California to Montana Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,306 miles from California to Montana ranges from $1,025 to $1,487 and takes three–eight days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Montana 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 Montana car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from California to Montana:
- 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'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in California that can transport your vehicle to Montana:
- 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 Montana
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from California to Montana, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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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 1,306 miles on your car to travel between California and Montana. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from California to Montana. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
California to Montana auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in California and Montana. Average distances are close to 1,306 miles, with delivery usually taking three–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Montana
| From California to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Billings, MT | $937 – $1,420 | 1,234 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT | $947 – $1,464 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Great Falls, MT | $937 – $1,493 | 1,256 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Bozeman, MT | $781 – $1,249 | 1,095 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Butte, MT | $842 – $1,415 | 1,102 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Montana
| From California to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Billings, MT | $1,046 – $1,472 | 1,301 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Missoula, MT | $918 – $1,449 | 1,277 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Great Falls, MT | $995 – $1,564 | 1,324 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bozeman, MT | $859 – $1,387 | 1,162 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Butte, MT | $895 – $1,318 | 1,169 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Montana
| From California to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Billings, MT | $859 – $1,318 | 1,196 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Missoula, MT | $781 – $1,236 | 1,009 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Great Falls, MT | $966 – $1,493 | 1,218 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Bozeman, MT | $805 – $1,353 | 1,057 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Butte, MT | $854 – $1,340 | 1,063 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Montana
| From California to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Billings, MT | $995 – $1,464 | 1,250 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Missoula, MT | $995 – $1,493 | 1,226 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Great Falls, MT | $947 – $1,479 | 1,272 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Bozeman, MT | $895 – $1,387 | 1,111 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Butte, MT | $930 – $1,387 | 1,118 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Montana
| From California to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Billings, MT | $930 – $1,442 | 1,164 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Missoula, MT | $858 – $1,357 | 977 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Great Falls, MT | $859 – $1,331 | 1,186 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Bozeman, MT | $797 – $1,340 | 1,025 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Butte, MT | $773 – $1,367 | 1,031 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Montana
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 Montana, the price usually falls between $1,281 and $1,859.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Montana
When moving your vehicle from the Golden State to the Big Sky Country, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from California to Montana.
- Distance and route: The route from California to Montana is about 1,306 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from California in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between California and Montana may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is three–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Montana vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Montana, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
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 Montana
About 1.1 million people are living in the Big Sky Country. Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Montana?
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 Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Montana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Montana, 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.
In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Montana is about 1,306 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from California to Montana.
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 are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Montana?
New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Montana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Montana after purchasing it.
In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Montana 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 Montana?
Shipping a car from California to Montana costs $1,025 to $1,487.
