($1,243) Cost to ship a car from St. Paul, MN to Olympia, WA
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,708 miles from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Olympia, Washington, ranges from $1,243 to $1,877. 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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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Olympia to St. Paul 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 St. Paul to Olympia car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from St. Paul to Olympia:
- 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 St. Paul
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in St. Paul, MN:
- Auto Driveaway: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Express Auto Transport Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 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 MN to WA
If you’re planning a move from St. Paul to Olympia, 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
If you’re moving from St. Paul to Olympia, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,708 miles from St. Paul to Olympia might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Minnesota to Washington. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in St. Paul. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Olympia.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Olympia is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting St. Paul to Olympia car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from St. Paul to Olympia, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When shipping your car from St. Paul to Olympia, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from St. Paul 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 Olympia? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from St. Paul 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 Olympia will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
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 1,708 miles from St. Paul to Olympia is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Minnesota.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in St. Paul and Olympia play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
St. Paul has frigid and snowy winters, while summers are warm to hot and humid. St. Paul experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog
July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from St. Paul to Olympia in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,708-mile trip from St. Paul to Olympia, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from St. Paul to Olympia typically takes between three and nine days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing St. Paul and Olympia vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- St. Paul: Construction or commercial vehicles with special permits may park in a metered space without payment between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Those without a permanent special permit are subject to ticketing if the meter has expired. Commercial Vehicle Permits are issued by license inspectors, are numbered, and expire one year after issuance. This placard shall be placed between the driver’s side dashboard and windshield ensuring that the entire placard is visible through the windshield.
- Olympia: If you live in or near downtown, you may register your personal vehicle for on-street parking within your residential zone. Residents and visitors must be registered and parked within their zone to avoid receiving a parking citation. Make sure you are able to secure the proper permit upon moving. Please see more details here: https://www.olympiawa.gov/services/parking_services/residential_parking.php
Car insurance requirements
- St. Paul: 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.
- Olympia: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
Vehicle inspections
- St. Paul: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.
- Olympia: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
Driver’s license
- St. Paul: 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.
- Olympia: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from St. Paul to Olympia?
The cost to ship a car from St. Paul, MN to Olympia, WA 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 St. Paul to Olympia will range from $1,243 to $1,877.
How long will it take to ship my car from St. Paul to Olympia?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,708 miles from St. Paul to Olympia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Paul to Olympia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from St. Paul to Olympia. 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 St. Paul to Olympia?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from St. Paul to Olympia 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 1,708-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.
4570 West 77th Street, Suite 215, Edina, MN 55435 US
80 S 8th St Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55402 US
3169 Dodd Rd, St Paul, MN 55121 US
22015 Canton Ct, Farmington, MN 55024 US
1620 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 US