Maryland to California Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,782 miles from Maryland to California usually costs between $1,430 and $2,267. Transit time is about seven–fifteen days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Maryland 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 Maryland to California car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Maryland 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 Maryland
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Maryland ready to move your vehicle to California:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Jdf International Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Right Way Auto Transport Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- S J Trucking & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- All State to State Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Baltimore Auto Shipping Group
210 E Lexington St #100, Baltimore, MD 21202 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-maryland/baltimore
3.64 / 5.0
Customers appreciate Auto Shipping Group for their excellent reliability and customer service, highlighting clear communication and professionalism. However, some feedback indicates issues with the demeanor of a customer representative.
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Jdf International Transport
1301 York Road Suite 800, Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093 US
jdftransports.com
3.58 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the affordable pricing of the products offered. While the reviews predominantly highlight this strength, more detailed feedback might provide a fuller picture of customer experiences.
Services Offered
- International shipping
- Trailers
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3156504
Right Way Auto Transport Inc
1911 East Old Philadelphia Road, Elkton, MD 21921 US
rightwayautotransport.com
3.56 / 5.0
Customers largely appreciate the professionalism, attentiveness, and friendly service provided by the team. They highlight specific individuals for their outstanding customer interaction, creating a positive buying experience. However, a serious concern was raised regarding one driver's unsafe behavior, which detracted from the company's reputation.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 355181
S J Trucking & Logistics
140 Western Maryland Pkwy Unit D, Hagerstown, MD 21740 US
sjtal.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the friendly and helpful customer service, but express frustration with long shipping times, high prices, and difficulty in contacting the company or accessing its office.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: Y0084838637
All State to State Auto Transport
4 Dwelling House Ct, Catonsville, MD 21228 US
allstatetostateautotransport.com/contact-us
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
Alternative Business Names
- Bismillah Transport, LLC
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 Maryland to California
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Maryland to California, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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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 2,782 miles to your car on the trip from Maryland to California. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Maryland to California, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Maryland to California auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Maryland and California. The typical distance is about 2,782 miles, with shipping times generally falling between seven and fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to California
| From Maryland to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC, MD to Los Angeles, CA | $1,356 – $2,271 | 2,668 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Washington DC, MD to San Diego, CA | $1,356 – $2,094 | 2,686 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Washington DC, MD to San Jose, CA | $1,401 – $2,421 | 2,843 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Washington DC, MD to Bakersfield, CA | $1,441 – $2,094 | 2,686 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Washington DC, MD to San Francisco, CA | $1,401 – $2,351 | 2,811 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Baltimore, MD to California
| From Maryland to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD to Los Angeles, CA | $1,398 – $2,315 | 2,645 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Baltimore, MD to San Diego, CA | $1,342 – $2,293 | 2,629 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Baltimore, MD to San Jose, CA | $1,505 – $2,375 | 2,846 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Baltimore, MD to Bakersfield, CA | $1,342 – $2,315 | 2,661 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Baltimore, MD to San Francisco, CA | $1,446 – $2,212 | 2,813 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Columbia, MD to California
| From Maryland to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MD to Los Angeles, CA | $1,469 – $2,160 | 2,638 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Columbia, MD to San Diego, CA | $1,455 – $2,227 | 2,622 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Columbia, MD to San Jose, CA | $1,490 – $2,444 | 2,838 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Columbia, MD to Bakersfield, CA | $1,384 – $2,227 | 2,653 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Columbia, MD to San Francisco, CA | $1,505 – $2,421 | 2,806 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Germantown, MD to California
| From Maryland to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germantown, MD to Los Angeles, CA | $1,370 – $2,182 | 2,616 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Germantown, MD to San Diego, CA | $1,398 – $2,160 | 2,637 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Germantown, MD to San Jose, CA | $1,505 – $2,305 | 2,816 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Germantown, MD to Bakersfield, CA | $1,469 – $2,138 | 2,631 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Germantown, MD to San Francisco, CA | $1,430 – $2,222 | 2,784 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Silver Spring, MD to California
| From Maryland to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Spring, MD to Los Angeles, CA | $1,469 – $2,160 | 2,634 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Silver Spring, MD to San Diego, CA | $1,483 – $2,271 | 2,656 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Silver Spring, MD to San Jose, CA | $1,431 – $2,375 | 2,834 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Silver Spring, MD to Bakersfield, CA | $1,441 – $2,205 | 2,649 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Silver Spring, MD to San Francisco, CA | $1,534 – $2,281 | 2,802 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maryland to California
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Maryland to California, expect costs to range from $1,788 to $2,834.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maryland to California
If you’re shipping a car from the Old Line State to the Golden State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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 vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to California.
- Distance and route: The route from Maryland to California is about 2,782 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Maryland around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Maryland and California.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes seven–fifteen days, while expedited service costs more.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to California means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- 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 Maryland
More than 6.2 million people call Maryland home. Nicknamed the Old Line State. Maryland has a wide array of climates, due to local variances in elevation, proximity to water, and protection from colder weather due to downslope winds. The eastern half of Maryland — which includes the cities of Ocean City, Salisbury, Annapolis, and the southern and eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore — lies on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, with flat topography and sandy or muddy soil. This region has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and a short, mild-to-cool winter
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 Maryland 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 Maryland and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maryland to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maryland 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 Maryland.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
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 Maryland to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maryland to California is about 2,782 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from Maryland to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
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 Maryland, 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 Maryland, 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 Maryland 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 Maryland and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maryland to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maryland 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 Maryland to California?
Shipping a car from Maryland to California costs $1,430 to $2,267.
