($599) Cost to ship a car from Baltimore, MD to Boston, MA
Quick answer: Shipping a car 403 miles from Baltimore, Maryland, to Boston, Massachusetts, typically costs between $599 and $820. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Boston to Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Boston car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Baltimore to Boston:
- 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
- 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 Baltimore
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Baltimore, MD:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Jdf International Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- All State to State Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Montage Transport & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 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 MD to MA
Getting your car from Baltimore to Boston 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
On moves from Baltimore to Boston, 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
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 403-mile trip from Baltimore to Boston could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Maryland to Massachusetts. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Baltimore to Boston carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Boston—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 Baltimore to Boston car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Baltimore to Boston can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Baltimore to Boston, 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 Boston, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Baltimore 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 Boston 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 403 miles from Baltimore to Boston will cost more than a shorter move within Maryland.
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
The time of year and weather conditions in Baltimore and Boston play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Baltimore has long hot summers, cool winters, and a summer peak to annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are warm, with spring being the wettest season in terms of the number of precipitation days.
Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Baltimore to Boston in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 403-mile drive between Baltimore and Boston, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Baltimore to Boston usually takes one–four days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Baltimore and Boston vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Baltimore: A moving permit is required when relocating a building to a new lot or different section of the existing lot.
- Boston: A permit for your moving truck is not required by the City of Boston, but it guarantees you a parking spot to avoid parking tickets. A one-day permit for a moving truck that needs two metered spaces would be about $110.
Car insurance requirements
- Baltimore: 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.
- Boston: Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.
Vehicle inspections
- Baltimore: 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.
- Boston: Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.
Driver’s license
- Baltimore: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
- Boston: As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Baltimore to Boston?
The cost to ship a car from Baltimore, MD to Boston, MA 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 Baltimore to Boston will range from $599 to $820.
How long will it take to ship my car from Baltimore to Boston?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 403 miles from Baltimore to Boston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Baltimore to Boston?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Baltimore to Boston. 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 Baltimore to Boston?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Baltimore to Boston 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 403-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.
210 E Lexington St #100, Baltimore, MD 21202 US
1301 York Road Suite 800, Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093 US
4 Dwelling House Ct, Catonsville, MD 21228 US
1530 Wilson Blvd # 650, Arlington, VA 22209 US
6710 Baymeadow Dr, Glen Burnie, MD 21060 US