($1,265) Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Riverside, CA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,124 miles from Lexington, Kentucky, to Riverside, California, ranges from $1,265 to $2,175. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside to Lexington 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 Lexington to Riverside car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Lexington to Riverside:

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
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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
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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
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  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Lexington

Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Lexington, KY:

  1. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Louisville Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  3. Tiger Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  4. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Jack Cooper Transport

6709 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US

starstarstarstarstar3.66 / 5.0
Get a Quote (502) 425-2243

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.

Louisville Auto Shipping Group

9900 Corporate Campus Dr #3000, Louisville, KY 40223 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 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.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

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

Tiger Auto Transport

1 W Corry St, Cincinnati, OH 45219 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0

Fail to get reviews.

Get a Quote (855) 720-5244

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Xpress Auto Transport

201 E Main St suite 340, Lexington, KY 40507 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (859) 659-7012

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

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 KY to CA

If you’re relocating from Lexington to Riverside, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from Lexington to Riverside, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,124 miles from Lexington to Riverside 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

Having a driver transport your car from Kentucky to California is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Lexington to Riverside. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Riverside—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.

Factors affecting Lexington to Riverside car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Lexington to Riverside, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When it comes to moving your car from Lexington to Riverside, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.

Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Riverside, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from Lexington 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 Riverside will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 2,124 miles from Lexington to Riverside will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Kentucky.

Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.

The time of the year

Both seasonal trends and local weather in Lexington and Riverside can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods

Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.

High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Lexington to Riverside 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 2,124-mile trip from Lexington to Riverside, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Lexington to Riverside is four to twelve days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing Lexington and Riverside vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
  • Riverside:

Car insurance requirements

  • Lexington: 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.
  • Riverside: 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

  • Lexington: 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.
  • Riverside: 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

  • Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
  • Riverside: 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 Lexington to Riverside?

The cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Riverside, 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 Lexington to Riverside will range from $1,265 to $2,175.

How long will it take to ship my car from Lexington to Riverside?

It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,124 miles from Lexington to Riverside. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lexington to Riverside?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lexington to Riverside. 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 Lexington to Riverside?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Lexington to Riverside 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 2,124-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 Lexington resources