($673) Cost to ship a car from Tucson, AZ to Los Angeles, CA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 483 miles from Tucson, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California, ranges from $673 to $863. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles to Tucson 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
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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The best Tucson to Los Angeles car shipping companies

To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Tucson to Los Angeles:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Tucson

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Tucson, AZ:

  1. Car Go Auto Transport: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Autogo Auto Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Tucson Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  4. Phoenix Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  5. Scottsdale Auto Transport Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Car Go Auto Transport

17232 N 63rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0

Car Go Auto Transport provides highly appreciated customer service, timely delivery, and effective communication throughout the vehicle transport process, reinforcing their reputation as a reliable choice for car shipping needs. However, there have been reported instances of delays, additional unexpected charges, and some damaging incidents during transit that have raised concerns among customers about their overall practices.

Get a Quote (623) 292-4141

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Car-Go Auto Transport

Autogo Auto Transport

1661 N Swan Rd # 140, Tucson, AZ 85712 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0
Get a Quote (877) 668-3735

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • AutoGo Transport, LLC
  • AutoGo Brokers, LLC

Tucson Auto Shipping Group

2 E Congress St Suite 900 #106, Tucson, AZ 85701 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

Michael consistently receives praise for his excellent communication and friendly demeanor throughout the car shipping process. He ensures customers feel valued by checking in before and after shipping.

Get a Quote (520) 628-2822

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
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Phoenix Auto Shipping Group

1204 E Baseline Rd UNIT 106, Tempe, AZ 85283 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

Customers widely praise Felicia from Auto Shipping Group for her exceptional communication, professionalism, and reliability throughout the entire vehicle shipping process. While many clients report a seamless experience and timely delivery, there were isolated concerns regarding a single negative experience about company practices.

Get a Quote (602) 438-4644

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Scottsdale Auto Transport Inc.

2765 N Scottsdale Rd UNIT 325, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Great explanation of service and car arrived a day early! Excellent expectations and even better delivery! Good company to talk to.

Get a Quote (602) 536-0653

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
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior
  • AAA
  • Student
  • Teacher
  • Law enforcement

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 815051

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.

Car shipping alternatives from AZ to CA

Getting your car from Tucson to Los Angeles can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re planning a move from Tucson to Los Angeles, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 483 miles from Tucson to Los Angeles can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.

Use a driving service

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Arizona to California. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Tucson. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Los Angeles.

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Los Angeles—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.

Factors affecting Tucson to Los Angeles car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Tucson to Los Angeles, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

You have a few different options for shipping your car from Tucson to Los Angeles, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.

Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Los Angeles, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of Tucson has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Los Angeles will cost more than moving a smaller car.

Distance and route

Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 483 miles from Tucson to Los Angeles will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Arizona.

Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.

The time of the year

The time of year and weather conditions in Tucson and Los Angeles play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.

The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Tucson to Los Angeles in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 483-mile trip from Tucson to Los Angeles, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Tucson to Los Angeles takes between one and four days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.

Comparing Tucson and Los Angeles vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Tucson: Your move in the City of Tucson may require a temporary construction permit. The price for a one day permit is currently $1.25.
  • Los Angeles: If the pick-up or drop-off location is in a place where it is difficult to find a parking spot, you have two options for getting a parking permit for the moving truck. 1. Get in touch with the city office or department and get a permit and sign from them – “Temporary No Parking”. Usually these cost $10-60. Every city has its own requirements and procedures for granting permits. 2. Contact the company, which provides a service for installing “Temporary No Parking”. Such a sign usually cost about $250. Oversize vehicle parking permits may be purchased either by mail or in person at one of four Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Public Service Centers. Permits are issued to Los Angeles residents for a fee of $10.00 per day and may be purchased for up to three days at a time.

Car insurance requirements

  • Tucson: 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
  • Los Angeles: 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 inspections

  • Tucson: 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.
  • Los Angeles: 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

  • Tucson: If you are a former resident of another state and now reside in Arizona, you will need to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office in person to obtain an Arizona driver's license. You have a 10-day window after relocating within the state to update the address on your Arizona driver's license.
  • Los Angeles: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Tucson to Los Angeles?

The cost to ship a car from Tucson, AZ to Los Angeles, CA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Tucson to Los Angeles will range from $673 to $863.

How long will it take to ship my car from Tucson to Los Angeles?

It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 483 miles from Tucson to Los Angeles. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tucson to Los Angeles?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tucson to Los Angeles. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Tucson to Los Angeles?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Tucson to Los Angeles than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 483-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Tucson resources