($1,460) Cost to ship a car from Riverside, CA to Lexington, KY

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,126 miles from Riverside, California, to Lexington, Kentucky, ranges from $1,460 to $2,437. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lexington to Riverside car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Riverside to Lexington car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Riverside to Lexington:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Riverside

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Riverside, CA:

  1. Sonic Auto Transportation: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  2. ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  3. Finest Carrier: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  4. Showroom Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars

Sonic Auto Transportation

3090 Bristol St Floor 4, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise Sonic Auto Transport for their respectful and responsive service. They express appreciation for prompt deliveries, excellent communication, and competitive pricing, while only minor concerns were noted. Overall, customers are very satisfied with the level of service received and the care taken in transporting their vehicles.

Get a Quote (530) 648-9041

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • Boats

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Crystal Car Shipping Inc

ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.

102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA 92618 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

ABC Auto Shipping, led by Arman, consistently receives high praise for its responsive customer service, effective communication, and reliable car transport services. Customers have reported positive experiences with timely deliveries, often ahead of schedule, and vehicles arriving in excellent condition. Though some reviewers noted slightly higher prices compared to competitors, many felt the service provided was worth the investment, especially considering the stress-free experience.

Get a Quote (877) 686-5611

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior
  • Student
  • Teacher
  • Law enforcement

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • EZ Auto Logistics Subsidiary

Finest Carrier

23502 Commerce Center Dr. Ste B, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0
Get a Quote (844) 346-3781

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Showroom Transport

19800 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92612 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the timely deliveries and knowledgeable staff but have raised serious concerns about communication issues and alleged unethical practices regarding refunds and stolen items.

Get a Quote (800) 462-0038

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

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 KY

If you’re relocating from Riverside to Lexington, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.

Coordinate with your movers

When relocating from Riverside to Lexington, 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

There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,126-mile trip from Riverside to Lexington could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.

Use a driving service

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from California to Kentucky. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Riverside. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Lexington.

Ship your car via train

For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Lexington. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.

Factors affecting Riverside to Lexington car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Riverside to Lexington, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

If you’re moving a car from Riverside to Lexington, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.

Open carriers from Riverside tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Lexington, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Riverside will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Lexington than a compact 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 2,126 miles from Riverside to Lexington 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

Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Riverside and Lexington.

Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.

Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods

During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Riverside to Lexington during these times can be more expensive.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,126-mile trip from Riverside to Lexington, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Riverside to Lexington takes four to twelve days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.

Comparing Riverside and Lexington vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Riverside:
  • Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Car insurance requirements

  • Riverside: 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.
  • Lexington: 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 inspections

  • Riverside: 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.
  • Lexington: 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

  • Riverside: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Riverside to Lexington?

The cost to ship a car from Riverside, CA to Lexington, KY 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 Riverside to Lexington will range from $1,460 to $2,437.

How long will it take to ship my car from Riverside to Lexington?

It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,126 miles from Riverside to Lexington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Riverside to Lexington?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Riverside to Lexington. 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 Riverside to Lexington?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Riverside to Lexington 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 2,126-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.

Helpful Riverside resources