Illinois to California Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,083 miles from Illinois to California ranges from $1,343 to $2,017 and takes four–twelve days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Illinois 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 Illinois to California car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Illinois 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 Illinois
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Illinois can deliver your vehicle to California:
- Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: 3.92 out of 5 stars
- Dispatchray: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Chicago Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- BKK TRANSPORT: 3.72 out of 5 stars
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525 US
van3autotransport.com
3.92 / 5.0
Van3 Auto Transport receives praise for its excellent customer service, prompt vehicle delivery, and competitive pricing. However, several customers reported serious issues, including delayed pickups, vehicle damage during transport, and lack of communication from the company, leading to significant frustration.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2511788
Dispatchray
6109 Jovic Ct, La Grange, IL 60525 US
dispatchray.com
3.8 / 5.0
Customers express strong satisfaction with Dispatch Ray, highlighting excellent communication, competitive pricing, and a professional approach in transporting vehicles. They detail positive experiences with knowledgeable staff and timely deliveries throughout various transport needs. However, there were no significant issues reported by clients, with many indicating no hidden fees or surprises in the process.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2490936
Alternative Business Names
- USA Auto Carrier Incorporated
Karma Auto Transport
901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US
karmaautotransport.com
3.78 / 5.0
Karma Auto Transport is known for its excellent service and reliability. Customers frequently commend their professionalism, quick communication, and affordable pricing. However, there are complaints regarding payment issues for transporters and some unexpected delivery hassles, which raised concerns about their overall accountability.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2882553
Chicago Auto Shipping Group
625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1000 PMB 165, Chicago, IL 60611 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-illinois/chicago
3.76 / 5.0
Customers generally report a high level of satisfaction with Auto Shipping Group's services, highlighting exceptional customer service and efficient, timely car transport. However, some negative experiences include issues with communication and unexpected pricing changes.
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
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
BKK TRANSPORT
77 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 US
bkktransport.com
3.72 / 5.0
BKK Transport is appreciated for competitive pricing, effective communication, and timely vehicle delivery. However, some customers report issues with late deliveries, poor contractor reliability, and unexpected extra charges.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2248306
Alternative Business Names
- BKK Transport & Brokerage, Inc
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 Illinois to California
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Illinois to California, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 2,083 extra miles on your car to travel from Illinois to California. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Illinois to California is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Illinois to California auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Illinois and California. The trip typically spans 2,083 miles and takes about four–twelve days.
Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to California
| From Illinois to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA | $1,304 – $2,058 | 2,015 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA | $1,278 – $2,120 | 2,076 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA | $1,291 – $2,175 | 2,159 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Chicago, IL to Bakersfield, CA | $1,264 – $2,140 | 2,030 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA | $1,344 – $2,196 | 2,127 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aurora, IL to California
| From Illinois to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, IL to Los Angeles, CA | $1,272 – $2,069 | 1,979 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Aurora, IL to San Diego, CA | $1,383 – $2,079 | 2,041 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Aurora, IL to San Jose, CA | $1,331 – $2,029 | 2,124 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Aurora, IL to Bakersfield, CA | $1,324 – $1,990 | 1,995 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Aurora, IL to San Francisco, CA | $1,383 – $2,017 | 2,091 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Joliet, IL to California
| From Illinois to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet, IL to Los Angeles, CA | $1,350 – $1,872 | 1,990 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Joliet, IL to San Diego, CA | $1,383 – $2,037 | 2,052 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Joliet, IL to San Jose, CA | $1,384 – $1,987 | 2,134 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Joliet, IL to Bakersfield, CA | $1,383 – $2,037 | 2,005 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Joliet, IL to San Francisco, CA | $1,371 – $2,175 | 2,102 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Naperville, IL to California
| From Illinois to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, IL to Los Angeles, CA | $1,363 – $1,931 | 1,989 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Naperville, IL to San Diego, CA | $1,291 – $2,017 | 2,050 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Naperville, IL to San Jose, CA | $1,318 – $2,113 | 2,133 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Naperville, IL to Bakersfield, CA | $1,278 – $2,037 | 2,004 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Naperville, IL to San Francisco, CA | $1,398 – $2,134 | 2,101 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rockford, IL to California
| From Illinois to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, IL to Los Angeles, CA | $1,350 – $2,030 | 1,967 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Rockford, IL to San Diego, CA | $1,330 – $2,017 | 2,029 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Rockford, IL to San Jose, CA | $1,371 – $2,029 | 2,112 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Rockford, IL to Bakersfield, CA | $1,246 – $2,069 | 1,982 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Rockford, IL to San Francisco, CA | $1,264 – $2,099 | 2,079 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Illinois to California
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Illinois to California you should expect to pay between $1,679 and $2,521.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Illinois to California
When moving your vehicle from the Land of Lincoln to the Golden State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Illinois to California.
- Distance and route: The route from Illinois to California is about 2,083 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Illinois more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Illinois and California.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within four–twelve days, but expedited options cost more.
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 Illinois
More than 12.5 million people call Illinois home. Nicknamed the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
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 Illinois 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 Illinois and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Illinois to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Illinois 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 Illinois.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per 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 Illinois to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Illinois to California is about 2,083 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take four to twelve days to travel from Illinois to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
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 Illinois, 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 Illinois, 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 Illinois 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 Illinois and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois 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 Illinois to California?
Shipping a car from Illinois to California costs $1,343 to $2,017.
