California to South Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,659 miles from California to South Dakota falls between $1,130 and $1,610. Delivery typically takes three–nine 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota:
- 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'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in California that can transport your vehicle to South Dakota:
- Jp Logistics & Motorsports: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- 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
Jp Logistics & Motorsports
11582 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352 US
jplogistics.net
3.94 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise JP Logistics for their excellent communication and reliable service. While there are no significant complaints, some note that pricing is slightly higher, which is justified by the quality of service received.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1975227
Alternative Business Names
- JP Logistics
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
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 South Dakota
Ship it with your movers
When moving from California to South Dakota, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,659 extra miles on your car to travel from California to South Dakota. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from California to South Dakota for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
California to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in California and South Dakota. The trip typically spans 1,659 miles and takes about three–nine days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to South Dakota
| From California to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,176 – $1,693 | 1,635 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Rapid City, SD | $1,008 – $1,404 | 1,351 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,084 – $1,725 | 1,626 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Brookings, SD | $1,170 – $1,646 | 1,739 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Watertown, SD | $1,142 – $1,594 | 1,683 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to South Dakota
| From California to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,158 – $1,749 | 1,705 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Rapid City, SD | $1,074 – $1,460 | 1,419 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,176 – $1,627 | 1,693 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Brookings, SD | $1,218 – $1,879 | 1,806 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Watertown, SD | $1,229 – $1,801 | 1,750 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to South Dakota
| From California to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,217 – $1,698 | 1,781 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Rapid City, SD | $1,053 – $1,537 | 1,438 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Jose, CA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,170 – $1,783 | 1,712 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Jose, CA to Brookings, SD | $1,182 – $1,770 | 1,825 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Watertown, SD | $1,170 – $1,629 | 1,769 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to South Dakota
| From California to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,176 – $1,561 | 1,654 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Rapid City, SD | $939 – $1,522 | 1,367 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,176 – $1,693 | 1,642 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Brookings, SD | $1,146 – $1,749 | 1,755 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Watertown, SD | $1,084 – $1,676 | 1,699 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to South Dakota
| From California to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,241 – $1,629 | 1,749 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Rapid City, SD | $1,095 – $1,552 | 1,406 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,142 – $1,578 | 1,680 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Brookings, SD | $1,217 – $1,698 | 1,793 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Watertown, SD | $1,241 – $1,646 | 1,737 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to South Dakota
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from California to South Dakota, expect costs to range from $1,413 to $2,013.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to South Dakota
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Mount Rushmore State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- 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 South Dakota.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to South Dakota spans approximately 1,659 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from California around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between California and South Dakota.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–nine days, but expedited options cost more.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to South Dakota, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
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 South Dakota
About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in South Dakota?
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 South Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to South Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to South Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to South Dakota is about 1,659 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from California to South Dakota.
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.
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to South Dakota after purchasing it.
When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to South Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Shipping a car from California to South Dakota costs $1,130 to $1,610.
