($1,081) Cost to ship a car from Wichita, KS to San Diego, CA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,081 to $1,539 to ship your car 1,363 miles from Wichita, Kansas, to San Diego, California. 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.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Diego to Wichita 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 Wichita to San Diego car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Wichita to San Diego:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Wichita
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Wichita, KS:
- Oklohoma City Auto Shipping Group: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Kansas City Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 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 KS to CA
Getting your car from Wichita to San Diego can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Wichita to San Diego, 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 several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,363-mile journey from Wichita to San Diego could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Kansas 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 Wichita to San Diego. 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 San Diego 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 Wichita to San Diego car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Wichita to San Diego, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Wichita to San Diego, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Wichita 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 San Diego, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Wichita 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 San Diego will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 1,363 miles from Wichita to San Diego is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Kansas.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Wichita and San Diego.
Wichita experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Wichita often experiences severe weather with thunderstorms occurring frequently during the spring and summer. These occasionally bring large hail and frequent lightning. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid hail and lightning.
San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Wichita to San Diego during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,363-mile trip from Wichita to San Diego, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Wichita to San Diego takes between three and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Wichita and San Diego vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Wichita: Each permit has an applicable fee, the general fee schedule is described on the respective permits. Fees should be received by the City of Wichita prior to work being completed or street being used. Use of street is required for occurrences when the street, sidewalk, right-of-way, or alley is partially or completely closed by construction or staging activity. To discuss whether a use of street is appropriate for specific activities, or a specific job, please contact Traffic Engineering at 316-268-4446.
- San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.
Car insurance requirements
- Wichita: Kansas mandates car insurance for all drivers, with minimum liability coverage: $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
- San Diego: 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
- Wichita: Kansas only requires car inspections when registering an out-of-state vehicle.
- San Diego: 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
- Wichita: Kansas requires new residents to obtain a driver's license and register their vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
- San Diego: 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 Wichita to San Diego?
The cost to ship a car from Wichita, KS to San Diego, 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 Wichita to San Diego will range from $1,081 to $1,539.
How long will it take to ship my car from Wichita to San Diego?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,363 miles from Wichita to San Diego. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Wichita to San Diego?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Wichita to San Diego. 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 Wichita to San Diego?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Wichita to San Diego 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 1,363-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.
10601 S Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73170 US
1712 Main St 4th floor, Kansas City, MO 64108 US
200 Marley Rd, Kansas City, KS 66115 US
6909 W Hefner Rd Suite B19, Oklahoma City, OK 73162