California to Rhode Island Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 3,079 miles from California to Rhode Island falls between $1,576 and $2,489. Delivery typically takes seven–fifteen 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.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from California to Rhode Island:
- 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 California
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in California that can transport your vehicle to Rhode Island:
- 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 Rhode Island
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from California to Rhode Island, 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.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 3,079 extra miles on your car to travel from California to Rhode Island. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from California to Rhode Island, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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!
California to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. The average journey covers about 3,079 miles and takes roughly seven to fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Rhode Island
| From California to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Providence, RI | $1,546 – $2,359 | 2,976 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Warwick, RI | $1,427 – $2,263 | 2,959 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Cranston, RI | $1,427 – $2,430 | 2,965 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Pawtucket, RI | $1,501 – $2,359 | 2,973 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to East Providence, RI | $1,531 – $2,502 | 2,978 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Rhode Island
| From California to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Providence, RI | $1,546 – $2,359 | 2,962 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Warwick, RI | $1,560 – $2,502 | 2,955 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Cranston, RI | $1,427 – $2,382 | 2,959 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Pawtucket, RI | $1,456 – $2,287 | 2,966 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to East Providence, RI | $1,501 – $2,406 | 2,963 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Rhode Island
| From California to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Providence, RI | $1,592 – $2,343 | 3,125 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Warwick, RI | $1,623 – $2,562 | 3,108 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Cranston, RI | $1,576 – $2,318 | 3,112 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Pawtucket, RI | $1,468 – $2,318 | 3,122 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to East Providence, RI | $1,561 – $2,440 | 3,127 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Rhode Island
| From California to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Providence, RI | $1,427 – $2,382 | 2,992 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Warwick, RI | $1,516 – $2,382 | 2,975 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Cranston, RI | $1,427 – $2,359 | 2,980 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Pawtucket, RI | $1,456 – $2,478 | 2,989 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to East Providence, RI | $1,516 – $2,430 | 2,994 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Rhode Island
| From California to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Providence, RI | $1,561 – $2,367 | 3,093 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Warwick, RI | $1,607 – $2,440 | 3,076 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Cranston, RI | $1,592 – $2,318 | 3,080 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Pawtucket, RI | $1,545 – $2,513 | 3,090 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to East Providence, RI | $1,561 – $2,465 | 3,095 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island usually runs between $1,970 and $3,111.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Rhode Island
When arranging car transport from the Golden State to the Ocean State, the following factors will determine your overall 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: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Rhode Island.
- Distance and route: The route from California to Rhode Island is about 3,079 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of California, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between California and Rhode Island.
- 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, getting your car from California to Rhode Island should take between seven and fifteen days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Rhode Island vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Rhode Island, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
- Vehicle inspection: All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
- Driver’s license: If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island
About 1.1 million people are living in the Ocean State. Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Rhode Island?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Rhode Island, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Rhode Island, 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.
When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Rhode Island?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Rhode Island is about 3,079 miles, and that’s as fast as about 7 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from California to Rhode Island.
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.
All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Rhode Island?
If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Rhode Island after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Rhode Island after purchasing it.
When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Rhode Island to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Rhode Island?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
Shipping a car from California to Rhode Island costs $1,576 to $2,489.
