Kentucky to California Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,307 miles from Kentucky to California typically falls between $1,255 and $1,936. The process usually takes five–thirteen days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Kentucky 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 Kentucky to California car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Kentucky to California:
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Kentucky
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Kentucky who can get your vehicle to California:
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Louisville Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Safe Way Auto Transport, LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Highway Express Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Jack Cooper Transport
6709 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Louisville Auto Shipping Group
9900 Corporate Campus Dr #3000, Louisville, KY 40223 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-kentucky/louisville
3.56 / 5.0
Customers have reported a positive experience with Louisville Auto Shipping Group, highlighting their excellent communication and customer focus. However, there were significant concerns regarding the professionalism of a transport coordinator, which detracted from the overall experience.
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Safe Way Auto Transport, LLC
501 Lake Shore Dr, Kuttawa, KY 42055 US
safewayautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Safe Way Auto Transport generally receives positive feedback for its excellent communication, timely vehicle delivery, and overall professional service. However, some customers have reported issues with missed pickups and unresponsive customer support, leading to significant frustration and unsatisfactory experiences.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2232026
Ceva Logistics
6712 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the friendly staff and timely offloading services. However, issues with delivery reliability, slow check-in processes, and poor communication have been highlighted.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
Highway Express Inc
1800 E Blue Lick Rd, Suite 7, Shepherdsville, KY 40165 US
highwayexpressinc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Kentucky to California
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Kentucky 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.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 2,307 miles to your car on the trip from Kentucky to California. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Kentucky 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.
Kentucky 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 Kentucky and California. The average travel distance is about 2,307 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from five to thirteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to California
| From Kentucky to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY to Los Angeles, CA | $1,217 – $2,038 | 2,085 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Louisville, KY to San Diego, CA | $1,318 – $1,932 | 2,106 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Louisville, KY to San Jose, CA | $1,229 – $2,017 | 2,340 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Louisville, KY to Bakersfield, CA | $1,217 – $1,992 | 2,100 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Louisville, KY to San Francisco, CA | $1,267 – $2,139 | 2,312 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to California
| From Kentucky to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington, KY to Los Angeles, CA | $1,217 – $2,072 | 2,158 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Lexington, KY to San Diego, CA | $1,217 – $1,972 | 2,180 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Lexington, KY to San Jose, CA | $1,331 – $2,112 | 2,418 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Lexington, KY to Bakersfield, CA | $1,204 – $1,972 | 2,174 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Lexington, KY to San Francisco, CA | $1,229 – $2,099 | 2,385 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bowling Green, KY to California
| From Kentucky to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY to Los Angeles, CA | $1,254 – $2,038 | 2,066 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to San Diego, CA | $1,317 – $1,999 | 2,083 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to San Jose, CA | $1,331 – $1,936 | 2,322 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to Bakersfield, CA | $1,317 – $2,019 | 2,081 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bowling Green, KY to San Francisco, CA | $1,306 – $2,139 | 2,340 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Owensboro, KY to California
| From Kentucky to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owensboro, KY to Los Angeles, CA | $1,229 – $1,901 | 2,035 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Owensboro, KY to San Diego, CA | $1,192 – $1,940 | 2,019 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Owensboro, KY to San Jose, CA | $1,225 – $1,957 | 2,296 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Owensboro, KY to Bakersfield, CA | $1,204 – $1,882 | 2,050 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Owensboro, KY to San Francisco, CA | $1,289 – $1,917 | 2,262 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Covington, KY to California
| From Kentucky to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covington, KY to Los Angeles, CA | $1,331 – $1,912 | 2,177 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Covington, KY to San Diego, CA | $1,217 – $2,072 | 2,161 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Covington, KY to San Jose, CA | $1,306 – $1,956 | 2,398 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Covington, KY to Bakersfield, CA | $1,204 – $2,012 | 2,192 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Covington, KY to San Francisco, CA | $1,216 – $2,058 | 2,367 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Kentucky 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 Kentucky to California you should expect to pay between $1,569 and $2,420.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Kentucky to California
When transporting your vehicle from the Bluegrass State to the Golden State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to California.
- Distance and route: The route from Kentucky to California is about 2,307 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Kentucky in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Kentucky and California may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Kentucky to California takes five–thirteen days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in California, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- 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 Kentucky
More than 4.5 million people call Kentucky home. Nicknamed the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kentucky rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Kentucky to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Kentucky 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 Kentucky.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
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 Kentucky to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Kentucky to California is about 2,307 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take five to thirteen days to travel from Kentucky to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Kentucky 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 Kentucky to California?
Shipping a car from Kentucky to California costs $1,255 to $1,936.
