California to Illinois Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,082 miles from California to Illinois typically falls between $1,254 and $1,901. The process usually takes four–twelve 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 Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois:
- 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 Illinois:
- 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 Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from California to Illinois, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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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 2,082 miles to your car on the trip from California to Illinois. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from California to Illinois is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
California to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in California and Illinois. The typical distance is about 2,082 miles, with shipping times generally falling between four and twelve days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Illinois
| From California to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL | $1,292 – $1,940 | 2,014 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Aurora, IL | $1,175 – $1,858 | 1,978 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Joliet, IL | $1,224 – $1,914 | 1,989 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Naperville, IL | $1,273 – $1,896 | 1,988 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Rockford, IL | $1,273 – $1,914 | 1,968 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Illinois
| From California to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL | $1,204 – $2,038 | 2,081 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Aurora, IL | $1,292 – $1,999 | 2,041 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Joliet, IL | $1,279 – $1,882 | 2,051 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Naperville, IL | $1,317 – $1,999 | 2,050 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Rockford, IL | $1,242 – $1,921 | 2,035 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Illinois
| From California to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL | $1,204 – $1,992 | 2,163 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Aurora, IL | $1,293 – $1,932 | 2,128 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Joliet, IL | $1,255 – $1,992 | 2,138 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Naperville, IL | $1,217 – $1,992 | 2,136 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Rockford, IL | $1,293 – $1,912 | 2,117 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Illinois
| From California to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Chicago, IL | $1,192 – $1,999 | 2,030 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Aurora, IL | $1,249 – $1,839 | 1,994 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Joliet, IL | $1,305 – $1,960 | 2,005 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Naperville, IL | $1,254 – $1,999 | 2,005 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Rockford, IL | $1,298 – $1,971 | 1,985 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Illinois
| From California to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL | $1,217 – $2,052 | 2,131 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Aurora, IL | $1,305 – $1,999 | 2,096 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Joliet, IL | $1,331 – $2,032 | 2,106 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Naperville, IL | $1,217 – $2,012 | 2,104 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Rockford, IL | $1,204 – $1,999 | 2,085 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Illinois
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from California to Illinois, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,568–$2,376.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Illinois
Transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Land of Lincoln comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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: 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 Illinois.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Illinois spans approximately 2,082 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- 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: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between California and Illinois.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is four–twelve days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Illinois, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
- Driver’s license: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
- Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
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 Illinois
About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Illinois?
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 Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, 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 liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Illinois is about 2,082 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take four to twelve days to travel from California to Illinois.
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 Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Illinois?
Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Illinois after purchasing it.
According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Illinois 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 Illinois?
Shipping a car from California to Illinois costs $1,254 to $1,901.
