($643) Cost to ship a car from Irvine, CA to Reno, NV
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 494 miles from Irvine, California, to Reno, Nevada, ranges from $643 to $909. 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Reno to Irvine 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 Irvine to Reno car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Irvine to Reno:
- 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 Irvine
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Irvine, CA:
- Nationwide Transport Services: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide United Auto Transport: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Sonic Auto Transportation: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Hilton Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Nationwide Transport Services
1 World Trade Center #839, Long Beach, CA 90831 US
nationwidetransportservices.com
3.88 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2245458
Nationwide United Auto Transport
2202 S Figueroa St #506, Los Angeles, CA 90007 US
nationwideunitedautotransport.com
3.7 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise Nationwide United Auto Transport for their excellent communication, professionalism, and timely deliveries, noting that their vehicles arrived safely and on schedule. However, a few negative reviews mention issues with unexpected price increases and a poor customer experience, underscoring the importance of clear communication and transparency.
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
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2423753
Sonic Auto Transportation
3090 Bristol St Floor 4, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 US
sonic-auto.com
3.62 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise Sonic Auto Transport for their respectful and responsive service. They express appreciation for prompt deliveries, excellent communication, and competitive pricing, while only minor concerns were noted. Overall, customers are very satisfied with the level of service received and the care taken in transporting their vehicles.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3437626
Alternative Business Names
- Crystal Car Shipping Inc
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.
102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA 92618 US
abcautoshipping.com
3.56 / 5.0
ABC Auto Shipping, led by Arman, consistently receives high praise for its responsive customer service, effective communication, and reliable car transport services. Customers have reported positive experiences with timely deliveries, often ahead of schedule, and vehicles arriving in excellent condition. Though some reviewers noted slightly higher prices compared to competitors, many felt the service provided was worth the investment, especially considering the stress-free experience.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
- Teacher
- Law enforcement
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2340626
Alternative Business Names
- EZ Auto Logistics Subsidiary
Hilton Auto Transport
1611 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501 US
hiltonautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Hilton Auto Transport is well-regarded for its excellent customer service, competitive pricing, and efficient communication throughout the vehicle transport process. While most reviews praise the responsiveness and professionalism of Nichole and her team, there are scattered complaints about poor communication and damages during transport, emphasizing the importance of thorough follow-up with the shipping company.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2232328
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 NV
If you’re planning a move from Irvine to Reno, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Irvine to Reno, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 494-mile trip from Irvine to Reno could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from California to Nevada. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Irvine to Reno carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Reno is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Irvine to Reno car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Irvine to Reno can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Irvine to Reno, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Reno, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Irvine. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Reno will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 494 miles from Irvine to Reno 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
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Irvine and Reno often affect the cost of auto transport.
Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
Reno experiences very hot summer and very cold winter. If you're looking to relocate, consider the months of June, September and May as these months have favorable weather. December and January are the least comfortable months.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Irvine to Reno in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 494-mile journey from Irvine to Reno makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Irvine to Reno is one to four days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Irvine and Reno vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Irvine: The City of Irvine forbids parking in red zones or where signs prohibit same, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 6-3-573. The City of Irvine offers both annual and overnight parking permits
- Reno: Make sure to check with the City of Reno for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
Car insurance requirements
- Irvine: 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.
- Reno: Nevada law mandates drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $20,000 for property damage, ensuring financial responsibility in case of accidents. Stay compliant for legal and financial protection.
Vehicle inspections
- Irvine: 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.
- Reno: The State of Nevada requires yearly vehicle emissions and VIN tests.
Driver’s license
- Irvine: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Reno: To obtain a driver's license in Nevada as a new resident, you must apply for it in-person at a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in Nevada.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Irvine to Reno?
The cost to ship a car from Irvine, CA to Reno, NV 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 Irvine to Reno will range from $643 to $909.
How long will it take to ship my car from Irvine to Reno?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 494 miles from Irvine to Reno. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Irvine to Reno?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Irvine to Reno. 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 Irvine to Reno?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Irvine to Reno 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 494-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.
