California to Washington Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 955 miles from California to Washington ranges from $947 to $1,592 and takes 2–7 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 Washington to California car shipping guide.
California to Washington 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 Washington. The average travel distance is about 955 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 2 to 7 days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Washington
| From California to Washington | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA | 1,136 miles | $1,056–$1,738 | 2–8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Spokane, WA | 1,204 miles | $1,106–$1,693 | 2–8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tacoma, WA | 1,105 miles | $1,024–$1,637 | 2–8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Kennewick, WA | 1,065 miles | $1,010–$1,663 | 2–8 days |
| Fresno, CA to Pasco, WA | 1,068 miles | $990–$1,568 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Washington
| From California to Washington | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA | 1,255 miles | $1,117–$1,710 | 3–8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Spokane, WA | 1,294 miles | $1,141–$1,817 | 3–8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tacoma, WA | 1,225 miles | $1,152–$1,710 | 2–8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Kennewick, WA | 1,161 miles | $1,024–$1,688 | 2–8 days |
| Fresno, CA to Pasco, WA | 1,164 miles | $1,046–$1,721 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Washington
| From California to Washington | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA | 839 miles | $998–$1,419 | 2–7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Spokane, WA | 907 miles | $958–$1,456 | 2–7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tacoma, WA | 809 miles | $1,021–$1,501 | 2–7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Kennewick, WA | 769 miles | $926–$1,425 | 2–7 days |
| Fresno, CA to Pasco, WA | 772 miles | $994–$1,425 | 2–7 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Washington
| From California to Washington | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA | 807 miles | $1,011–$1,515 | 2–7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Spokane, WA | 875 miles | $946–$1,576 | 2–7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tacoma, WA | 777 miles | $1,023–$1,449 | 2–7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Kennewick, WA | 738 miles | $993–$1,371 | 1–6 days |
| Fresno, CA to Pasco, WA | 740 miles | $974–$1,371 | 1–6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to Washington
| From California to Washington | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA | 921 miles | $1,048–$1,593 | 2–7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Spokane, WA | 989 miles | $1,024–$1,494 | 2–7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tacoma, WA | 891 miles | $1,046–$1,576 | 2–7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Kennewick, WA | 851 miles | $993–$1,557 | 2–7 days |
| Fresno, CA to Pasco, WA | 854 miles | $1,003–$1,468 | 2–7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Washington
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 Washington you should expect to pay between $1,184 and $1,990.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from California to Washington
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Evergreen 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 Washington.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Washington spans approximately 955 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 Washington 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 Washington should take between 2 and 7 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best California to Washington 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 Washington:
- 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 Washington
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 955 miles on your car going from California to Washington. 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 Washington 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 Washington?
- Car insurance requirements: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
- Vehicle inspection: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
- Driver’s license: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
- Additional taxes: If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use tax.
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 Washington
About 22 million people are living in the Evergreen State of Washington. Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in California and when dropping off my car in Washington?
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 Washington.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Washington?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Washington, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Washington, 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. Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Washington?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Washington is about 955 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take 2-7 days to travel from California to Washington.
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.
In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Washington?
To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Washington after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Washington after purchasing it.
If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Washington to avoid any hidden costs.
