Alabama to Washington Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 2,540 miles from Alabama to Washington falls between $1,244 and $2,085. Delivery typically takes seven–fifteen days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Washington to Alabama car shipping guide.
Our track record
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
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Alabama to Washington car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Alabama to Washington:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 Washington:
- 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
US AutoLogistics
3101 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
usal.com
3.52 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 357779
Global Auto Transportation
1101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
globalautotransportation.com/birmingham-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
The company generally provides responsive service with competitive pricing and timely vehicle deliveries, though some customers experienced issues with customer service and communication during the process.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Vehicle Transport Services
2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35242 US
vehicletransportservices.co/birmingham-alabama-companies
3.5 / 5.0
Vehicle Transport Services Birmingham has garnered positive feedback for their excellent shipping service and overall customer satisfaction. However, there are notable concerns about their customer support being unhelpful and lacking adequate time to address customer inquiries regarding future shipments.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2249744
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 Washington
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Alabama to Washington, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 2,540 miles on your car to travel between Alabama and Washington. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Alabama to Washington, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Alabama to Washington auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Alabama and Washington. The trip typically spans 2,540 miles and takes about seven–fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to Washington
| From Alabama to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL to Seattle, WA | $1,323 – $1,981 | 2,500 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Spokane, WA | $1,318 – $2,145 | 2,222 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Tacoma, WA | $1,310 – $2,167 | 2,513 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Vancouver, WA | $1,308 – $2,160 | 2,466 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Bellevue, WA | $1,308 – $2,014 | 2,494 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Washington
| From Alabama to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL to Seattle, WA | $1,403 – $2,147 | 2,618 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Spokane, WA | $1,309 – $2,084 | 2,340 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Tacoma, WA | $1,362 – $2,105 | 2,631 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Vancouver, WA | $1,297 – $2,105 | 2,584 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Bellevue, WA | $1,321 – $2,105 | 2,612 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Washington
| From Alabama to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL to Seattle, WA | $1,323 – $1,981 | 2,529 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Spokane, WA | $1,266 – $2,023 | 2,251 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA | $1,323 – $2,023 | 2,543 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Vancouver, WA | $1,295 – $2,014 | 2,495 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Bellevue, WA | $1,297 – $2,043 | 2,524 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to Washington
| From Alabama to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL to Seattle, WA | $1,321 – $2,083 | 2,674 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Mobile, AL to Spokane, WA | $1,244 – $2,146 | 2,396 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Mobile, AL to Tacoma, WA | $1,430 – $2,083 | 2,687 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Mobile, AL to Vancouver, WA | $1,417 – $2,020 | 2,644 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Mobile, AL to Bellevue, WA | $1,376 – $2,041 | 2,668 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tuscaloosa, AL to Washington
| From Alabama to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Seattle, WA | $1,257 – $2,105 | 2,523 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Spokane, WA | $1,357 – $2,064 | 2,245 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Tacoma, WA | $1,257 – $1,981 | 2,536 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Vancouver, WA | $1,244 – $1,994 | 2,489 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Bellevue, WA | $1,257 – $2,105 | 2,517 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Alabama to Washington
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Alabama to Washington, the price usually falls between $1,555 and $2,606.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Alabama to Washington
Transporting your vehicle from the Heart of Dixie to the Evergreen State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Washington.
- Distance and route: The journey from Alabama to Washington spans approximately 2,540 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Alabama in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Alabama and Washington.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is seven–fifteen days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Washington vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Washington 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: 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 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 Washington
About 7.8 million people are living in the Evergreen State. 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 you ship a car for pickup in Alabama and delivery in Washington?
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 Washington.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Alabama to Washington?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Alabama 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 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.
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 Alabama to Washington?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Alabama to Washington is about 2,540 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from Alabama to Washington.
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.
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 Alabama, 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 Alabama, 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 Alabama 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 Alabama and Washington to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to Washington?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to Washington 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 Washington?
Shipping a car from Alabama to Washington costs $1,244 to $2,085.
