California to Arkansas Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,799 miles from California to Arkansas ranges from $1,208 to $1,823. Expect the trip to take around three–eleven days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Arkansas to California 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 California to Arkansas 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 California to Arkansas:
- 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 California
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in California can deliver your vehicle to Arkansas:
- Auto Express Inc.: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- A To Z Auto Shipping: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Golden Key Express: 3.72 out of 5 stars
Auto Express Inc.
501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA 92101 US
autoexpressinc-car-shipping-san-diego.com
3.88 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3428899
King Of The Road Transport Inc
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US
kingoftheroadtransport.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
- Teacher
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: DOT#2248724
A To Z Auto Shipping
30101 Agoura Court, Suite 109, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 US
atozauto.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 675504
Alternative Business Names
- A to Z auto Shipping, Inc.
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
mccollisters.com
3.78 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 289344
Alternative Business Names
- McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc
- McCollister's Transportation
Golden Key Express
7234 N Traverse Ave, Clovis, CA 93619 US
goldenkeyexpress.com/auto-transport
3.72 / 5.0
Golden Key Express provides highly reliable and professional service, frequently recommended by customers for their efficiency and support throughout the transport process. No major complaints have been evidenced.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- DOT #: 966726
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 California to Arkansas
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from California to Arkansas, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,799 miles to your car on the trip from California to Arkansas. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from California to Arkansas. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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.
California to Arkansas 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 California and Arkansas. The trip typically spans 1,799 miles and takes about three–eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Arkansas
| From California to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Little Rock, AR | $1,133 – $1,631 | 1,664 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Fayetteville, AR | $1,078 – $1,556 | 1,563 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Fort Smith, AR | $1,056 – $1,556 | 1,507 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Springdale, AR | $1,122 – $1,588 | 1,538 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Jonesboro, AR | $1,197 – $1,806 | 1,762 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Arkansas
| From California to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Little Rock, AR | $1,133 – $1,614 | 1,676 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Fayetteville, AR | $1,167 – $1,588 | 1,546 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Fort Smith, AR | $1,077 – $1,509 | 1,491 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Springdale, AR | $1,134 – $1,635 | 1,521 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Jonesboro, AR | $1,173 – $1,667 | 1,745 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Arkansas
| From California to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Little Rock, AR | $1,202 – $1,805 | 1,920 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Fayetteville, AR | $1,221 – $1,865 | 1,818 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Fort Smith, AR | $1,220 – $1,684 | 1,762 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Springdale, AR | $1,208 – $1,667 | 1,793 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Jonesboro, AR | $1,207 – $2,004 | 2,017 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Arkansas
| From California to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Little Rock, AR | $1,121 – $1,680 | 1,680 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Fayetteville, AR | $1,100 – $1,651 | 1,579 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Fort Smith, AR | $1,067 – $1,524 | 1,523 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Springdale, AR | $1,167 – $1,572 | 1,554 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Jonesboro, AR | $1,173 – $1,788 | 1,778 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Arkansas
| From California to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Little Rock, AR | $1,189 – $1,824 | 1,962 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Fayetteville, AR | $1,258 – $1,737 | 1,861 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Fort Smith, AR | $1,172 – $1,920 | 1,805 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Springdale, AR | $1,271 – $1,756 | 1,836 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Jonesboro, AR | $1,308 – $1,925 | 2,060 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Arkansas
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from California to Arkansas usually runs between $1,510 and $2,279.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Arkansas
When moving your vehicle from the Golden State to the Natural State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Arkansas.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Arkansas spans approximately 1,799 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of California more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between California and Arkansas.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is three–eleven days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Arkansas vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Arkansas 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: 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.
- Vehicle inspection: 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.
- Driver’s license: If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.
- Additional taxes: In Arkansas, all car sales are subject to a state tax rate of 6.5%, with the potential for additional county and local taxes up to 5%, resulting in an average total car sales tax rate of 9.133%.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from California
More than 39.0 million people call California home. Nicknamed 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.
Transporting your vehicle to Arkansas
About 3.1 million people are living in 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.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Arkansas?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in California and when dropping it off in Arkansas.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Arkansas?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Arkansas, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Arkansas, which you should verify before loading your car in California.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Arkansas?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Arkansas is about 1,799 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from California to Arkansas.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Arkansas?
If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Arkansas after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Arkansas after purchasing it.
In Arkansas, all car sales are subject to a state tax rate of 6.5%, with the potential for additional county and local taxes up to 5%, resulting in an average total car sales tax rate of 9.133%.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Arkansas to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Arkansas?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Arkansas 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 California to Arkansas?
Shipping a car from California to Arkansas costs $1,208 to $1,823.
