California to New York Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,902 miles from California to New York ranges from $1,772 to $2,928 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 York to California car shipping guide.
California to New York 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 York. The average travel distance is about 2,902 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 7 to 15 days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to New York
| From California to New York | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to New York City, NY | 2,793 miles | $1,650–$2,617 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Buffalo, NY | 2,537 miles | $1,650–$2,548 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Yonkers, NY | 2,799 miles | $1,737–$2,590 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Rochester, NY | 2,602 miles | $1,715–$2,651 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to Albany, NY | 2,817 miles | $1,845–$2,911 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to New York
| From California to New York | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to New York City, NY | 2,759 miles | $1,737–$2,753 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Buffalo, NY | 2,560 miles | $1,650–$2,522 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Yonkers, NY | 2,781 miles | $1,737–$2,808 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Rochester, NY | 2,618 miles | $1,614–$2,598 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to Albany, NY | 2,834 miles | $1,827–$2,715 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to New York
| From California to New York | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to New York City, NY | 2,933 miles | $1,881–$2,928 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Buffalo, NY | 2,685 miles | $1,614–$2,651 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Yonkers, NY | 2,950 miles | $1,899–$2,957 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Rochester, NY | 2,750 miles | $1,685–$2,835 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to Albany, NY | 2,961 miles | $1,826–$2,957 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to New York
| From California to New York | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to New York City, NY | 2,901 miles | $1,899–$2,870 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Buffalo, NY | 2,653 miles | $1,732–$2,598 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Yonkers, NY | 2,918 miles | $1,772–$2,928 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Rochester, NY | 2,718 miles | $1,807–$2,753 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to Albany, NY | 2,929 miles | $1,826–$2,957 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to New York
| From California to New York | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to New York City, NY | 2,914 miles | $1,718–$3,044 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Buffalo, NY | 2,659 miles | $1,715–$2,677 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Yonkers, NY | 2,926 miles | $1,845–$3,044 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Rochester, NY | 2,725 miles | $1,772–$2,753 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to Albany, NY | 2,941 miles | $1,845–$3,044 | 7–15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to New York
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 York you should expect to pay between $2,215 and $3,660.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from California to New York
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Empire 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 York.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to New York spans approximately 2,902 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 York 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 York should take between 7 and 15 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best California to New York 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 California to New York:
- 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 California to New York
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,902 miles on your car going from California to New York. 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 California to New York 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 California to New York?
- Car insurance requirements: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
- Vehicle inspection: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
- Driver’s license: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: If you bought a vehicle from a NY State dealership or an out-of-state dealership authorized to collect NY State sales tax, bring the dealer's bill of sale that shows NY State sales tax was paid. Also bring the MV-50 form (for NY State dealers only) or the DTF-803 form (for out-of-state dealers). If NY State sales tax was paid to a NY State dealer, the DMV will not collect sales tax or issue a receipt when you apply for vehicle registration.
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 York
About 22 million people are living in the Empire State of New York. The climate of New York state is generally has warm to hot summers and cold winters. In the farther southeastern portion of the state (New York City and Long Island area) hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. Winter temperatures average below freezing during January and February in much of New York state, but several degrees above freezing along the Atlantic coastline, including New York City.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in California and when dropping off my car in New York?
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 York.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to New York?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to New York, 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 York, 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. To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to New York?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to New York is about 2902 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 York.
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 your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in New York?
New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in New York after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to New York after purchasing it.
If you bought a vehicle from a NY State dealership or an out-of-state dealership authorized to collect NY State sales tax, bring the dealer's bill of sale that shows NY State sales tax was paid. Also bring the MV-50 form (for NY State dealers only) or the DTF-803 form (for out-of-state dealers). If NY State sales tax was paid to a NY State dealer, the DMV will not collect sales tax or issue a receipt when you apply for vehicle registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and New York to avoid any hidden costs.
