | 3–11 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to San Francisco, CA | 1,829 miles | $1,492–$2,349 | 3–11 days |
| Jamestown, ND to Fresno, CA | 1,909 miles | $1,545–$2,417 | 3–11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Jamestown, ND to California
| From North Dakota to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA | 1,689 miles | $1,384–$2,054 | 3–9 days |
| Bismarck, ND to San Diego, CA | 1,745 miles | $1,507–$2,230 | 3–9 days |
| Dickinson, ND to San Jose, CA | 1,711 miles | $1,522–$2,078 | 3–9 days |
| Grand Forks, ND to San Francisco, CA | 1,679 miles | $1,513–$2,116 | 3–9 days |
| Jamestown, ND to Fresno, CA | 1,758 miles | $1,492–$2,122 | 3–11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Dakota to California
Since vehicles like SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from North Dakota to California you should expect to pay between $1,828 and $2,788.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from North Dakota to California
When transporting your vehicle from the Peace Garden State to the Golden State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to California.
- Distance and route: The journey from North Dakota to California spans approximately 1,717 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of North Dakota, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between North Dakota and California and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from North Dakota to California should take between 3 and 9 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best North Dakota to California car shipping companies
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We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from North Dakota to California:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from North Dakota to California
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,717 miles on your car going from North Dakota to California. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from North Dakota to California for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from North Dakota to California?
- Car insurance requirements: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
- Vehicle inspection: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
- Driver’s license: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Additional taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from North Dakota
Over 39 million people call North Dakota home. Nicknamed the Peace Garden State, North Dakota has warm summers and cold winters. The temperature differences are significant because of its far inland position and being roughly equal distance from the North Pole and the Equator.
Transporting your vehicle to California
About 22 million people are living in the Golden State of California. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in North Dakota and when dropping off my car in California?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in North Dakota and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Dakota to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Dakota to California, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, which you should verify before loading your car in North Dakota.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. North Dakota mandates that all vehicles carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Basic personal injury protection is also required, providing $150 per week with a maximum of $30,000.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
How long does it take to ship a car from North Dakota to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Dakota to California is about 1717 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take 3-9 days to travel from North Dakota to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
As a new resident in North Dakota, you have 90 days to have your vehicle inspected and registered in the state. There is no requirement for smog or emissions testing in North Dakota.
California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
If I have a driver’s license in North Dakota, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in North Dakota, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from North Dakota to California after purchasing it.
You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both North Dakota and California to avoid any hidden costs.
