($605) Cost to ship a car from Atlanta, GA to Tampa, FL
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $605 to $857 to ship your car 455 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, to Tampa, Florida. 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tampa to Atlanta car shipping guide.
Our track record
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 Atlanta to Tampa car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Atlanta to Tampa:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Atlanta
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Atlanta, GA:
- Bennett Secured Transport Llc: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Bennett Motor Express Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Cheap Auto Trans: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 GA to FL
If you’re relocating from Atlanta to Tampa, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Atlanta to Tampa, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 455 miles from Atlanta to Tampa might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Georgia to Florida. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Atlanta to Tampa carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Tampa—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 Atlanta to Tampa car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Atlanta to Tampa can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Atlanta to Tampa, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Atlanta 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 Tampa, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Atlanta 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 Tampa will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 455 miles from Atlanta to Tampa will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Georgia.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Atlanta and Tampa often affect the cost of auto transport.
Atlanta has hot summers and cool winters. It's unlikely that the weather will delay your move but prepare for the weather ahead of move day since moving typically requires spending many hours outdoors.
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 Atlanta to Tampa in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 455 miles between Atlanta and Tampa, 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 Atlanta to Tampa is one to four days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Atlanta and Tampa vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Atlanta: Although you don't need a specific permit for your move in Atlanta, you may need to apply for a parking permit if you'll need to occupy public space for your move day.
- 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
- Atlanta: Georgia mandates drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also obligatory, with a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, including deductible options.
- 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
- Atlanta: New residents in Georgia must register their vehicles with the County Tag Office where they reside. To do so, they must first have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID, which can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. New residents may need to appear in person at the County Tag Office, although rules vary.
- Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Atlanta: New Georgia residents must obtain a Georgia Driver's License within 30 days and can do so by visiting a Customer Service Center and transferring their out-of-state license.
- 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 Atlanta to Tampa?
The cost to ship a car from Atlanta, GA 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 Atlanta to Tampa will range from $605 to $857.
How long will it take to ship my car from Atlanta to Tampa?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 455 miles from Atlanta to Tampa. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Atlanta to Tampa?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Atlanta 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 Atlanta to Tampa?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Atlanta 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 455-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.
1001 Industrial Pkwy, Mcdonough, GA 30253 US
1001 Industrial Pkwy, Mcdonough, GA 30253 US
3485 N Desert Dr # 2110, Atlanta, GA 30344 US
4555 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 US