Arizona to California Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 736 miles from Arizona to California typically falls between $762 and $1,186. The process usually takes one–six days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Arizona 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 Arizona to California 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 Arizona 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
- 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 Arizona
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Arizona can deliver your vehicle to California:
- Car Go Auto Transport: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Autogo Auto Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Tucson Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Phoenix Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Auto Transport Team: 3.56 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 Arizona to California
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Arizona to California, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 736 miles on your car going from Arizona to California. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Arizona to California is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Arizona to California auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Arizona and California. The typical distance is about 736 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and six days.
Cost to ship a car from Phoenix, AZ to California
| From Arizona to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA | $559 – $788 | 371 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA | $559 – $788 | 354 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to San Jose, CA | $792 – $1,084 | 710 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to Bakersfield, CA | $656 – $900 | 480 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to San Francisco, CA | $787 – $1,126 | 751 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tucson, AZ to California
| From Arizona to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ to Los Angeles, CA | $623 – $847 | 483 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Tucson, AZ to San Diego, CA | $600 – $813 | 406 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Tucson, AZ to San Jose, CA | $817 – $1,260 | 821 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tucson, AZ to Bakersfield, CA | $722 – $989 | 594 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Tucson, AZ to San Francisco, CA | $809 – $1,183 | 864 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mesa, AZ to California
| From Arizona to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA | $616 – $795 | 388 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Mesa, AZ to San Diego, CA | $542 – $757 | 360 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Mesa, AZ to San Jose, CA | $833 – $1,117 | 726 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA | $643 – $936 | 499 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Mesa, AZ to San Francisco, CA | $779 – $1,173 | 769 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chandler, AZ to California
| From Arizona to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chandler, AZ to Los Angeles, CA | $569 – $771 | 396 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chandler, AZ to San Diego, CA | $570 – $780 | 353 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chandler, AZ to San Jose, CA | $826 – $1,175 | 733 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chandler, AZ to Bakersfield, CA | $632 – $896 | 506 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chandler, AZ to San Francisco, CA | $810 – $1,133 | 777 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Gilbert, AZ to California
| From Arizona to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert, AZ to Los Angeles, CA | $587 – $835 | 393 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA | $582 – $795 | 359 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Gilbert, AZ to San Jose, CA | $833 – $1,163 | 732 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Gilbert, AZ to Bakersfield, CA | $632 – $906 | 504 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Gilbert, AZ to San Francisco, CA | $843 – $1,150 | 773 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Arizona to California
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Arizona to California, expect costs to range from $953 to $1,483.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Arizona to California
If you’re shipping a car from the Grand Canyon State to the Golden State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- 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 trip from Arizona to California covers roughly 736 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Arizona in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Arizona to California, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–six days, but you can pay for expedited service.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to California, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- 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 Arizona
More than 7.4 million people call Arizona home. Nicknamed the Grand Canyon State. Arizona may be on of the top states where your move is least likely to be affected by climate due to the unlikelihood of extremely cold days and natural disasters.
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 Arizona 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 Arizona and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Arizona to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Arizona 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 Arizona.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per 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 Arizona to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Arizona to California is about 736 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Arizona to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.
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 Arizona, 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 Arizona, 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 Arizona 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 Arizona and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Arizona to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Arizona 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 Arizona to California?
Shipping a car from Arizona to California costs $762 to $1,186.
17232 N 63rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308 US
1661 N Swan Rd # 140, Tucson, AZ 85712 US
2 E Congress St Suite 900 #106, Tucson, AZ 85701 US
1204 E Baseline Rd UNIT 106, Tempe, AZ 85283 US
11107 W Buckeye Rd, Avondale, AZ 85323 US