($1,161) Cost to ship a car from Wichita, KS to San Francisco, CA

Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,676 miles from Wichita, Kansas, to San Francisco, California, will run you about $1,161 to $1,705. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with 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 San Francisco to Wichita car shipping guide.

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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 Francisco 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 Francisco:

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
Licensedcheckmark
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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 Wichita

If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Wichita, KS:

  1. Oklohoma City Auto Shipping Group: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  2. Kansas City Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  4. Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Oklohoma City Auto Shipping Group

10601 S Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73170 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise the professionalism, communication, and affordability of the service provided by the Oklahoma City Auto Shipping Group. Agents like Arnold, Felicia, and Melia are frequently mentioned for their responsive and helpful assistance. While most reviews are highly positive, some customers had concerns regarding the upfront payment structure, reflecting their initial apprehension about a large payment before delivery.

Get a Quote (405) 666-5089

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
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Kansas City Auto Shipping Group

1712 Main St 4th floor, Kansas City, MO 64108 US

starstarstarstarstar3.66 / 5.0

Customers frequently highlight the professionalism and attentiveness of the staff, particularly mentioning Jason, Felicia, and Mandi, who provided clear communication throughout the shipping process. The efficient booking and delivery times, along with the overall excellent customer service, lead to positive experiences. Some complaints include reports of robocalls and frustrations with prior companies, but overall, most customers express high satisfaction and are likely to recommend the service to others.

Get a Quote (913) 276-4166

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
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Jack Cooper Transport

200 Marley Rd, Kansas City, KS 66115 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0
Get a Quote (913) 321-8500

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pacific Motor Trucking Co.

Speedy Car Shipping

6909 W Hefner Rd Suite B19, Oklahoma City, OK 73162

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (405) 336-3592

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior

Additional Information

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

Relocating from Wichita to San Francisco 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

On moves from Wichita to San Francisco, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 1,676 miles from Wichita to San Francisco can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.

Use a driving service

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Kansas to California. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Wichita. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to San Francisco.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to San Francisco 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 Francisco car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Wichita to San Francisco, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

You have a few different options for shipping your car from Wichita to San Francisco, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.

Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to San Francisco, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from Wichita 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 San Francisco will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 1,676 miles from Wichita to San Francisco will cost more than a shorter move within Kansas.

Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.

The time of the year

Both seasonal trends and local weather in Wichita and San Francisco can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

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 Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.

High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Wichita to San Francisco during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,676-mile trip from Wichita to San Francisco, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Wichita to San Francisco typically takes between three and nine days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Wichita and San Francisco 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 Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.

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 Francisco: 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 Francisco: 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 Francisco: 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 Francisco?

The cost to ship a car from Wichita, KS to San Francisco, 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 Francisco will range from $1,161 to $1,705.

How long will it take to ship my car from Wichita to San Francisco?

It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,676 miles from Wichita to San Francisco. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Wichita to San Francisco?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Wichita to San Francisco. 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 Francisco?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Wichita to San Francisco 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 1,676-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 Wichita resources