($1,367) Cost to ship a car from Gainesville, FL to Santa Ana, CA

Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,407 miles from Gainesville, Florida, to Santa Ana, California, typically costs between $1,367 and $2,170. 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • 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 Santa Ana to Gainesville 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
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The best Gainesville to Santa Ana car shipping companies

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

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
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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Gainesville

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Gainesville, FL:

  1. Centurion Auto Logistics Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  2. Proficient Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. 8 Brothers Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Centurion Auto Logistics Inc

5912 New Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

The company generally offers outstanding service with friendly and professional staff, although there are significant concerns regarding reckless driver behavior causing unsafe conditions. Overall sentiment appears mixed, spotlighting fine service quality.

Get a Quote (904) 766-8500

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • ATC Logistics
  • Centurion Leasing Company
  • Nationwide Auto Transport, Inc.
  • Centurion-Eagle Auto Transport
  • Centurion Leasing Shop

Proficient Auto Transport

10057 103rd St, Jacksonville, FL 32210 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0

Customers have reported a range of experiences with Proficient Auto Transport. Many commend the company for its reliable service and professional drivers, highlighting effective communication and successful deliveries. However, negative feedback centers around issues of unprofessional driver behavior and problems with accounting practices, including delayed payments and miscommunications regarding pay rates.

Get a Quote (904) 772-1175

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Speedy Car Shipping

9951 Atlantic Blvd #322A, Jacksonville, FL 32225 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

This company offers transportation services for a wide range of vehicles, from everyday cars to elite classic and vintage vehicles. They are praised for their expert handling, care in transportation, and beneficial services for car collectors needing to move vehicles to shows. The company is highlighted for exceptional quotes and a polite team. Their website is marked for its ease of use, transparency, and accessibility, especially for after-hours quotes, with a straightforward process for obtaining free quotes. Positive personal interactions with staff, notably with someone named Max, are also noted.

Get a Quote (888) 777-4444

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior

Additional Information

8 Brothers Inc.

636 E 21st St, Jacksonville, FL 32206 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

8 Brothers Inc is praised for their professional and careful car shipping services, with exceptional communication and a high level of customer care. Customers commend the company's efficiency and attention to detail throughout the shipping process. However, some feedback may reflect challenges during peak seasons or potential difficulties securing carriers.

Get a Quote (904) 220-5119

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Ceva Logistics

11070 Cabot Commerce Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32226 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (904) 741-3997

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 FL to CA

If you’re planning a move from Gainesville to Santa Ana, 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

When relocating from Gainesville to Santa Ana, 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 2,407 miles from Gainesville to Santa Ana 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

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Florida 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 Gainesville to Santa Ana. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Santa Ana—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.

Factors affecting Gainesville to Santa Ana car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Gainesville to Santa Ana, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

If you’re moving a car from Gainesville to Santa Ana, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.

Open carriers from Gainesville 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 Santa Ana, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of Gainesville 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 Santa Ana will cost more than moving a smaller car.

Distance and route

Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 2,407 miles from Gainesville to Santa Ana will cost more than a shorter move within Florida.

Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.

The time of the year

The time of year and weather conditions in Gainesville and Santa Ana play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

April, November and October are the most pleasant months in Gainesville, while August and July are the least comfortable months.

Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Gainesville to Santa Ana in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 2,407-mile journey from Gainesville to Santa Ana makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.

Delivery expectations

Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Gainesville to Santa Ana takes five to thirteen days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.

Comparing Gainesville and Santa Ana vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Gainesville: Check with the City of Gainesville for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Gainesville.
  • Santa Ana: Guest parking permits must be filled in ink by the resident and placed on the left-hand side of the dashboard. Each guest permit is valid until noon the following day. Each guest permit can only be used once and the date may NOT be changed. Not every district has guest permits. Only residents of single family homes are eligible for guest permits.

Car insurance requirements

  • Gainesville: 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.
  • Santa Ana: 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

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

  • Gainesville: 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.
  • Santa Ana: 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 Gainesville to Santa Ana?

The cost to ship a car from Gainesville, FL to Santa Ana, 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 Gainesville to Santa Ana will range from $1,367 to $2,170.

How long will it take to ship my car from Gainesville to Santa Ana?

It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,407 miles from Gainesville to Santa Ana. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Gainesville to Santa Ana?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Gainesville to Santa Ana. 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 Gainesville to Santa Ana?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Gainesville to Santa Ana 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 2,407-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 Gainesville resources