($1,311) Cost to ship a car from Sacramento, CA to Lansing, MI

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,246 miles from Sacramento, California, to Lansing, Michigan, ranges from $1,311 to $2,010. 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
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

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

Our track record

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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 Sacramento to Lansing car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Sacramento to Lansing:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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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
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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 safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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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

Top local car shippers in Sacramento

If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Sacramento, CA:

  1. Safe Auto Transport Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Angels Moving Autos: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Shipping Experts: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Topline Logistics Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Safe Auto Transport Inc.

6901 28th St, North Highlands, CA 95660 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0

Safe Auto Transport is highly praised for its excellent communication and timely deliveries. Customers express appreciation for professional drivers who handle vehicles with care and maintain contact throughout the process. However, feedback indicates some delays in updates and longer-than-expected transit times in specific instances.

Get a Quote (916) 899-5500

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Angels Moving Autos

3031 Stanford Ranch Rd Ste 2 #418, Rocklin, CA 95765 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 530-0481

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Relocation Angels

Shipping Experts

7551 14th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95820 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Shipping Experts consistently deliver outstanding service, marked by excellent communication, timely delivery, and professional drivers. While some customers did not mention any concerns, a few noted the importance of good communication throughout the vehicle transportation process.

Get a Quote (916) 760-7202

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Topline Logistics Inc

6948 26th St, Rio Linda, CA 95673 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (916) 468-6276

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

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 MI

Getting your car from Sacramento to Lansing can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re planning a move from Sacramento to Lansing, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.

Drive your car

There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 2,246-mile journey from Sacramento to Lansing could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.

Use a driving service

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from California to Michigan is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Sacramento to Lansing. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Lansing—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.

Factors affecting Sacramento to Lansing car shipping costs

The price to ship your car from Sacramento to Lansing can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:

Transport method

There are a few ways to ship your car from Sacramento to Lansing, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.

Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Lansing, our comparison guide can help.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of Sacramento has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Lansing will cost more than moving a smaller 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 2,246 miles from Sacramento to Lansing 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

The time of year and weather conditions in Sacramento and Lansing play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.

Best months to consider moving in Lansing are August, July and June as these months have favorable weather. Summer in Lansing are one of the best in the country as the heat are not that extreme so it's still comfortable. Snowfall, which normally occurs from November to April.

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Sacramento to Lansing in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,246-mile distance between Sacramento and Lansing and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Sacramento to Lansing is four to twelve days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing Sacramento and Lansing vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Sacramento: All Residential Parking Permits, including Online 24-Hour Temporary Parking Permits, are free of charge. Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged Vehicle permit (stickers) or Visitor permits (placards) is $25. Online Temporary Permits that are lost, stolen or damaged will not be replaced as the permit may be re-printed for that vehicle if the valid time is still in effect.
  • Lansing: Check with the City of Lansing for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lansing.

Car insurance requirements

  • Sacramento: 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.
  • Lansing: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.

Vehicle inspections

  • Sacramento: 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.
  • Lansing: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.

Driver’s license

  • Sacramento: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Lansing: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Sacramento to Lansing?

The cost to ship a car from Sacramento, CA to Lansing, MI 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 Sacramento to Lansing will range from $1,311 to $2,010.

How long will it take to ship my car from Sacramento to Lansing?

It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,246 miles from Sacramento to Lansing. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Sacramento to Lansing?

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

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Sacramento to Lansing 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 2,246-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 Sacramento resources