California to Ohio Car Shipping (With 2023 Costs)

Quick Answer: The average cost to ship a car from California to Ohio ranges from $1,519 to $2,435.

Estimated Cost Distance of Shipment Estimated transit time
$1,519 - $2,435 2406 miles 5 - 13 days
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Shipping a Car from California to Ohio

Use the following resources for more information on your auto transportation needs:

Stick around for more details on costs, tips, and California car shippers you should use.

The best California to Ohio car shippers

A good car shipping company should cover the basics. These are the things to look out for in a quality transport company:

  • Insurance: Make sure the insurance covers both the company and the hauler the company contracts with to ship the car.
  • Experience: Look for a company that has multiple years of experience and a good track record.
  • Shipping options: Good car shipping companies will offer open and closed transport, expedited delivery, shipment tracking, and more.
  • Added Perks: Damage coverage, no initial deposits, rental car assistance, free car wash, and guaranteed pricing are some additional options great car shippers offer.
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Transparent pricing
  • Fully insured
Check prices (864) 492-1221

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
Check prices (888) 259-6046

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
Check prices (833) 775-1461

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable
Check prices (866) 563-0804

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV
Check prices (224) 206-5633

% of users select this mover

The average cost to ship a car from California to Ohio

Estimated Cost Distance of Shipment Estimated transit time
$1,519 - $2,435 2406 miles 5 - 13 days

Because the distance between California to Ohio is about 2406 miles, it’ll take from 5 to 13 days to complete your car shipment.

Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Ohio

  • Los Angeles to Columbus: $1,516 to $2,396
  • Los Angeles to Cleveland: $1,520 to $2,420
  • Los Angeles to Cincinnati: $1,505 to $2,366
  • Los Angeles to Toledo: $1,516 to $2,396
  • Los Angeles to Lorain: $1,520 to $2,420

Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Ohio

  • San Diego to Columbus: $1,516 to $2,396
  • San Diego to Cleveland: $1,520 to $2,420
  • San Diego to Cincinnati: $1,505 to $2,366
  • San Diego to Toledo: $1,520 to $2,420
  • San Diego to Lorain: $1,520 to $2,420

Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Ohio

  • San Jose to Columbus: $1,519 to $2,435
  • San Jose to Cleveland: $1,519 to $2,435
  • San Jose to Cincinnati: $1,520 to $2,420
  • San Jose to Toledo: $1,520 to $2,420
  • San Jose to Lorain: $1,519 to $2,435

Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Ohio

  • San Francisco to Columbus: $1,519 to $2,435
  • San Francisco to Cleveland: $1,519 to $2,435
  • San Francisco to Cincinnati: $1,520 to $2,420
  • San Francisco to Toledo: $1,520 to $2,420
  • San Francisco to Lorain: $1,519 to $2,435

Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to Ohio

  • Fresno to Columbus: $1,520 to $2,420
  • Fresno to Cleveland: $1,519 to $2,435
  • Fresno to Cincinnati: $1,516 to $2,396
  • Fresno to Toledo: $1,520 to $2,420
  • Fresno to Lorain: $1,519 to $2,435

Shipping an SUV or Truck from California to Ohio

Since vehicles such as SUV, 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 Ohio you should expect to pay between $1,899 and $3,044.

Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from California to Ohio

  • Open Carrier or Enclosed Trailer – Most new cars from ports and factories are moved on open auto carriers, while race cars, vintage collector’s cars, and high-dollar luxury cars get enclosed transport
  • Time of the year – Due to demand, prices tend to be a little higher in the summer.
  • Size, Weight, and Type of Vehicle – The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more shipping will cost.
  • 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, this delivery should take between 5 and 13 days.
  • Pick up and Drop-Off Options – Instead of door-to-door service, consider taking your vehicle to the nearest company terminal at origin and having it delivered to the one closest to your new home. It’s more work for you, but it could save you a bundle.

How car shipping from California to Ohio works

  • After you’ve received your quote, book your vehicle transport from California to Ohio.
  • Once booked, you’ll schedule your vehicle to be picked up in California where it will be loaded onto the carrier.
  • Your vehicle will be safely unloaded from the carrier in Ohio on your delivery date.

What else should you know about shipping a car from California to Ohio?

  • Car Insurance requirements: n Ohio, drivers must carry car insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. This is a requirement for registering a motor vehicle and protects drivers from financial loss in the event of an at-fault accident. Consider purchasing higher liability limits and additional coverage for added 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.

Alternative ways to ship your car

  • Drive it yourself: Straightforward but not always an option and it will put a lot of miles on your car.
  • Ship it with your movers: If you hire a reputable mover, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
  • Drivewaway: Hire someone to drive the car for you. It’s an option…
  • Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!

Learn more with our car shipping checklist

Shipping Your Car from California to Ohio FAQs

Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in California and when dropping off my car in Ohio?

Most companies will require someone that is at least 18-years-old to 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, it’s not 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.