($1,298) Cost to ship a car from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Clarita, CA

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,924 miles from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Santa Clarita, California, generally falls between $1,298 and $2,050. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Clarita to Minneapolis car shipping guide.

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Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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  • 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
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The best Minneapolis to Santa Clarita car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita:

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
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
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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
read our full review
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
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Minneapolis

If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Minneapolis, MN:

  1. Auto Driveaway: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  3. Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Express Auto Transport Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Auto Driveaway

4570 West 77th Street, Suite 215, Edina, MN 55435 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0

Reviews highlight significant issues regarding the company's service and staff behavior, with many customers expressing strong dissatisfaction. However, there are also individual accounts of positive interactions with specific employees who provided helpful support.

Get a Quote (612) 728-9200

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • MWW Ltd.

Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group

80 S 8th St Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55402 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

Overall, the company receives high praise for its vehicle shipping services, particularly for the excellence in customer service and communication provided by employees such as Felicia Williams and Jason Brackens. Felicia is repeatedly mentioned for her outstanding communication, ensuring customers are well-informed throughout the shipping process. Similarly, Jason is lauded for his proactive updates and excellent customer service. Common themes across the reviews include the efficiency of the shipping process, vehicles arriving in good condition, and the process being smoother and more affordable than expected. Customer satisfaction is evidently high, with many praising the company's reliability and professionalism. The four most frequent sentences that encapsulate the positive experiences shared by customers are likely to include commendations of the exceptional service provided by Felicia and Jason, the smoothness of the transportation process, and the condition of the vehicles upon arrival.

Get a Quote (612) 268-2337

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Ceva Logistics

3169 Dodd Rd, St Paul, MN 55121 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (651) 675-4000

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

Express Auto Transport Inc

22015 Canton Ct, Farmington, MN 55024 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Express Auto Transport offers knowledgeable service with mechanics like Tony, but customer safety and accountability of drivers are major concerns as reported by some customers.

Get a Quote (952) 403-9778

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Global Auto Transportation

1620 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 803-0501

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

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 MN to CA

If you’re planning a move from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

When relocating from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita, 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 lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,924-mile drive from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.

Use a driving service

If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Minnesota to California. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita—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 Minneapolis to Santa Clarita car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When it comes to moving your car from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Minneapolis is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Santa Clarita will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.

Distance and route

To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,924 miles from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Minnesota.

Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.

The time of the year

Both seasonal trends and local weather in Minneapolis and Santa Clarita can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

Minneapolis has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Minneapolis experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, and fog. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.

Santa Clarita experiences hot, very dry summers and cool winters with moderate precipitation.

High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita 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 1,924-mile trip from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita takes between three and eleven days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.

Comparing Minneapolis and Santa Clarita vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Minneapolis: In Minneapolis, moving trucks may require a parking permit if parked on the street and obstruct traffic or parking spaces for an extended period. You can apply for temporary "No Parking" signs to reserve a space for your moving truck, but this must be done at least 7 business days in advance. Additionally, if you need to park in metered spaces, you can request to have the meters hooded at a rate of $25 per meter per day. Specific requirements and applications can be handled through the Minneapolis Public Works department.
  • Santa Clarita: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved

Car insurance requirements

  • Minneapolis: Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.
  • Santa Clarita: 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

  • Minneapolis: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
  • Santa Clarita: 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

  • Minneapolis: In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.
  • Santa Clarita: 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 Minneapolis to Santa Clarita?

The cost to ship a car from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Clarita, 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 Minneapolis to Santa Clarita will range from $1,298 to $2,050.

How long will it take to ship my car from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita?

It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,924 miles from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita. 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 Minneapolis to Santa Clarita?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Minneapolis to Santa Clarita 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 1,924-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 Minneapolis resources