California to Kentucky Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,306 miles from California to Kentucky ranges from $1,262 to $2,051. Expect the trip to take around five–thirteen days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky:
- 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
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in California who can get your vehicle to Kentucky:
- 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 Kentucky
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from California to Kentucky, 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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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 2,306 miles on your car to travel between California and Kentucky. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from California to Kentucky 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
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
California to Kentucky auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in California and Kentucky. The average journey covers about 2,306 miles and takes roughly five to thirteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Kentucky
| From California to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Louisville, KY | $1,249 – $1,993 | 2,083 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Lexington, KY | $1,289 – $2,088 | 2,160 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Bowling Green, KY | $1,301 – $2,095 | 2,066 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Owensboro, KY | $1,353 – $2,074 | 2,033 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Covington, KY | $1,263 – $2,108 | 2,174 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Kentucky
| From California to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Louisville, KY | $1,340 – $1,932 | 2,067 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Lexington, KY | $1,263 – $1,964 | 2,144 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bowling Green, KY | $1,301 – $2,054 | 2,049 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Owensboro, KY | $1,275 – $2,115 | 2,017 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Covington, KY | $1,250 – $1,964 | 2,157 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Kentucky
| From California to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Louisville, KY | $1,302 – $2,156 | 2,347 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Lexington, KY | $1,327 – $2,192 | 2,424 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Bowling Green, KY | $1,315 – $2,029 | 2,321 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Owensboro, KY | $1,364 – $1,989 | 2,296 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Covington, KY | $1,355 – $2,029 | 2,399 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Kentucky
| From California to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Louisville, KY | $1,327 – $2,115 | 2,099 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Lexington, KY | $1,342 – $2,129 | 2,176 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Bowling Green, KY | $1,249 – $2,034 | 2,082 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Owensboro, KY | $1,301 – $1,972 | 2,049 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Covington, KY | $1,381 – $2,150 | 2,190 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Kentucky
| From California to Kentucky | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Louisville, KY | $1,302 – $2,029 | 2,315 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Lexington, KY | $1,395 – $2,114 | 2,392 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Bowling Green, KY | $1,275 – $2,093 | 2,344 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Owensboro, KY | $1,377 – $2,136 | 2,264 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Covington, KY | $1,381 – $2,199 | 2,367 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Kentucky
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 Kentucky, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,578–$2,564.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Kentucky
When arranging car transport from the Golden State to the Bluegrass 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 Kentucky than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Kentucky spans approximately 2,306 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: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between California and Kentucky may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes five–thirteen days, while expedited service costs more.
Kentucky vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Kentucky 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: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- Vehicle inspection: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
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 Kentucky
About 4.5 million people are living in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Kentucky?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Kentucky, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Kentucky, 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 insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Kentucky?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Kentucky is about 2,306 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take five to thirteen days to travel from California to Kentucky.
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.
When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Kentucky?
New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Kentucky after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Kentucky after purchasing it.
In Kentucky, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax is imposed on the retail price of vehicles registered for the first time in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Kentucky to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Kentucky?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
Shipping a car from California to Kentucky costs $1,262 to $2,051.
