California to New Mexico Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,005 miles from California to New Mexico ranges from $846 to $1,314. Expect the trip to take around two–eight days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our New Mexico 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 New Mexico car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from California to New Mexico:
- 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
- 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 New Mexico:
- 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
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 New Mexico
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from California for a move to New Mexico, 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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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,005 miles on your car going from California to New Mexico. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from California to New Mexico for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
California to New Mexico auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in California and New Mexico. Average distances are close to 1,005 miles, with delivery usually taking two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to New Mexico
| From California to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM | $769 – $1,132 | 786 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Las Cruces, NM | $825 – $1,217 | 758 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Rio Rancho, NM | $841 – $1,120 | 792 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Santa Fe, NM | $836 – $1,215 | 847 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Roswell, NM | $779 – $1,297 | 948 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to New Mexico
| From California to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Albuquerque, NM | $777 – $1,171 | 770 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Las Cruces, NM | $756 – $1,147 | 681 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Diego, CA to Rio Rancho, NM | $817 – $1,120 | 775 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Santa Fe, NM | $836 – $1,190 | 830 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Roswell, NM | $783 – $1,243 | 871 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to New Mexico
| From California to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Albuquerque, NM | $854 – $1,367 | 1,042 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Las Cruces, NM | $830 – $1,327 | 1,097 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Rio Rancho, NM | $830 – $1,288 | 1,047 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Santa Fe, NM | $868 – $1,359 | 1,102 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Roswell, NM | $985 – $1,479 | 1,240 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to New Mexico
| From California to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Albuquerque, NM | $775 – $1,197 | 802 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Las Cruces, NM | $775 – $1,181 | 870 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Rio Rancho, NM | $783 – $1,221 | 808 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Santa Fe, NM | $816 – $1,169 | 863 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Roswell, NM | $822 – $1,301 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to New Mexico
| From California to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Albuquerque, NM | $805 – $1,275 | 1,084 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Las Cruces, NM | $859 – $1,318 | 1,139 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Rio Rancho, NM | $773 – $1,275 | 1,090 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Santa Fe, NM | $842 – $1,373 | 1,145 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Roswell, NM | $957 – $1,464 | 1,282 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to New Mexico
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 New Mexico you should expect to pay between $1,058 and $1,643.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to New Mexico
Transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Land of Enchantment 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 New Mexico.
- Distance and route: Traveling from California to New Mexico involves roughly 1,005 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of California, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between California and New Mexico and the varying gas prices across the country.
- 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 New Mexico should take between two and eight days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
New Mexico vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in New Mexico, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
- Vehicle inspection: Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
- Driver’s license: To get your New Mexico driver's license, visit MVD Express with the required documents. A driver's license serves as both a legal permit to drive and an ID, so you must prove your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, an ID number such as your social security card, two forms of proof of New Mexico address.
- Additional taxes: If a vehicle is purchased in a different state and a tax similar to a gross receipts or sales tax has already been paid, the amount of that tax may be applied towards the MVET (motor vehicle excise tax) owed on that same vehicle.
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 New Mexico
About 2.1 million people are living in the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico has long been reputable for its pleasant, temperate climate. The eastern third of the state receives the most rainfall while the western third receives the least amount. New Mexico's stable climate and sparse population provide for clearer skies and less light pollution.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in New Mexico?
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 New Mexico.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to New Mexico?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to New Mexico, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to New Mexico, 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.
Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to New Mexico?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to New Mexico is about 1,005 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from California to New Mexico.
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.
Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in New Mexico?
To get your New Mexico driver's license, visit MVD Express with the required documents. A driver's license serves as both a legal permit to drive and an ID, so you must prove your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, an ID number such as your social security card, two forms of proof of New Mexico address.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in New Mexico after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to New Mexico after purchasing it.
If a vehicle is purchased in a different state and a tax similar to a gross receipts or sales tax has already been paid, the amount of that tax may be applied towards the MVET (motor vehicle excise tax) owed on that same vehicle.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and New Mexico to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to New Mexico?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to New Mexico 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 New Mexico?
Shipping a car from California to New Mexico costs $846 to $1,314.
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