($838) Cost to ship a car from Oakland, CA to Seattle, WA
Quick answer: Shipping a car 801 miles from Oakland, California, to Seattle, Washington, typically costs between $838 and $1,295. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Seattle to Oakland car shipping guide.
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        The best Oakland to Seattle car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Oakland to Seattle:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: 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 Oakland
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Oakland, CA:
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Viper Transportation: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Direct Express Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Pasha Hawaii ship your car: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
        
        
        
    Car shipping alternatives from CA to WA
If you’re planning a move from Oakland to Seattle, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Oakland to Seattle, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 801-mile drive from Oakland to Seattle into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from California to Washington, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Oakland to Seattle safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Seattle, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Oakland to Seattle car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Oakland to Seattle, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Oakland to Seattle, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Oakland tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Seattle, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Oakland has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Seattle will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 801 miles from Oakland to Seattle is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within California.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Oakland and Seattle.
Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Oakland to Seattle during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 801-mile drive between Oakland and Seattle, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Oakland to Seattle usually takes two–seven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Oakland and Seattle vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.
- Seattle: You may apply for a temporary no parking permit if you need to use a public parking space for your move. This permit will cost $16 for 2 days of use plus an extra fee of lost revenue if you're occupying a parking meter space. This extra fee can go from $16-$27.
Car insurance requirements
- Oakland: 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.
- Seattle: 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 inspections
- Oakland: 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.
- Seattle: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
Driver’s license
- Oakland: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Seattle: 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Oakland to Seattle?
The cost to ship a car from Oakland, CA to Seattle, WA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Oakland to Seattle will range from $838 to $1,295.
How long will it take to ship my car from Oakland to Seattle?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 801 miles from Oakland to Seattle. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Oakland to Seattle?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Oakland to Seattle. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Oakland to Seattle?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Oakland to Seattle than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 801-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
 
                                             
                                             
                                             
         
                 
                 45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
        
                                
                45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US            
        
                     4600 Malat St, Oakland, CA 94601 US
        
                                
                4600 Malat St, Oakland, CA 94601 US            
        
                     39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA 94560 US
        
                                
                39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA 94560 US            
        
                     
            