($1,545) Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to New Haven, CT
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 2,862 miles from San Diego, California, to New Haven, Connecticut, will run you about $1,545 to $2,439. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Haven to San Diego car shipping guide.
The best San Diego to New Haven car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from San Diego to New Haven:
- 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
- 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 San Diego
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in San Diego, CA:
- Auto Express Inc.: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- San Diego Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Send It Car Shippers: 3.5 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.
Car shipping alternatives from CA to CT
If you’re planning a move from San Diego to New Haven, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from San Diego to New Haven, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,862 miles from San Diego to New Haven 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from California to Connecticut. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from San Diego to New Haven carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to New Haven, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting San Diego to New Haven car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from San Diego to New Haven, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from San Diego to New Haven, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to New Haven, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of San Diego 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 New Haven will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 2,862 miles from San Diego to New Haven will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within California.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in San Diego and New Haven play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
Best months to move to New Haven are June, September and August as these are the best months with tolerable weather. January and February are the least comfortable months as these are the coldest months.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from San Diego to New Haven in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,862-mile drive between San Diego and New Haven, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from San Diego to New Haven usually takes seven–fifteen days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing San Diego and New Haven vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.
- New Haven: Check with the City of New Haven for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to New Haven.
Car insurance requirements
- San Diego: 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.
- New Haven: The basic car insurance requirements in the state of Connecticut is as follow: Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
Vehicle inspections
- San Diego: 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.
- New Haven: In Connecticut, all vehicles must undergo an emissions inspection every two years, with a few exceptions. Additionally, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection, which confirms the vehicle's identity, is required when registering the vehicle in the state.
Driver’s license
- San Diego: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- New Haven: As a new resident of Connecticut, you must obtain a Connecticut driver's license within 30 days. Residency is defined as living in the state for over 6 months in a year.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to New Haven?
The cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to New Haven, CT 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 San Diego to New Haven will range from $1,545 to $2,439.
How long will it take to ship my car from San Diego to New Haven?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,862 miles from San Diego to New Haven. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Diego to New Haven?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Diego to New Haven. 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 San Diego to New Haven?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from San Diego to New Haven 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 2,862-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.
501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA 92101 US
3312 1228 University Ave Suite 200-161, San Diego, CA 92103 US
7419 El Cajon Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942 US