($1,546) Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,932 miles from San Francisco, California, to Albany, New York, ranges from $1,546 to $2,454. 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 Albany to San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Albany car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from San Francisco to Albany:
- 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 San Francisco
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in San Francisco, CA:
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Viper Transportation: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Direct Express Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Pasha Hawaii ship your car: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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
Viper Transportation
4600 Malat St, Oakland, CA 94601 US
vipertransportation.com
3.66 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the fast loading times and helpful security staff, though frustrations arise from the first-come-first-serve policy as it sometimes favors company drivers, leading to longer waits for others.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1509528
Car Shipping Carriers
39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA 94560 US
carshippingcarriers.com/california-auto-transport-companies/san-jose
3.56 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise the company's exceptional communication, reliable service, and excellent pricing, contributing to their loyalty. However, no significant negatives were reported, indicating strong overall satisfaction with the service provided.
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
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: DOT# 2249744
Direct Express Auto Transport
321 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960 US autotransportdirect.com3.5 / 5.0
Direct Express Auto Transport provides fast service and competitive pricing for vehicle shipping, but experiences vary widely. Many customers praise the company's responsive customer service and timely vehicle delivery, often receiving their cars sooner than expected. However, several reviewers report significant delays and issues with communication, leading to frustration and unmet expectations. Overall, while some users had excellent experiences, others strongly advise caution, suggesting it may be wise to consider alternative transport companies for greater reliability.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2231879
Alternative Business Names
- All Pro Auto Transport
Pasha Hawaii ship your car
1425 Maritime St, Oakland, CA 94607 US pashahawaii.com/tools/vehicles/ship-a-car-to-and-from-hawaii3.5 / 5.0
Pasha Hawaii provides vehicle shipping services that have received a mix of positive and negative reviews from customers. Many appreciate the fast service and good communication regarding shipping schedules, while others have experienced significant delays and damage during transport. Customers often report issues with customer service responsiveness, handling of claims for damages, and overall organization of operations. Returns and pick-ups can occasionally be confusing due to misleading information or changes in schedule that were not communicated properly. While some report smooth experiences, others stress the importance of thorough documentation and preparation to avoid problems.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2861558
Alternative Business Names
- The Pasha Group
- Pasha Freight
- Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines LLC
- Pasha Distribution Services
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 NY
Relocating from San Francisco to Albany means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from San Francisco to Albany, 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 lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 2,932-mile drive from San Francisco to Albany into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from California to New York. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in San Francisco. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Albany.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Albany, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting San Francisco to Albany car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from San Francisco to Albany, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from San Francisco to Albany, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from San Francisco are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Albany? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from San Francisco. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Albany 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 2,932 miles from San Francisco to Albany 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 San Francisco and Albany play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.
August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from San Francisco to Albany in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,932-mile trip from San Francisco to Albany, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from San Francisco to Albany is seven to fifteen days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing San Francisco and Albany vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- San Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.
- Albany: Check with the City of Albany for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Albany.
Car insurance requirements
- San Francisco: 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.
- Albany: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
Vehicle inspections
- San Francisco: 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.
- Albany: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
Driver’s license
- San Francisco: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Albany: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Francisco to Albany?
The cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Albany, NY 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 San Francisco to Albany will range from $1,546 to $2,454.
How long will it take to ship my car from San Francisco to Albany?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,932 miles from San Francisco to Albany. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Francisco to Albany?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Francisco to Albany. 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 San Francisco to Albany?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from San Francisco to Albany 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 2,932-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.
