California to Minnesota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,986 miles from California to Minnesota typically falls between $1,175 and $1,802. The process usually takes three–eleven 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota:
- 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
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in California who can get your vehicle to Minnesota:
- 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 Minnesota
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from California for a move to Minnesota, 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
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,986 miles on your car going from California to Minnesota. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from California to Minnesota. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
California to Minnesota 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 Minnesota. The average journey covers about 1,986 miles and takes roughly three to eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Minnesota
| From California to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Minneapolis, MN | $1,249 – $1,933 | 1,924 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to St. Paul, MN | $1,187 – $1,971 | 1,929 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Rochester, MN | $1,279 – $1,879 | 1,891 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Bloomington, MN | $1,298 – $1,877 | 1,914 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Duluth, MN | $1,305 – $1,921 | 2,075 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Minnesota
| From California to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN | $1,286 – $1,971 | 1,992 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to St. Paul, MN | $1,249 – $1,952 | 1,996 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Rochester, MN | $1,249 – $1,858 | 1,958 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bloomington, MN | $1,224 – $1,971 | 1,981 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Duluth, MN | $1,217 – $1,932 | 2,143 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Minnesota
| From California to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Minneapolis, MN | $1,254 – $2,058 | 2,013 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to St. Paul, MN | $1,317 – $2,058 | 2,047 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Rochester, MN | $1,279 – $1,999 | 2,009 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Bloomington, MN | $1,279 – $1,960 | 2,004 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Duluth, MN | $1,229 – $1,901 | 2,055 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Minnesota
| From California to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Minneapolis, MN | $1,187 – $1,896 | 1,941 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to St. Paul, MN | $1,224 – $1,783 | 1,945 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Rochester, MN | $1,298 – $1,933 | 1,907 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Bloomington, MN | $1,273 – $1,933 | 1,930 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Duluth, MN | $1,254 – $1,862 | 2,092 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Minnesota
| From California to Minnesota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN | $1,224 – $1,971 | 1,980 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to St. Paul, MN | $1,305 – $2,058 | 2,015 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Rochester, MN | $1,224 – $1,914 | 1,977 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Bloomington, MN | $1,249 – $1,802 | 1,966 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Duluth, MN | $1,217 – $2,019 | 2,023 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Minnesota
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from California to Minnesota, the price usually falls between $1,469 and $2,253.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Minnesota
Transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the North Star State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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 costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Minnesota.
- Distance and route: The trip from California to Minnesota covers roughly 1,986 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of California in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from California to Minnesota, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from California to Minnesota should take between three and eleven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Minnesota vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Minnesota, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
- Vehicle inspection: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
- Driver’s license: In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.
- Additional taxes: When registering a vehicle in Minnesota, if it has been titled under your name for at least 60 days in another state, you are exempt from paying tax.
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 Minnesota
About 5.7 million people are living in the North Star State. Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Minnesota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Minnesota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Minnesota, 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.
Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Minnesota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Minnesota is about 1,986 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from California to Minnesota.
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.
Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Minnesota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Minnesota after purchasing it.
When registering a vehicle in Minnesota, if it has been titled under your name for at least 60 days in another state, you are exempt from paying tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Minnesota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Minnesota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Shipping a car from California to Minnesota costs $1,175 to $1,802.
