California to Ohio Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 2,404 miles from California to Ohio falls between $1,231 and $2,118. Delivery typically takes five–thirteen days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio:
- 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
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in California that can relocate your vehicle to Ohio:
- 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 Ohio
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from California to Ohio, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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 rating
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 2,404 miles on your car going from California to Ohio. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from California to Ohio. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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 Ohio 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 Ohio. The average journey covers about 2,404 miles and takes roughly five to thirteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Ohio
| From California to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH | $1,292 – $2,145 | 2,240 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Cleveland, OH | $1,361 – $1,960 | 2,344 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Cincinnati, OH | $1,271 – $1,977 | 2,172 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Toledo, OH | $1,292 – $1,962 | 2,243 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Akron, OH | $1,322 – $2,146 | 2,365 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Ohio
| From California to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Columbus, OH | $1,254 – $2,145 | 2,223 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Cleveland, OH | $1,231 – $2,042 | 2,366 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Diego, CA to Cincinnati, OH | $1,245 – $2,078 | 2,156 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Toledo, OH | $1,266 – $2,145 | 2,275 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Diego, CA to Akron, OH | $1,361 – $1,960 | 2,348 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Ohio
| From California to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Columbus, OH | $1,231 – $2,014 | 2,459 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Cleveland, OH | $1,295 – $2,056 | 2,493 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Cincinnati, OH | $1,257 – $2,104 | 2,398 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Toledo, OH | $1,231 – $2,042 | 2,392 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Akron, OH | $1,349 – $2,023 | 2,514 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Ohio
| From California to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH | $1,344 – $1,982 | 2,256 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Cleveland, OH | $1,296 – $2,125 | 2,360 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Cincinnati, OH | $1,322 – $2,017 | 2,188 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Toledo, OH | $1,344 – $2,064 | 2,258 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Akron, OH | $1,296 – $2,104 | 2,382 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Ohio
| From California to Ohio | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Columbus, OH | $1,308 – $1,994 | 2,427 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Cleveland, OH | $1,257 – $2,077 | 2,461 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Cincinnati, OH | $1,257 – $2,104 | 2,366 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Toledo, OH | $1,335 – $2,063 | 2,360 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Akron, OH | $1,270 – $2,097 | 2,482 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Ohio
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from California to Ohio usually runs between $1,539 and $2,648.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Ohio
When moving your vehicle from the Golden State to the Buckeye State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Ohio.
- Distance and route: The route from California to Ohio is about 2,404 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of California more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between California and Ohio.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within five–thirteen days, but expedited options cost more.
Ohio vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Ohio, 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: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
- Vehicle inspection: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
- Driver’s license: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
- Additional taxes: Ohio requires sales tax if a vehicle was purchased out of state less than 6 months before moving to Ohio. However, a credit for sales tax paid to the other state may be allowed. If the vehicle was purchased at least 6 months before moving, no Ohio sales tax is due and the exemption code CV should be used when titling the 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 Ohio
About 11.8 million people are living in the Buckeye State. Ohio forms a part of what's considered both the snowbelt and the tornado alley which means your move may be affected if either of these are impacting the state on your move day.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Ohio?
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 Ohio.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Ohio?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Ohio, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Ohio, 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 Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Ohio?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Ohio is about 2,404 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take five to thirteen days to travel from California to Ohio.
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.
New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Ohio?
In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Ohio after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Ohio after purchasing it.
Ohio requires sales tax if a vehicle was purchased out of state less than 6 months before moving to Ohio. However, a credit for sales tax paid to the other state may be allowed. If the vehicle was purchased at least 6 months before moving, no Ohio sales tax is due and the exemption code CV should be used when titling the vehicle.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Ohio to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Ohio?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Ohio 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 Ohio?
Shipping a car from California to Ohio costs $1,231 to $2,118.
