California to Virginia Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,647 miles from California to Virginia ranges from $1,399 to $2,142. Expect the trip to take around seven–fifteen days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia:
- 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
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in California who can get your vehicle to Virginia:
- 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 Virginia
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from California to Virginia, 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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4.75 / 5
Licensed
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Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,647 miles on your car going from California to Virginia. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from California to Virginia is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
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 Virginia auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in California and Virginia. The typical distance is about 2,647 miles, with shipping times generally falling between seven and fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Virginia
| From California to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Virginia Beach, VA | $1,431 – $2,202 | 2,722 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Chesapeake, VA | $1,307 – $2,246 | 2,719 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Arlington, VA | $1,332 – $1,995 | 2,663 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Norfolk, VA | $1,376 – $2,051 | 2,708 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Richmond, VA | $1,345 – $2,100 | 2,616 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Virginia
| From California to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Virginia Beach, VA | $1,362 – $2,246 | 2,706 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Chesapeake, VA | $1,403 – $2,073 | 2,703 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Arlington, VA | $1,386 – $2,100 | 2,647 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Norfolk, VA | $1,390 – $2,094 | 2,703 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Richmond, VA | $1,413 – $2,058 | 2,600 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Virginia
| From California to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Virginia Beach, VA | $1,361 – $2,182 | 2,978 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Chesapeake, VA | $1,389 – $2,388 | 2,975 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA | $1,419 – $2,261 | 2,848 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Norfolk, VA | $1,461 – $2,182 | 2,964 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Richmond, VA | $1,349 – $2,151 | 2,872 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Virginia
| From California to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Virginia Beach, VA | $1,417 – $2,051 | 2,738 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Chesapeake, VA | $1,376 – $2,073 | 2,735 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Arlington, VA | $1,359 – $1,995 | 2,679 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Norfolk, VA | $1,376 – $2,224 | 2,724 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Richmond, VA | $1,292 – $2,079 | 2,632 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Virginia
| From California to Virginia | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Virginia Beach, VA | $1,389 – $2,319 | 2,982 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Chesapeake, VA | $1,375 – $2,365 | 2,979 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Arlington, VA | $1,363 – $2,306 | 2,816 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Norfolk, VA | $1,375 – $2,365 | 2,968 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Richmond, VA | $1,447 – $2,328 | 2,876 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Virginia
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 Virginia you should expect to pay between $1,749 and $2,678.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Virginia
When arranging car transport from the Golden State to the Old Dominion State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Virginia.
- Distance and route: The trip from California to Virginia covers roughly 2,647 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- 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: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between California and Virginia may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes seven–fifteen days, while expedited service costs more.
Virginia vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Virginia means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
- Vehicle inspection: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.
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 Virginia
About 8.7 million people are living in the Old Dominion State. Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Virginia?
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 Virginia.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Virginia?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Virginia, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Virginia, 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.
It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Virginia?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Virginia is about 2,647 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from California to Virginia.
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 vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Virginia?
To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Virginia after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Virginia after purchasing it.
When moving to Virginia, you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As part of the registration process, you will be required to pay various taxes and fees, including a personal property tax on your vehicle. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of your vehicle and the county or city in which you reside. Additionally, you may also need to pay a one-time vehicle titling fee, depending on the age of your vehicle. You should check with the Virginia DMV for specific details and requirements.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Virginia to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Virginia?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Virginia 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 Virginia?
Shipping a car from California to Virginia costs $1,399 to $2,142.
