($939) Cost to ship a car from Hartford, CT to Tampa, FL

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,249 miles from Hartford, Connecticut, to Tampa, Florida, generally falls between $939 and $1,467. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.

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

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tampa to Hartford 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
  • 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 Hartford to Tampa car shipping companies

Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Hartford to Tampa:

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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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
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 Hartford

If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Hartford, CT:

  1. Fox Auto Transport: 3.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Executive Auto Transport LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  3. Scott Transportation Inc: 3.5 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

Fox Auto Transport

150 Pleasant St Suite 209, Easthampton, MA 01027 US

starstarstarstarstar3.86 / 5.0

Fox Auto Transport is praised for its excellent customer service, efficient transportation, and reliable communication throughout the process. Many customers have specifically highlighted Patrick and Paul for their professionalism and attention to detail. However, some users reported fluctuating prices and occasional scheduling issues, leading to frustration for a few customers.

Get a Quote (617) 933-8912

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

Executive Auto Transport LLC

58 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise Executive Auto Transport for their excellent service, timely delivery, and professional staff. Many express their satisfaction with the affordable pricing, clear communication, and care shown for their vehicles during transport. However, a few negative reviews highlight issues such as delays and poor communication from certain drivers, which led to stressful experiences for some clients.

Get a Quote (774) 304-1197

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

Scott Transportation Inc

95 Rye St, Broad Brook, CT 06016

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise the exceptional customer service provided by the owner and staff, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere and professional approach from team members like Andy, Tom, and Wayne. There are no significant negative comments reported.

Get a Quote (207) 473-0063

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Multi-car transport

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 FL

Getting your car from Hartford to Tampa can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.

Coordinate with your movers

When relocating from Hartford to Tampa, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 1,249 miles from Hartford to Tampa 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 Florida is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Hartford to Tampa. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Tampa, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting Hartford to Tampa car shipping costs

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

Transport method

You have a few different options for shipping your car from Hartford to Tampa, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.

Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Tampa, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Hartford is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Tampa will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.

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 1,249 miles from Hartford to Tampa is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Connecticut.

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 Hartford and Tampa often affect the cost of auto transport.

June, August and September are the best months if you're considering to move to Hartford. Seasonally, the period from May through October is warm to hot in Hartford. Winters are cold, with periods of snow, while summers are warm to hot and humid. Spring and fall are normally transition seasons, with weather ranging from mild to cool.

Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.

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

Fuel prices

Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,249-mile journey from Hartford to Tampa makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Hartford to Tampa is two to eight days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing Hartford and Tampa vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Hartford: There are paid parking around Hartford that would require you to have an app. Kindly check with the City of Hartford for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Hartford.
  • Tampa: Permits are only valid at on-street, unrestricted parking spaces (not to exceed four hours). Not valid at Load/Unload, Freight Zone, No-Park or Handicapped spaces. The vehicle tag number will serve as your permit credential. Permits issued to Federal, State, County and City vehicles may be valid for up to one (1) calendar year at a cost of $156.00 per permit. Permits issued to public utility companies will be valid for a maximum of six (6) months at a cost of $117.00 per permit.

Car insurance requirements

  • Hartford: 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
  • Tampa: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.

Vehicle inspections

  • Hartford: 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.
  • Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.

Driver’s license

  • Hartford: 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.
  • Tampa: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Hartford to Tampa?

The cost to ship a car from Hartford, CT to Tampa, FL 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 Hartford to Tampa will range from $939 to $1,467.

How long will it take to ship my car from Hartford to Tampa?

It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,249 miles from Hartford to Tampa. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Hartford to Tampa?

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

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Hartford to Tampa 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 1,249-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 Hartford resources