California to Arizona Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 736 miles from California to Arizona falls between $778 and $1,198. Delivery typically takes one–six days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Arizona 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 Arizona car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from California to Arizona:
- 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 California
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in California can deliver your vehicle to Arizona:
- Jp Logistics & Motorsports: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- 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
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 Arizona
Ship it with your movers
When moving from California to Arizona, 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.
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 736 miles to your vehicle on the route from California to Arizona. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from California to Arizona, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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.
California to Arizona auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in California and Arizona. The average travel distance is about 736 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to six days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Arizona
| From California to Arizona | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, AZ | $542 – $764 | 371 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Tucson, AZ | $643 – $874 | 482 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Mesa, AZ | $598 – $771 | 388 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Chandler, AZ | $569 – $771 | 395 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Gilbert, AZ | $569 – $771 | 393 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Arizona
| From California to Arizona | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Phoenix, AZ | $576 – $764 | 353 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ | $576 – $838 | 405 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| San Diego, CA to Mesa, AZ | $570 – $749 | 361 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| San Diego, CA to Chandler, AZ | $553 – $734 | 350 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| San Diego, CA to Gilbert, AZ | $593 – $795 | 357 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Arizona
| From California to Arizona | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Phoenix, AZ | $776 – $1,186 | 710 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tucson, AZ | $776 – $1,212 | 820 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Mesa, AZ | $786 – $1,163 | 729 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Jose, CA to Chandler, AZ | $762 – $1,129 | 734 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Jose, CA to Gilbert, AZ | $794 – $1,106 | 730 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Arizona
| From California to Arizona | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ | $682 – $909 | 482 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Tucson, AZ | $743 – $1,009 | 594 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Mesa, AZ | $678 – $915 | 500 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Chandler, AZ | $665 – $942 | 505 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Gilbert, AZ | $672 – $951 | 504 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Arizona
| From California to Arizona | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ | $795 – $1,161 | 753 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Tucson, AZ | $859 – $1,208 | 863 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Mesa, AZ | $762 – $1,126 | 769 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Chandler, AZ | $770 – $1,205 | 776 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Gilbert, AZ | $779 – $1,161 | 774 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Arizona
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 Arizona usually runs between $973 and $1,498.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Arizona
If you’re shipping a car from the Golden State to the Grand Canyon 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 and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from California to Arizona.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Arizona spans about 736 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from California around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between California and Arizona and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from California to Arizona takes one–six days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Arizona vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Arizona, 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 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
- Vehicle inspection: 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.
- Driver’s license: 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.
- Additional taxes: In Arizona, vehicle owners are required to pay the Vehicle License Tax (VLT) along with other fees. This tax serves as an alternative to the personal property tax that is imposed in some other states.
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 Arizona
About 7.4 million people are living in 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.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Arizona?
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 Arizona.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Arizona?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Arizona, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Arizona, 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.
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
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Arizona?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Arizona 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 California to Arizona.
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.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Arizona?
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.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Arizona after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Arizona after purchasing it.
In Arizona, vehicle owners are required to pay the Vehicle License Tax (VLT) along with other fees. This tax serves as an alternative to the personal property tax that is imposed in some other states.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Arizona to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Arizona?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Arizona 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 Arizona?
Shipping a car from California to Arizona costs $778 to $1,198.
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