California to New Jersey Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,884 miles from California to New Jersey ranges from $1,685 to $2,715 and takes 7–15 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 New Jersey to California car shipping guide.

California to New Jersey auto transport costs and transit times

The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in California and New Jersey. The average travel distance is about 2,884 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 7 to 15 days.

Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to New Jersey

From California to New Jersey Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Los Angeles, CA to Trenton, NJ 2,734 miles $1,807–$2,862 7–15 days
San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ 2,779 miles $1,807–$2,671 7–15 days
San Jose, CA to Jersey City, NJ 2,773 miles $1,650–$2,590 7–15 days
San Francisco, CA to Atlantic City, NJ 2,776 miles $1,650–$2,808 7–15 days
Fresno, CA to Eatontown, NJ 2,782 miles $1,737–$2,808 7–15 days

Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to New Jersey

From California to New Jersey Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Los Angeles, CA to Trenton, NJ 2,713 miles $1,702–$2,808 7–15 days
San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ 2,748 miles $1,789–$2,644 7–15 days
San Jose, CA to Jersey City, NJ 2,756 miles $1,668–$2,808 7–15 days
San Francisco, CA to Atlantic City, NJ 2,755 miles $1,685–$2,726 7–15 days
Fresno, CA to Eatontown, NJ 2,761 miles $1,720–$2,617 7–15 days

Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to New Jersey

From California to New Jersey Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Los Angeles, CA to Trenton, NJ 2,927 miles $1,845–$2,928 7–15 days
San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ 2,928 miles $1,881–$3,044 7–15 days
San Jose, CA to Jersey City, NJ 2,935 miles $1,826–$3,015 7–15 days
San Francisco, CA to Atlantic City, NJ 2,969 miles $1,718–$2,783 7–15 days
Fresno, CA to Eatontown, NJ 2,968 miles $1,899–$2,870 7–15 days

Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to New Jersey

From California to New Jersey Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Los Angeles, CA to Trenton, NJ 2,895 miles $1,756–$2,799 7–15 days
San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ 2,896 miles $1,791–$2,939 7–15 days
San Jose, CA to Jersey City, NJ 2,904 miles $1,736–$2,754 7–15 days
San Francisco, CA to Atlantic City, NJ 2,937 miles $1,790–$2,899 7–15 days
Fresno, CA to Eatontown, NJ 2,937 miles $1,899–$2,812 7–15 days

Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to New Jersey

From California to New Jersey Distance Cost Estimated transit time
Los Angeles, CA to Trenton, NJ 2,854 miles $1,845–$2,771 7–15 days
San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ 2,904 miles $1,790–$2,928 7–15 days
San Jose, CA to Jersey City, NJ 2,912 miles $1,899–$2,957 7–15 days
San Francisco, CA to Atlantic City, NJ 2,896 miles $1,703–$2,799 7–15 days
Fresno, CA to Eatontown, NJ 2,902 miles $1,826–$2,957 7–15 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from California to New Jersey

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 California to New Jersey you should expect to pay between $2,106 and $3,394.

Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from California to New Jersey

When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Garden 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 New Jersey.
  • Distance and route: The journey from California to New Jersey spans approximately 2,884 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 California, 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 California and New Jersey 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 California to New Jersey should take between 7 and 15 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.

The best California to New Jersey car shipping companies

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Transparent pricing
  • Fully insured
Check prices (864) 492-1221

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
Check prices (888) 259-6046

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.35 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable
Check prices (866) 563-0804

% of users select this mover

We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from California to New Jersey:

Alternative ways to ship your car from California to New Jersey

What else should you know about shipping a car from California to New Jersey?

  • Car insurance requirements: In New Jersey, meet the minimum auto insurance requirements: $15,000 per person for bodily injury up to $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage. Stay legally covered and financially secure on the road.
  • Vehicle inspection: If you are planning to reside in New Jersey for a minimum of 6 months, it is mandatory to transfer the title of your vehicle, register it, and obtain a driver's license from the state. As a new resident, you have 60 days from the date of establishing your residency to register your vehicle. It is important to note that before registering your vehicle, you are required to have liability insurance coverage as per the New Jersey state laws.
  • Driver’s license: As per the state laws of New Jersey, new residents are expected to transfer their driver's license and register their vehicles within 60 days of arriving in the state. However, during public health crises, this time frame may be extended to 120 days. It is important to note that there won't be any reminders for this, so it's recommended to keep a record of the date of your arrival in the state.
  • Additional taxes: New Jersey law requires residents to transfer their vehicle title and registration within 60 days of moving to the state. The transfer title fee is $60 for standard vehicle, $85 for financed vehicle with one lien, $110 for financed vehicle with two liens and registration fee and tax may apply unless you are eligible for a sales tax exemption.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist

Transporting your vehicle from California

Over 39 million people call California home. Nicknamed the Golden State, 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.

Transporting your vehicle to New Jersey

About 22 million people are living in the Garden State of New Jersey. New Jersey summers are typically hot and humid and winters are usually cold. During winter and early spring, New Jersey can experience "nor'easters", which are capable of causing blizzards or flooding throughout the northeastern United States.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in California and when dropping off my car in New Jersey?

Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in California and when dropping it off in New Jersey.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to New Jersey?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to New Jersey, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to New Jersey, which you should verify before loading your car in California.

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.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In New Jersey, meet the minimum auto insurance requirements: $15,000 per person for bodily injury up to $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage. Stay legally covered and financially secure on the road.

How long does it take to ship a car from California to New Jersey?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to New Jersey is about 2884 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take 7-15 days to travel from California to New Jersey.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

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 you are planning to reside in New Jersey for a minimum of 6 months, it is mandatory to transfer the title of your vehicle, register it, and obtain a driver's license from the state. As a new resident, you have 60 days from the date of establishing your residency to register your vehicle. It is important to note that before registering your vehicle, you are required to have liability insurance coverage as per the New Jersey state laws.

If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in New Jersey?

As per the state laws of New Jersey, new residents are expected to transfer their driver's license and register their vehicles within 60 days of arriving in the state. However, during public health crises, this time frame may be extended to 120 days. It is important to note that there won't be any reminders for this, so it's recommended to keep a record of the date of your arrival in the state.

If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in New Jersey after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to New Jersey after purchasing it.

New Jersey law requires residents to transfer their vehicle title and registration within 60 days of moving to the state. The transfer title fee is $60 for standard vehicle, $85 for financed vehicle with one lien, $110 for financed vehicle with two liens and registration fee and tax may apply unless you are eligible for a sales tax exemption.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and New Jersey to avoid any hidden costs.

Helpful California resources