($1,480) Cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Reno, NV
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 2,590 miles from Washington DC, Maryland, to Reno, Nevada, will run you about $1,480 to $2,197. 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.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Reno to Washington DC car shipping guide.
The best Washington DC to Reno car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Washington DC to Reno:
- 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
- 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 Washington DC
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Washington DC, MD:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Capital Exports Inc: 3.5 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
- Washington DC Auto Transport: 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 NV
Getting your car from Washington DC to Reno 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
When relocating from Washington DC to Reno, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,590-mile trip from Washington DC to Reno 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
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Maryland to Nevada. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Washington DC. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Reno.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Reno, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Washington DC to Reno car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Washington DC to Reno, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Washington DC to Reno, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Washington DC are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Reno? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Washington DC has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Reno will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 2,590 miles from Washington DC to Reno is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Maryland.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Washington DC and Reno.
Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
Reno experiences very hot summer and very cold winter. If you're looking to relocate, consider the months of June, September and May as these months have favorable weather. December and January are the least comfortable months.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Washington DC to Reno during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,590-mile trip from Washington DC to Reno, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Washington DC to Reno takes seven to fifteen days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Washington DC and Reno vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Washington DC: The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per day.
- Reno: Make sure to check with the City of Reno for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
Car insurance requirements
- Washington DC: 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.
- Reno: Nevada law mandates drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $20,000 for property damage, ensuring financial responsibility in case of accidents. Stay compliant for legal and financial protection.
Vehicle inspections
- Washington DC: 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.
- Reno: The State of Nevada requires yearly vehicle emissions and VIN tests.
Driver’s license
- Washington DC: 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.
- Reno: To obtain a driver's license in Nevada as a new resident, you must apply for it in-person at a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in Nevada.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Washington DC to Reno?
The cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Reno, NV 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 Washington DC to Reno will range from $1,480 to $2,197.
How long will it take to ship my car from Washington DC to Reno?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,590 miles from Washington DC to Reno. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Washington DC to Reno?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Washington DC to Reno. 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 Washington DC to Reno?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Washington DC to Reno 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 2,590-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.
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