($1,504) Cost to ship a car from New Haven, CT to San Francisco, CA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,980 miles from New Haven, Connecticut, to San Francisco, California, ranges from $1,504 to $2,532. 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
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Francisco to New Haven car shipping guide.

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

  • Founded in 2015
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The best New Haven to San Francisco car shipping companies

Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from New Haven to San Francisco:

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 New Haven

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

  1. Plycon Transportation Group: 3.98 out of 5 stars
  2. New York City Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  3. A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  4. East Side Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Plycon Transportation Group

280 Indian Head Rd, Kings Park, NY 11754 US

starstarstarstarstar3.98 / 5.0

Plycon Transportation Group receives high praise for its exceptional service and professionalism when moving household items as well as vehicles. Customers appreciate the seamless, stress-free process and the care taken with belongings, often highlighting the excellent communication and responsiveness of the customer service team. While one review mentioned an issue with cars arriving dirty, the overall sentiment showcases a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Get a Quote (631) 269-7000

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • AAA

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Plycon Van Lines Inc.

New York City Auto Shipping Group

44 Wall St F12, New York, NY 10005 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0

Customers consistently praised the excellent customer service, timely communication, and stress-free delivery experiences provided by the company. However, a few mentioned some initial delays during the setup process.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

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
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC

65 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT 06905 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

A-AAA Auto Transport LLC provides efficient and professional vehicle transportation services, with prompt pickups and timely deliveries. Customers consistently praise the good communication from the staff throughout the shipping process. However, issues have arisen regarding damage accountability, a lack of updates during transportation, and inconsistent driver behavior. While many clients report a smooth transfer of their vehicles in excellent condition, some express frustration over customer service particularly when things go wrong, suggesting room for improvement.

Get a Quote (888) 821-9645

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

East Side Auto Transport

6 Research Pkwy, Wallingford, CT 06492 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the professionalism and timely service provided by the company, especially in vehicle transportation. However, concerns have been raised regarding excessive gas prices and reckless driving behavior by their drivers.

Get a Quote (203) 269-1539

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports

Additional Information

Vehicle Transport Services

71 Raymond Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (860) 400-2256

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles

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 CT to CA

When you’re moving from New Haven to San Francisco, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from New Haven to San Francisco, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,980 miles from New Haven to San Francisco can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.

Use a driving service

Having a driver transport your car from Connecticut to California is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from New Haven to San Francisco. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to San Francisco 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 New Haven to San Francisco car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from New Haven to San Francisco, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When shipping your car from New Haven to San Francisco, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from New Haven are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to San Francisco? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from New Haven. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to San Francisco will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.

Distance and route

Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 2,980 miles from New Haven to San Francisco will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Connecticut.

Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.

The time of the year

Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both New Haven and San Francisco.

Best months to move to New Haven are June, September and August as these are the best months with tolerable weather. January and February are the least comfortable months as these are the coldest months.

San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.

During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from New Haven to San Francisco during these times can be more expensive.

Fuel prices

Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 2,980 miles between New Haven and San Francisco, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from New Haven to San Francisco is seven to fifteen days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing New Haven and San Francisco vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • New Haven: Check with the City of New Haven for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to New Haven.
  • San Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.

Car insurance requirements

  • New Haven: The basic car insurance requirements in the state of Connecticut is as follow: Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
  • San Francisco: 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

  • New Haven: In Connecticut, all vehicles must undergo an emissions inspection every two years, with a few exceptions. Additionally, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection, which confirms the vehicle's identity, is required when registering the vehicle in the state.
  • San Francisco: 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

  • New Haven: As a new resident of Connecticut, you must obtain a Connecticut driver's license within 30 days. Residency is defined as living in the state for over 6 months in a year.
  • San Francisco: 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 New Haven to San Francisco?

The cost to ship a car from New Haven, CT to San Francisco, 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 New Haven to San Francisco will range from $1,504 to $2,532.

How long will it take to ship my car from New Haven to San Francisco?

It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,980 miles from New Haven to San Francisco. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from New Haven to San Francisco?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from New Haven to San Francisco. 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 New Haven to San Francisco?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from New Haven to San Francisco 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 2,980-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 New Haven resources