Alabama to Virginia Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 669 miles from Alabama to Virginia usually costs between $709 and $1,009. Transit time is about one–six days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Virginia to Alabama car shipping guide.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
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- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Alabama to Virginia car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Alabama to Virginia:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Alabama
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Alabama that can relocate your vehicle to Virginia:
- US AutoLogistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Alabama to Virginia
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Alabama to Virginia, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 669 miles to your vehicle on the route from Alabama to Virginia. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Alabama to Virginia, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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!
Alabama to Virginia auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Alabama and Virginia. The typical distance is about 669 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and six days.
Cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to Virginia
| From Alabama to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL to Virginia Beach, VA | $772 – $1,084 | 751 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Chesapeake, VA | $794 – $1,141 | 748 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Arlington, VA | $706 – $1,000 | 692 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Norfolk, VA | $764 – $1,108 | 737 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Richmond, VA | $718 – $1,035 | 645 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Virginia
| From Alabama to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL to Virginia Beach, VA | $771 – $1,053 | 742 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Chesapeake, VA | $741 – $1,064 | 726 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Arlington, VA | $764 – $1,102 | 796 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Norfolk, VA | $726 – $1,053 | 725 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Richmond, VA | $750 – $1,106 | 691 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Virginia
| From Alabama to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL to Virginia Beach, VA | $779 – $1,152 | 727 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Chesapeake, VA | $784 – $1,108 | 711 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Arlington, VA | $779 – $1,064 | 737 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Norfolk, VA | $717 – $1,097 | 710 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Richmond, VA | $721 – $1,011 | 677 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to Virginia
| From Alabama to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL to Virginia Beach, VA | $798 – $1,250 | 908 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mobile, AL to Chesapeake, VA | $765 – $1,176 | 892 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mobile, AL to Arlington, VA | $758 – $1,187 | 963 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mobile, AL to Norfolk, VA | $773 – $1,176 | 891 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Mobile, AL to Richmond, VA | $810 – $1,222 | 858 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tuscaloosa, AL to Virginia
| From Alabama to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Virginia Beach, VA | $749 – $1,102 | 784 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Chesapeake, VA | $757 – $1,061 | 767 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Arlington, VA | $733 – $1,113 | 795 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Norfolk, VA | $795 – $1,073 | 767 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Richmond, VA | $764 – $1,152 | 733 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Alabama to Virginia
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Alabama to Virginia usually runs between $886 and $1,261.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Alabama to Virginia
When moving your vehicle from the Heart of Dixie to the Old Dominion State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- 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 Virginia.
- Distance and route: The route from Alabama to Virginia is about 669 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Alabama in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Alabama and Virginia.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–six days, while expedited service costs more.
Virginia vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Virginia means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
- Vehicle inspection: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Alabama
More than 5.1 million people call Alabama home. Nicknamed the Heart of Dixie. Alabama has one of the hottest summers in the US and mild winters with copious amounts of precipitation throughout the year. Areas around the Gulf in Alabama are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Alabama also has tornado activity, which typically occurs in the spring It would be a good idea to check for tornado activity in the area you are looking to move to Alabama.
Transporting your vehicle to Virginia
About 8.7 million people are living in the Old Dominion State. Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Alabama and delivery in Virginia?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Alabama and when dropping it off in Virginia.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Alabama to Virginia?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Alabama to Virginia, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Virginia, which you should verify before loading your car in Alabama.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
How long does it take to ship a car from Alabama to Virginia?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Alabama to Virginia is about 669 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Alabama to Virginia.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
If I have a driver’s license in Alabama, will I need one in Virginia?
To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
If I bought a car in Alabama, will I be required to pay sales tax in Virginia after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Alabama to Virginia after purchasing it.
When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Alabama and Virginia to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to Virginia?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to Virginia is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Alabama to Virginia?
Shipping a car from Alabama to Virginia costs $709 to $1,009.
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