California to Virginia Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 2,647 miles from California to Virginia falls between $1,441 and $2,094. 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 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
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from California to Virginia:
- 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
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
When moving from California to Virginia, 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.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 2,647 miles to your car on the trip from California to Virginia. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from California to Virginia 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 a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
California to Virginia 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 Virginia. The average journey covers about 2,647 miles and takes roughly seven to 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 | $1,503 – $2,290 | 2,722 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Chesapeake, VA | $1,372 – $2,199 | 2,719 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Arlington, VA | $1,441 – $2,116 | 2,663 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Norfolk, VA | $1,401 – $2,335 | 2,708 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Richmond, VA | $1,370 – $2,182 | 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 | $1,401 – $2,312 | 2,706 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Chesapeake, VA | $1,430 – $2,358 | 2,703 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Arlington, VA | $1,384 – $2,138 | 2,647 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Norfolk, VA | $1,445 – $2,380 | 2,703 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Richmond, VA | $1,469 – $2,293 | 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 | $1,534 – $2,532 | 2,978 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Chesapeake, VA | $1,459 – $2,363 | 2,975 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA | $1,475 – $2,351 | 2,848 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Norfolk, VA | $1,534 – $2,459 | 2,964 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Richmond, VA | $1,505 – $2,398 | 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 | $1,416 – $2,222 | 2,738 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Chesapeake, VA | $1,430 – $2,199 | 2,735 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Arlington, VA | $1,370 – $2,227 | 2,679 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Norfolk, VA | $1,416 – $2,380 | 2,724 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Richmond, VA | $1,469 – $2,315 | 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 | $1,504 – $2,532 | 2,982 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Chesapeake, VA | $1,519 – $2,291 | 2,979 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Arlington, VA | $1,446 – $2,235 | 2,816 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Norfolk, VA | $1,489 – $2,435 | 2,968 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Richmond, VA | $1,490 – $2,351 | 2,876 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Virginia
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 Virginia usually runs between $1,801 and $2,618.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Virginia
When moving your vehicle from the Golden State to the Old Dominion State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from California to Virginia.
- Distance and route: The route from California to Virginia is about 2,647 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of California in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from California to Virginia, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- 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
Once you arrive in Virginia, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- 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 $1,441 to $2,094.
