California to Washington Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 955 miles from California to Washington falls between $797 and $1,273. Delivery typically takes two–seven 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 Washington 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 Washington car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from California to Washington:
- 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 Washington:
- 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 Washington
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from California for a move to Washington, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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 rating
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 955 extra miles on your car to travel from California to Washington. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from California to Washington 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 Washington auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in California and Washington. The typical distance is about 955 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Washington
| From California to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA | $896 – $1,323 | 1,134 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Spokane, WA | $913 – $1,341 | 1,202 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA | $828 – $1,270 | 1,104 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Vancouver, WA | $829 – $1,199 | 970 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Bellevue, WA | $828 – $1,350 | 1,137 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Washington
| From California to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Seattle, WA | $950 – $1,482 | 1,254 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Spokane, WA | $876 – $1,411 | 1,296 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Tacoma, WA | $922 – $1,341 | 1,224 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Vancouver, WA | $784 – $1,305 | 1,090 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bellevue, WA | $913 – $1,397 | 1,257 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Washington
| From California to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Seattle, WA | $822 – $1,218 | 839 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Spokane, WA | $751 – $1,201 | 907 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tacoma, WA | $817 – $1,154 | 809 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Vancouver, WA | $714 – $1,106 | 675 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Jose, CA to Bellevue, WA | $751 – $1,136 | 842 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Washington
| From California to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Seattle, WA | $784 – $1,279 | 1,029 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Spokane, WA | $776 – $1,217 | 1,097 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Tacoma, WA | $776 – $1,204 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Vancouver, WA | $778 – $1,246 | 865 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Bellevue, WA | $815 – $1,317 | 1,032 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Washington
| From California to Washington | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA | $809 – $1,143 | 807 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Spokane, WA | $749 – $1,140 | 875 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA | $764 – $1,125 | 777 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, WA | $725 – $1,005 | 643 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Bellevue, WA | $809 – $1,166 | 810 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Washington
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 Washington, expect costs to range from $996 to $1,591.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Washington
If you’re shipping a car from the Golden State to the Evergreen State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Washington.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Washington spans approximately 955 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from California in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between California and Washington.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
Washington vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Washington, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
- Vehicle inspection: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
- Driver’s license: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
- Additional taxes: If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use 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 Washington
About 7.8 million people are living in the Evergreen State. Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Washington?
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 Washington.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Washington?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Washington, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Washington, 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.
Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Washington?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Washington is about 955 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 Washington.
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.
In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Washington?
To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Washington after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Washington after purchasing it.
If you have obtained and utilized a "private motor vehicle" in another state for more than 90 days prior to relocating to Washington, you are exempt from paying Washington's use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Washington to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Washington?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Washington 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 Washington?
Shipping a car from California to Washington costs $797 to $1,273.
