California to Idaho Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 909 miles from California to Idaho usually costs between $795 and $1,272. Transit time is about two–seven days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Idaho 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 Idaho car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from California to Idaho:
- 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
- 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
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 Idaho:
- 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 Idaho
Ship it with your movers
When moving from California to Idaho, 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.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 909 miles to your car on the trip from California to Idaho. 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 Idaho. 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 Idaho auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in California and Idaho. Average distances are close to 909 miles, with delivery usually taking two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Idaho
| From California to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Boise, ID | $836 – $1,263 | 841 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Meridian, ID | $844 – $1,263 | 831 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Nampa, ID | $823 – $1,137 | 823 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Idaho Falls, ID | $778 – $1,283 | 899 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Caldwell, ID | $799 – $1,149 | 819 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Idaho
| From California to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Boise, ID | $860 – $1,244 | 960 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Meridian, ID | $835 – $1,219 | 967 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Nampa, ID | $828 – $1,196 | 914 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Idaho Falls, ID | $811 – $1,283 | 966 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Caldwell, ID | $795 – $1,297 | 912 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Idaho
| From California to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Boise, ID | $713 – $1,079 | 671 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Jose, CA to Meridian, ID | $788 – $1,079 | 662 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Jose, CA to Nampa, ID | $788 – $1,121 | 651 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Jose, CA to Idaho Falls, ID | $824 – $1,243 | 861 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Caldwell, ID | $767 – $1,084 | 649 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Idaho
| From California to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Boise, ID | $839 – $1,209 | 801 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Meridian, ID | $767 – $1,185 | 818 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Nampa, ID | $769 – $1,120 | 781 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Idaho Falls, ID | $820 – $1,209 | 915 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Caldwell, ID | $801 – $1,155 | 779 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Idaho
| From California to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Boise, ID | $737 – $1,053 | 639 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Meridian, ID | $767 – $1,073 | 630 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Nampa, ID | $737 – $995 | 619 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Idaho Falls, ID | $820 – $1,275 | 829 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Caldwell, ID | $751 – $964 | 617 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Idaho
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 Idaho you should expect to pay between $994 and $1,590.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Idaho
When arranging car transport from the Golden State to the Gem State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Idaho than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Idaho spans about 909 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of California, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between California and Idaho and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from California to Idaho should take between two and seven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Idaho vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Idaho 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: Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
- Driver’s license: If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
- Additional taxes: New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.
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 Idaho
About 2.0 million people are living in the Gem State. The climate in Idaho varies widely. In the west cloud cover, humidity, and precipitation are at their maximum extent. Idaho can be hot but have relatively low humidity and cooler evenings during the summer months. It is important to know that winters in Idaho can be cold.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Idaho?
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 Idaho.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Idaho?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Idaho, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Idaho, 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.
Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Idaho?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Idaho is about 909 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from California to Idaho.
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.
In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Idaho?
If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Idaho after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Idaho after purchasing it.
New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Idaho to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Idaho?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Idaho 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 Idaho?
Shipping a car from California to Idaho costs $795 to $1,272.
