($945) Cost to ship a car from Albuquerque, NM to Irvine, CA
Quick answer: Shipping a car 784 miles from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Irvine, California, typically costs between $945 and $1,420. 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 Irvine to Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque to Irvine car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Albuquerque to Irvine:
- 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 Albuquerque
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Albuquerque, NM:
- Christa's Excellent Auto, LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- HYPERDEL Auto Shipping: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Homeland 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 NM to CA
Relocating from Albuquerque to Irvine means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Albuquerque to Irvine, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 784-mile journey from Albuquerque to Irvine could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from New Mexico to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Albuquerque to Irvine. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Irvine. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Albuquerque to Irvine car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Albuquerque to Irvine can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Albuquerque to Irvine, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Albuquerque tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Irvine, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Albuquerque 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 Irvine 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 784 miles from Albuquerque to Irvine is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within New Mexico.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Albuquerque and Irvine can impact car shipping prices.
Albuquerque's climate is usually sunny and dry. Winter typically consists of cool days and cold nights, except following passage of the strongest cold fronts and arctic airmasses when daytime temperatures remain colder than average; overnight temperatures tend to fall below freezing between about 10 pm and 8 am in the city.
Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Albuquerque to Irvine during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 784 miles between Albuquerque and Irvine, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport 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 Albuquerque to Irvine usually takes two–seven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Albuquerque and Irvine vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Albuquerque: For Renter/Tenant the following is required: Valid and current Government issued ID Card or Student ID Card Current Motor Vehicle Registration for all vehicles requiring a permit. If not the vehicle owner, please provide a hand written letter from the vehicle owner that is signed along with a copy of the owner's ID. Valid Lease or notarized letter from property owner verifying a tenant agreement Proof of residency - a current Utility Bill in your name - example: Cable, Cell phone, Electric, Gas, Internet, or a Paycheck Stub. Government correspondence or a Bank statement is also acceptable
- Irvine: The City of Irvine forbids parking in red zones or where signs prohibit same, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 6-3-573. The City of Irvine offers both annual and overnight parking permits
Car insurance requirements
- Albuquerque: Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
- Irvine: 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
- Albuquerque: Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
- Irvine: 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
- Albuquerque: To get your New Mexico driver's license, visit MVD Express with the required documents. A driver's license serves as both a legal permit to drive and an ID, so you must prove your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, an ID number such as your social security card, two forms of proof of New Mexico address.
- Irvine: 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 Albuquerque to Irvine?
The cost to ship a car from Albuquerque, NM to Irvine, 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 Albuquerque to Irvine will range from $945 to $1,420.
How long will it take to ship my car from Albuquerque to Irvine?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 784 miles from Albuquerque to Irvine. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Albuquerque to Irvine?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Albuquerque to Irvine. 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 Albuquerque to Irvine?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Albuquerque to Irvine 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 784-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.
500 Marquette Ave NW Ste 1200, Albuquerque, NM 87102 US
5505 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105 US
500 4th St NW Ste 102, Albuquerque, NM 87102 US
500 4th St NW #340, Albuquerque, NM 87102 US