($841) Cost to ship a car from Denver, CO to Riverside, CA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 982 miles from Denver, Colorado, to Riverside, California, ranges from $841 to $1,319. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside to Denver car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Denver to Riverside car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Denver to Riverside:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Denver

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Denver, CO:

  1. UZ Auto Trans INC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
  2. Driving America Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Accelerated Services Auto: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars

UZ Auto Trans INC

6960 Smith Rd, Denver, CO 80207 US

starstarstarstarstar3.64 / 5.0

UZ Auto Trans provides efficient vehicle transport services with many customers praising their excellent communication, professionalism, and timely delivery. However, there have been significant complaints regarding vehicle damage during transit and poor customer service, particularly in claims handling and response times.

Get a Quote (303) 872-3672

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • UZ Trans, Inc.

Driving America Auto Transport

9524 Sherrelwood Ln, Littleton, CO 80126 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Driving America Auto Transport receives diverse feedback. Many reviews highlight their friendly staff, timely communication, and reliability in delivering vehicles safely. Customers appreciated the professionalism displayed by various team members. Conversely, numerous reviews pointed out significant issues, including poor customer service, delayed pickups, challenging communication during the shipping process, and claims of overly aggressive sales tactics. Several customers reported being dissatisfied with unexpected cost increases and obstacles in securing refunds, leading to overall feelings of distrust.

Get a Quote (866) 240-7648

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Accelerated Services Auto

19201 E Lincoln Ave, Parker, CO 80138 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Accelerated Services is highly regarded for its excellent customer service, prompt communication, and commitment to safety. While most reviews praise the reliability and professionalism of the team, some concerns have been raised regarding the financial strain and debt incurred during equipment breakdowns.

Get a Quote (720) 200-3100

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

Nationwide Auto Transport

1930 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Nationwide Auto Transportation garners positive feedback for its excellent driver professionalism, prompt communication, and overall reliable service. However, there are reports of significant delays, poor customer service experiences, and unprofessional behavior from some staff, leading to frustrations among customers. Many experiences highlighted issues surrounding pricing, communication mishaps, and vehicle condition upon delivery, leading to dissatisfaction for some clients. Popular acclaim often emphasizes timely and secure vehicle transport, while criticisms largely focus on service inconsistencies that affected their overall satisfaction.

Get a Quote (800) 311-7073

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Ceva Logistics

18300 E 28th Ave, Aurora, CO 80011 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers report extremely negative experiences with CEVA Logistics, citing poor customer service, late deliveries, and damaged items. However, a few users noted a satisfactory experience with delivery scheduling and friendly staff.

Get a Quote (720) 858-7304

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Storage solutions
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

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.

Car shipping alternatives from CO to CA

If you’re planning a move from Denver to Riverside, 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

If you are relocating from Denver to Riverside, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.

Drive your car

There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 982-mile trip from Denver to Riverside could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.

Use a driving service

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Colorado to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Denver to Riverside. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Riverside is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.

Factors affecting Denver to Riverside car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Denver to Riverside, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When it comes to moving your car from Denver to Riverside, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.

Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Riverside, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from Denver depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Riverside will cost significantly more to ship than a compact 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 982 miles from Denver to Riverside is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Colorado.

Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Denver and Riverside often affect the cost of auto transport.

Denver has four distinct seasons and receives most of its precipitation from April through August. Due to its inland location on the High Plains, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the region can be subject to sudden changes in weather.

Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.

When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Denver to Riverside in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 982-mile distance between Denver and Riverside and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

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 Denver to Riverside usually takes two–seven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.

Comparing Denver and Riverside vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Denver: A Parking Permit (Residential or Area) exempts a resident's vehicle from the posted, on-street parking time limit restrictions ONLY for the area within which the permit is valid. Residential Parking Permits are valid only on the block which the resident resides. The Area Permit will exempt permit holders from certain parking restrictions within a prescribed area.
  • Riverside:

Car insurance requirements

  • Denver: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
  • Riverside: 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Denver: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
  • Riverside: 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.

Driver’s license

  • Denver: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
  • Riverside: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Denver to Riverside?

The cost to ship a car from Denver, CO to Riverside, CA 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 Denver to Riverside will range from $841 to $1,319.

How long will it take to ship my car from Denver to Riverside?

It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 982 miles from Denver to Riverside. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Denver to Riverside?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Denver to Riverside. 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 Denver to Riverside?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Denver to Riverside 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 982-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.

Helpful Denver resources