($787) Cost to ship a car from St. Petersburg, FL to Arlington, VA

Quick answer: Expect to pay around $787 to $1,322 to ship your car 921 miles from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Arlington, Virginia. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use 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 Arlington to St. Petersburg car shipping guide.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 St. Petersburg to Arlington car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from St. Petersburg to Arlington:

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

Top local car shippers in St. Petersburg

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

  1. Shiping-My-Car.Com: 3.88 out of 5 stars
  2. Shaughnessy Overland Express: 3.7 out of 5 stars
  3. Simple Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Car Shipping Carriers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Shiping-My-Car.Com

2410 Se Issac Rd, Port St Lucie, FL 34952 US

starstarstarstarstar3.88 / 5.0

Suncoast Auto Transport receives accolades for excellent customer service, great communication, and competitive pricing. However, several reviewers criticized their reliability, delayed pickups, and additional unexpected costs.

Get a Quote (800) 568-5970

Services Offered

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

Additional Information

Shaughnessy Overland Express

3845 Beck Blvd # 826, Naples, FL 34114 US

starstarstarstarstar3.7 / 5.0
Get a Quote (239) 970-0485

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Simple Car Shipping

7901 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise Drew and his team at Simple Car Shipping for their exceptional service, effective communication, and ability to manage tight timelines. Many highlight their professionalism and stress-free experience during the car shipping process. However, some customers reported issues with communication from the transport companies used, particularly regarding updates on their vehicle's status.

Get a Quote (727) 256-7849

Services Offered

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

Additional Information

Car Shipping Carriers

4030 S West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise the company for its professionalism, timely delivery, and excellent customer service. However, there are no significant negative comments reported, indicating overall satisfaction with the service provided.

Get a Quote (866) 744-2540

Services Offered

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

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Vehicle Transport Services

4201 W Watrous Ave, Tampa, FL 33629 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (866) 700-1840

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
  • Motorcycles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2249744

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 VA

Relocating from St. Petersburg to Arlington means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.

Coordinate with your movers

If you are relocating from St. Petersburg to Arlington, 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 lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 921-mile drive from St. Petersburg to Arlington 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

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Florida to Virginia is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from St. Petersburg to Arlington. 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 Arlington 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 St. Petersburg to Arlington car shipping costs

When you’re arranging vehicle transport from St. Petersburg to Arlington, keep these cost factors in mind:

Transport method

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

Open carriers from St. Petersburg 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 Arlington, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from St. Petersburg 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 Arlington will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

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 921 miles from St. Petersburg to Arlington will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Florida.

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

The time of year and weather conditions in St. Petersburg and Arlington play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

St. Petersburg has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.

Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.

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

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 921-mile drive between St. Petersburg and Arlington, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.

Delivery expectations

Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from St. Petersburg to Arlington takes two to seven days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.

Comparing St. Petersburg and Arlington vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • St. Petersburg: Effective October 29, 2021, carriers may purchase Florida trip permits online through the FLHSMV Commercial Vehicle Permit Portal. A Florida Temporary Trip Permit is valid for ten (10) days and costs $30.00. Carriers may also contact the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services at (850) 617-3711 weekdays from 8-4:30 to obtain a trip permit.
  • Arlington: Arlington county’s rate at long-term Meters is $1.25 per hour, and rate at Short-Term Meters: $1.50 per hour.

Car insurance requirements

  • St. Petersburg: 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.
  • Arlington: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.

Vehicle inspections

  • St. Petersburg: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
  • Arlington: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.

Driver’s license

  • St. Petersburg: 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.
  • Arlington: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from St. Petersburg to Arlington?

The cost to ship a car from St. Petersburg, FL to Arlington, VA 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 St. Petersburg to Arlington will range from $787 to $1,322.

How long will it take to ship my car from St. Petersburg to Arlington?

It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 921 miles from St. Petersburg to Arlington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Petersburg to Arlington?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from St. Petersburg to Arlington. 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 St. Petersburg to Arlington?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from St. Petersburg to Arlington 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 921-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 St. Petersburg resources