California to Utah Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 813 miles from California to Utah usually costs between $792 and $1,224. Transit time is about two–seven days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Utah 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 Utah 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 Utah:
- 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
- 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 prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in California that can relocate your vehicle to Utah:
- 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
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 Utah
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from California to Utah, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 813 miles to your vehicle on the route from California to Utah. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from California to Utah 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
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
California to Utah 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 Utah. The trip typically spans 813 miles and takes about two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Utah
| From California to Utah | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Salt Lake City, UT | $757 – $1,128 | 688 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to St. George, UT | $557 – $835 | 387 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to West Valley City, UT | $757 – $1,150 | 687 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to West Jordan, UT | $734 – $1,128 | 678 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Provo, UT | $776 – $1,055 | 645 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Utah
| From California to Utah | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Salt Lake City, UT | $835 – $1,232 | 755 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Diego, CA to St. George, UT | $656 – $865 | 454 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| San Diego, CA to West Valley City, UT | $779 – $1,126 | 755 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Diego, CA to West Jordan, UT | $762 – $1,094 | 745 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Diego, CA to Provo, UT | $823 – $1,084 | 712 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Utah
| From California to Utah | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Salt Lake City, UT | $762 – $1,185 | 768 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Jose, CA to St. George, UT | $709 – $1,013 | 642 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Jose, CA to West Valley City, UT | $795 – $1,114 | 762 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Jose, CA to West Jordan, UT | $787 – $1,161 | 774 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Provo, UT | $792 – $1,151 | 809 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Utah
| From California to Utah | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Salt Lake City, UT | $815 – $1,175 | 704 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to St. George, UT | $576 – $846 | 403 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to West Valley City, UT | $823 – $1,141 | 703 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to West Jordan, UT | $765 – $1,073 | 694 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Provo, UT | $760 – $1,102 | 661 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Utah
| From California to Utah | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Salt Lake City, UT | $786 – $1,094 | 736 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to St. George, UT | $749 – $1,062 | 685 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to West Valley City, UT | $833 – $1,152 | 730 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to West Jordan, UT | $826 – $1,140 | 742 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Provo, UT | $835 – $1,241 | 777 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Utah
Since vehicles like SUVs, 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 Utah you should expect to pay between $990 and $1,530.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Utah
If you’re shipping a car from the Golden State to the Beehive State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Utah than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Utah spans about 813 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- 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: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between California and Utah.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–seven days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Utah vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Utah, 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 Utah, it is mandatory for drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage, including $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage with identical limits is required.
- Vehicle inspection: Vehicles in the state of Utah are mandated to pass an annual safety inspection to ensure that key components such as brakes, lights and tires are in good working condition. Additionally, vehicles older than 6 years are also required to pass an emissions inspection to confirm that they are not emitting excessive levels of pollutants. If a vehicle fails either of these inspections, it must be repaired and retested before it can be legally driven on the road.
- Driver’s license: In order to get a driver's license in Utah, a person must pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision test, as well as provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the required fees. Those under 18 years of age must also complete driver education and have a learner's permit before being eligible for a full license.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Utah, you must register your vehicle with the DMV within 60 days. You will need to pay a vehicle tax, called sales and use tax, when registering. The amount will depend on the purchase price and county of residence. Additional fees and taxes may apply. Check with the Utah DMV or a local auto dealership for more information.
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 Utah
About 3.4 million people are living in the Beehive State. Utah's temperatures are extreme, with cold temperatures in winter due to its elevation, and very hot summers statewide (with the exception of mountain areas and high mountain valleys). Utah is usually protected from major blasts of cold air by mountains lying north and east of the state. Utah, like most of the western United States, has few days of thunderstorms. On average there are fewer than 40 days of thunderstorm activity during the year, although these storms can be briefly intense when they do occur.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Utah?
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 Utah.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Utah?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Utah, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Utah, 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 Utah, it is mandatory for drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage, including $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage with identical limits is required.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Utah?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Utah is about 813 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from California to Utah.
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.
Vehicles in the state of Utah are mandated to pass an annual safety inspection to ensure that key components such as brakes, lights and tires are in good working condition. Additionally, vehicles older than 6 years are also required to pass an emissions inspection to confirm that they are not emitting excessive levels of pollutants. If a vehicle fails either of these inspections, it must be repaired and retested before it can be legally driven on the road.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Utah?
In order to get a driver's license in Utah, a person must pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision test, as well as provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the required fees. Those under 18 years of age must also complete driver education and have a learner's permit before being eligible for a full license.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Utah after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Utah after purchasing it.
When moving to Utah, you must register your vehicle with the DMV within 60 days. You will need to pay a vehicle tax, called sales and use tax, when registering. The amount will depend on the purchase price and county of residence. Additional fees and taxes may apply. Check with the Utah DMV or a local auto dealership for more information.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Utah to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Utah?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Utah 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 Utah?
Shipping a car from California to Utah costs $792 to $1,224.
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