Iowa to California Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,849 miles from Iowa to California ranges from $1,239 to $1,930. Expect the trip to take around three–eleven days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Iowa 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 Iowa to California car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Iowa to California:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 Iowa
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Iowa who can get your vehicle to California:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Bennett Motor Express: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nimble Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
A A All States Auto Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.58 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
Bennett Motor Express
906 W Crystal Lake Rd, Forest City, IA 50436 US
bennettmotorexpressllc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 92693
Aaall States Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.5 / 5.0
While some customers report frustrating experiences with delivery delays and a refusal to wear masks by drivers, others are satisfied with undamaged deliveries and commend the customer service provided by the office staff and drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2230973
Nimble Inc
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US
nimbleinc.net
3.5 / 5.0
Nimble, Inc. is faced with serious concern regarding business practices, particularly around unpaid freight charges and customer service experiences. While there are some positive comments about their staff, numerous reviews highlight major issues related to financial responsibility and operational difficulties during service deliveries.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2245757
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Iowa to California
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Iowa for a move to California, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,849 miles to your vehicle on the route from Iowa to California. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Iowa to California. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Iowa to California auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Iowa and California. The average travel distance is about 1,849 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to California
| From Iowa to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,244 – $1,637 | 1,683 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA | $1,226 – $1,815 | 1,744 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Des Moines, IA to San Jose, CA | $1,315 – $1,818 | 1,827 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,172 – $1,637 | 1,698 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA | $1,177 – $1,708 | 1,795 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to California
| From Iowa to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,315 – $1,855 | 1,801 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to San Diego, CA | $1,264 – $1,855 | 1,863 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to San Jose, CA | $1,270 – $1,908 | 1,946 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,327 – $1,949 | 1,817 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to San Francisco, CA | $1,308 – $1,889 | 1,914 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to California
| From Iowa to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,251 – $1,837 | 1,852 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Davenport, IA to San Diego, CA | $1,219 – $2,006 | 1,913 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Davenport, IA to San Jose, CA | $1,296 – $1,928 | 1,996 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Davenport, IA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,289 – $1,874 | 1,867 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Davenport, IA to San Francisco, CA | $1,321 – $1,967 | 1,964 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to California
| From Iowa to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,093 – $1,627 | 1,578 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux City, IA to San Diego, CA | $1,184 – $1,620 | 1,640 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux City, IA to San Jose, CA | $1,226 – $1,797 | 1,723 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,127 – $1,692 | 1,594 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux City, IA to San Francisco, CA | $1,196 – $1,773 | 1,691 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to California
| From Iowa to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,251 – $1,850 | 1,796 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Iowa City, IA to San Diego, CA | $1,315 – $1,930 | 1,858 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Iowa City, IA to San Jose, CA | $1,347 – $1,889 | 1,941 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,226 – $1,874 | 1,812 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA | $1,321 – $2,045 | 1,909 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to California
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Iowa to California usually runs between $1,549 and $2,413.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to California
If you’re shipping a car from the Hawkeye State to the Golden State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to California.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to California spans about 1,849 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Iowa, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Iowa and California.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Iowa to California should take between three and eleven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to California, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: 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: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Additional taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Iowa
More than 3.2 million people call Iowa home. Nicknamed the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
Transporting your vehicle to California
About 39.0 million people are living in the Golden State. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in California?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Iowa and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to California, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, which you should verify before loading your car in Iowa.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to California is about 1,849 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from Iowa to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to California after purchasing it.
You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to California is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Iowa to California?
Shipping a car from Iowa to California costs $1,239 to $1,930.
