Arkansas to California Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,804 miles from Arkansas to California usually costs between $1,279 and $1,935. Transit time is about three–eleven days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Arkansas 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 Arkansas to California car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Arkansas to California:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- 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
Top local car shippers in Arkansas
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Arkansas that can transport your vehicle to California:
- Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport
605 E German Ln, Conway, AR 72032 US
mtoliveautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Mt. Olive Auto Transport is praised for exceptional customer service, reliable and timely deliveries, and competitive pricing, making it a preferred choice for many clients. However, there are significant complaints regarding unprofessional behavior, unexpected price increases, and poor communication that led to frustrating experiences for some customers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 89327
Alternative Business Names
- Brian Martin DBA Mt. Olive Auto Transport
Nationwide Auto Transport
10800 Financial Centre Pkwy #205, Little Rock, AR 72211
nationwidetransports.com/city/little-rock-arkansas
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2248682
Global Auto Transportation
5500 Patterson Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209 US
globalautotransportation.com/little-rock-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
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 Arkansas to California
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Arkansas to California, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,804 miles to your vehicle on the route from Arkansas to California. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Arkansas to California for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
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.
Arkansas to California 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 Arkansas and California. The trip typically spans 1,804 miles and takes about three–eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Little Rock, AR to California
| From Arkansas to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock, AR to Los Angeles, CA | $1,187 – $1,725 | 1,665 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Little Rock, AR to San Diego, CA | $1,151 – $1,674 | 1,676 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Little Rock, AR to San Jose, CA | $1,285 – $1,872 | 1,921 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Little Rock, AR to Bakersfield, CA | $1,235 – $1,708 | 1,680 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Little Rock, AR to San Francisco, CA | $1,259 – $1,951 | 1,963 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fayetteville, AR to California
| From Arkansas to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, AR to Los Angeles, CA | $1,095 – $1,729 | 1,563 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to San Diego, CA | $1,141 – $1,646 | 1,548 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to San Jose, CA | $1,279 – $1,878 | 1,819 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to Bakersfield, CA | $1,095 – $1,597 | 1,579 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Fayetteville, AR to San Francisco, CA | $1,343 – $1,859 | 1,861 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Smith, AR to California
| From Arkansas to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith, AR to Los Angeles, CA | $1,199 – $1,696 | 1,508 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to San Diego, CA | $1,095 – $1,613 | 1,492 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to San Jose, CA | $1,290 – $1,837 | 1,763 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to Bakersfield, CA | $1,129 – $1,581 | 1,523 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Fort Smith, AR to San Francisco, CA | $1,215 – $1,840 | 1,805 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Springdale, AR to California
| From Arkansas to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springdale, AR to Los Angeles, CA | $1,106 – $1,630 | 1,539 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Springdale, AR to San Diego, CA | $1,152 – $1,581 | 1,523 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Springdale, AR to San Jose, CA | $1,303 – $1,747 | 1,795 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Springdale, AR to Bakersfield, CA | $1,210 – $1,613 | 1,554 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Springdale, AR to San Francisco, CA | $1,254 – $1,935 | 1,837 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Jonesboro, AR to California
| From Arkansas to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro, AR to Los Angeles, CA | $1,228 – $1,873 | 1,763 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to San Diego, CA | $1,253 – $1,855 | 1,747 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to San Jose, CA | $1,383 – $2,140 | 2,018 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to Bakersfield, CA | $1,216 – $1,891 | 1,778 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Jonesboro, AR to San Francisco, CA | $1,291 – $2,037 | 2,061 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Arkansas to California
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Arkansas to California usually runs between $1,599 and $2,419.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Arkansas to California
When arranging car transport from the Natural State to the Golden State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- 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 California.
- Distance and route: The route from Arkansas to California is about 1,804 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Arkansas in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Arkansas and California may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Arkansas to California takes three–eleven days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in California, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance 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.
- Vehicle inspection: 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.
- Driver’s license: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Additional taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Arkansas
More than 3.1 million people call Arkansas home. Nicknamed the Natural State. Arkansas has hot, humid summers and slightly drier, mild to cool winters. Arkansas is known for extreme weather and frequent storms. A typical year brings thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, snow, and ice storms. Between both the Great Plains and the Gulf States, Arkansas receives around 60 days of thunderstorms. Movers should check their local weather station to make sure they are not being caught in any of these storms.
Transporting your vehicle to California
About 39.0 million people are living in 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.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Arkansas and delivery in California?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Arkansas and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Arkansas to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Arkansas to California, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, which you should verify before loading your car in Arkansas.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto accident.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Arkansas to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Arkansas to California is about 1,804 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from Arkansas to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
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 I have a driver’s license in Arkansas, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in Arkansas, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Arkansas to California after purchasing it.
You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Arkansas and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Arkansas to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Arkansas to California 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 Arkansas to California?
Shipping a car from Arkansas to California costs $1,279 to $1,935.
