California to Maryland Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 2,780 miles from California to Maryland falls between $1,474 and $2,380. Delivery typically takes seven–fifteen days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland:
- 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 Maryland:
- 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 Maryland
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from California for a move to Maryland, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate 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 2,780 miles to your car on the trip from California to Maryland. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from California to Maryland, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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 Maryland auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in California and Maryland. Average distances are close to 2,780 miles, with delivery usually taking seven–fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Maryland
| From California to Maryland | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD | $1,342 – $2,293 | 2,668 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Baltimore, MD | $1,398 – $2,116 | 2,644 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Columbia, MD | $1,398 – $2,182 | 2,637 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Germantown, MD | $1,455 – $2,160 | 2,614 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Silver Spring, MD | $1,398 – $2,116 | 2,632 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Maryland
| From California to Maryland | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Washington DC, MD | $1,342 – $2,116 | 2,651 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Baltimore, MD | $1,483 – $2,160 | 2,628 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Columbia, MD | $1,469 – $2,116 | 2,620 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Germantown, MD | $1,426 – $2,055 | 2,592 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Silver Spring, MD | $1,441 – $2,293 | 2,610 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Maryland
| From California to Maryland | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Washington DC, MD | $1,460 – $2,351 | 2,844 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Baltimore, MD | $1,519 – $2,258 | 2,851 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Columbia, MD | $1,416 – $2,398 | 2,842 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Germantown, MD | $1,460 – $2,398 | 2,819 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Silver Spring, MD | $1,505 – $2,328 | 2,839 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Maryland
| From California to Maryland | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Washington DC, MD | $1,427 – $2,271 | 2,684 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Baltimore, MD | $1,441 – $2,094 | 2,660 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Columbia, MD | $1,356 – $2,138 | 2,653 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Germantown, MD | $1,356 – $2,315 | 2,630 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Silver Spring, MD | $1,398 – $2,293 | 2,648 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Maryland
| From California to Maryland | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Washington DC, MD | $1,534 – $2,235 | 2,812 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Baltimore, MD | $1,416 – $2,328 | 2,819 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Columbia, MD | $1,505 – $2,281 | 2,810 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Germantown, MD | $1,459 – $2,222 | 2,789 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Silver Spring, MD | $1,446 – $2,351 | 2,805 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Maryland
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 Maryland you should expect to pay between $1,843 and $2,975.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Maryland
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Old Line State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Maryland than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The trip from California to Maryland covers roughly 2,780 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from California in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from California to Maryland, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is seven–fifteen days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Maryland vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Maryland 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: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
- Vehicle inspection: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
- Driver’s license: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
- Additional taxes: The sales tax in Maryland is set at 6%. This applies to both new and used car purchases, adding an additional 6% to the cost. Fortunately for Maryland residents, there is no sales tax imposed by any other governing level 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 Maryland
About 6.2 million people are living in the Old Line State. Maryland has a wide array of climates, due to local variances in elevation, proximity to water, and protection from colder weather due to downslope winds. The eastern half of Maryland — which includes the cities of Ocean City, Salisbury, Annapolis, and the southern and eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore — lies on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, with flat topography and sandy or muddy soil. This region has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and a short, mild-to-cool winter
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Maryland?
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 Maryland.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Maryland?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Maryland, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Maryland, 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.
All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Maryland?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Maryland is about 2,780 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from California to Maryland.
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.
If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Maryland?
As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Maryland after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Maryland after purchasing it.
The sales tax in Maryland is set at 6%. This applies to both new and used car purchases, adding an additional 6% to the cost. Fortunately for Maryland residents, there is no sales tax imposed by any other governing level in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Maryland to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Maryland?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Maryland 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 Maryland?
Shipping a car from California to Maryland costs $1,474 to $2,380.
