California to Colorado Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,118 miles from California to Colorado typically falls between $896 and $1,323. The process usually takes two–eight 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 Colorado 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 Colorado car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from California to Colorado:
- 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
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in California that can relocate your vehicle to Colorado:
- 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
Jp Logistics & Motorsports
11582 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352 US
jplogistics.net
3.94 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise JP Logistics for their excellent communication and reliable service. While there are no significant complaints, some note that pricing is slightly higher, which is justified by the quality of service received.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1975227
Alternative Business Names
- JP Logistics
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
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 Colorado
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from California to Colorado, 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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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,118 extra miles on your car to travel from California to Colorado. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from California to Colorado. 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 Colorado 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 Colorado. The average travel distance is about 1,118 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Colorado
| From California to Colorado | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO | $768 – $1,217 | 1,016 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Colorado Springs, CO | $792 – $1,229 | 1,082 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Aurora, CO | $784 – $1,204 | 1,029 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Fort Collins, CO | $815 – $1,317 | 1,076 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Lakewood, CO | $792 – $1,292 | 1,011 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Colorado
| From California to Colorado | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Denver, CO | $792 – $1,292 | 1,083 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Colorado Springs, CO | $871 – $1,323 | 1,149 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO | $745 – $1,192 | 1,096 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO | $879 – $1,283 | 1,143 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Lakewood, CO | $792 – $1,305 | 1,078 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Colorado
| From California to Colorado | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Denver, CO | $885 – $1,341 | 1,284 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Colorado Springs, CO | $988 – $1,493 | 1,338 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Aurora, CO | $950 – $1,454 | 1,291 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Fort Collins, CO | $959 – $1,468 | 1,219 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Lakewood, CO | $876 – $1,369 | 1,269 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Colorado
| From California to Colorado | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Denver, CO | $792 – $1,254 | 1,032 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Colorado Springs, CO | $792 – $1,242 | 1,097 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Aurora, CO | $768 – $1,267 | 1,045 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Fort Collins, CO | $745 – $1,254 | 1,092 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Lakewood, CO | $760 – $1,192 | 1,027 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Colorado
| From California to Colorado | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO | $876 – $1,439 | 1,252 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Colorado Springs, CO | $959 – $1,419 | 1,321 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Aurora, CO | $959 – $1,397 | 1,259 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Fort Collins, CO | $862 – $1,337 | 1,187 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Lakewood, CO | $913 – $1,482 | 1,259 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Colorado
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from California to Colorado you should expect to pay between $1,120 and $1,654.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Colorado
If you’re shipping a car from the Golden State to the Centennial State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car 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 Colorado.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Colorado spans approximately 1,118 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from California in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between California and Colorado and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–eight days, but expedited options cost more.
Colorado vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Colorado 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: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
- Vehicle inspection: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
- Additional taxes: Vehicles purchased outside Colorado are not taxed, but if they are registered in Colorado, the buyer must pay use and local taxes. If the buyer has already paid taxes in the state of purchase, they may claim credit towards the use tax. No use tax applies to vehicles brought into Colorado by a nonresident becoming a resident, but rules may differ for those who lease vehicles.
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 Colorado
About 5.9 million people are living in the Centennial State. Colorado has a relatively complex climate. Ranging from the famous mountain region of the state to desert. Therefore, keep track of the weather of your new city on move day. The most extreme weather that happens in Colorado happens in the least populated areas of the state but you may drive through these regions to get to your new home so be wary of that too.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Colorado?
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 Colorado.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Colorado?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Colorado, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Colorado, 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.
To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Colorado?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Colorado is about 1,118 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from California to Colorado.
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.
To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Colorado?
To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Colorado after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Colorado after purchasing it.
Vehicles purchased outside Colorado are not taxed, but if they are registered in Colorado, the buyer must pay use and local taxes. If the buyer has already paid taxes in the state of purchase, they may claim credit towards the use tax. No use tax applies to vehicles brought into Colorado by a nonresident becoming a resident, but rules may differ for those who lease vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Colorado to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Colorado?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Colorado 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 Colorado?
Shipping a car from California to Colorado costs $896 to $1,323.
