($1,327) Cost to ship a car from Sacramento, CA to Cincinnati, OH

Quick answer: On average, moving a car 2,280 miles from Sacramento, California, to Cincinnati, Ohio, will run you about $1,327 to $1,978. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Cincinnati to Sacramento car shipping guide.

Our track record

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Sacramento to Cincinnati car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Sacramento to Cincinnati:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Sacramento

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Sacramento, CA:

  1. Safe Auto Transport Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Angels Moving Autos: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Shipping Experts: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Topline Logistics Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Safe Auto Transport Inc.

6901 28th St, North Highlands, CA 95660 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0

Safe Auto Transport is highly praised for its excellent communication and timely deliveries. Customers express appreciation for professional drivers who handle vehicles with care and maintain contact throughout the process. However, feedback indicates some delays in updates and longer-than-expected transit times in specific instances.

Get a Quote (916) 899-5500

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Angels Moving Autos

3031 Stanford Ranch Rd Ste 2 #418, Rocklin, CA 95765 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 530-0481

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Relocation Angels

Shipping Experts

7551 14th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95820 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Shipping Experts consistently deliver outstanding service, marked by excellent communication, timely delivery, and professional drivers. While some customers did not mention any concerns, a few noted the importance of good communication throughout the vehicle transportation process.

Get a Quote (916) 760-7202

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Topline Logistics Inc

6948 26th St, Rio Linda, CA 95673 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (916) 468-6276

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

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 OH

When you’re moving from Sacramento to Cincinnati, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.

Coordinate with your movers

On moves from Sacramento to Cincinnati, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.

Drive your car

There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 2,280-mile journey from Sacramento to Cincinnati could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.

Use a driving service

If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from California to Ohio. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Sacramento to Cincinnati carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.

Ship your car via train

Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Cincinnati, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.

Factors affecting Sacramento to Cincinnati car shipping costs

When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Sacramento to Cincinnati, keep these cost factors in mind:

Transport method

When shipping your car from Sacramento to Cincinnati, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from Sacramento 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 Cincinnati? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Sacramento will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Cincinnati than a compact car.

Distance and route

Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 2,280 miles from Sacramento to Cincinnati will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within California.

Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.

The time of the year

Both seasonal trends and local weather in Sacramento and Cincinnati can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.

Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer months.

High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Sacramento to Cincinnati during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,280-mile distance between Sacramento and Cincinnati and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Sacramento to Cincinnati takes between five and thirteen days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.

Comparing Sacramento and Cincinnati vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Sacramento: All Residential Parking Permits, including Online 24-Hour Temporary Parking Permits, are free of charge. Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged Vehicle permit (stickers) or Visitor permits (placards) is $25. Online Temporary Permits that are lost, stolen or damaged will not be replaced as the permit may be re-printed for that vehicle if the valid time is still in effect.
  • Cincinnati: Generally speaking, you'll only need to apply for a parking permit if you need to occupy a space with a "No parking" sign. Otherwise, you should check for any rules in your new building or HOA.

Car insurance requirements

  • Sacramento: 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.
  • Cincinnati: 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 inspections

  • Sacramento: 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.
  • Cincinnati: 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

  • Sacramento: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Cincinnati: 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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Sacramento to Cincinnati?

The cost to ship a car from Sacramento, CA to Cincinnati, OH 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 Sacramento to Cincinnati will range from $1,327 to $1,978.

How long will it take to ship my car from Sacramento to Cincinnati?

It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,280 miles from Sacramento to Cincinnati. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Sacramento to Cincinnati?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Sacramento to Cincinnati. 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 Sacramento to Cincinnati?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Sacramento to Cincinnati 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 2,280-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.

Helpful Sacramento resources