($810) Cost to ship a car from Tucson, AZ to San Jose, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 821 miles from Tucson, Arizona, to San Jose, California, ranges from $810 to $1,263. 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Jose to Tucson 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 Tucson to San Jose car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Tucson to San Jose:
- 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 Tucson
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Tucson, AZ:
- 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
- Scottsdale Auto Transport Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Car Go Auto Transport
17232 N 63rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308 US
cargoautotransport.com
3.76 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 676058
Alternative Business Names
- Car-Go Auto Transport
Autogo Auto Transport
1661 N Swan Rd # 140, Tucson, AZ 85712 US
autogotransport.com
3.72 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2786993
Alternative Business Names
- AutoGo Transport, LLC
- AutoGo Brokers, LLC
Tucson Auto Shipping Group
2 E Congress St Suite 900 #106, Tucson, AZ 85701 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-arizona/tucson
3.58 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Phoenix Auto Shipping Group
1204 E Baseline Rd UNIT 106, Tempe, AZ 85283 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-arizona/phoenix
3.56 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
Scottsdale Auto Transport Inc.
2765 N Scottsdale Rd UNIT 325, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 US
a1autotransport.com/scottsdale
3.5 / 5.0
Great explanation of service and car arrived a day early! Excellent expectations and even better delivery! Good company to talk to.
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 San Jose 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 are relocating from Tucson to San Jose, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 821-mile drive from Tucson to San Jose into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Arizona to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Tucson to San Jose. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to San Jose, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Tucson to San Jose car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Tucson to San Jose, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Tucson to San Jose, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Tucson tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to San Jose, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Tucson depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to San Jose will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 821 miles from Tucson to San Jose is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Arizona.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Tucson and San Jose can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
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.
San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Tucson to San Jose during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 821-mile distance between Tucson and San Jose and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
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 San Jose takes between two and seven days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Tucson and San Jose 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.
- San Jose: Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones began to reactivate at the end of 2021. We are currently in the process of reactivating remaining RPP zones. If you live in one of these zones, please register for and purchase your virtual parking permit at sanjose.getapermit.net. Instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit were mailed to all eligible addresses within some of these zones on Monday, February 28, 2022.
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
- San Jose: 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.
- San Jose: 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.
- San Jose: 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 San Jose?
The cost to ship a car from Tucson, AZ to San Jose, 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 San Jose will range from $810 to $1,263.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tucson to San Jose?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 821 miles from Tucson to San Jose. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tucson to San Jose?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tucson to San Jose. 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 San Jose?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Tucson to San Jose 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 821-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.
