($671) Cost to ship a car from Reno, NV to Los Angeles, CA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 472 miles from Reno, Nevada, to Los Angeles, California, generally falls between $671 and $929. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles to Reno 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
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- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Reno to Los Angeles car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Reno to Los Angeles:
- 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 Reno
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Reno, NV:
- Safe Auto Transport Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Angels Moving Autos: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Shipping Experts: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Connex: 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 NV to CA
Getting your car from Reno to Los Angeles 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 Reno to Los Angeles, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 472 miles from Reno to Los Angeles 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Nevada to California. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Reno to Los Angeles carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Los Angeles 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 Reno to Los Angeles car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Reno to Los Angeles can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Reno to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Reno will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Los Angeles than a compact car.
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 472 miles from Reno to Los Angeles will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Nevada.
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
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Reno and Los Angeles often affect the cost of auto transport.
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.
The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Reno to Los Angeles in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 472-mile drive between Reno and Los Angeles, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Reno to Los Angeles takes between one and four days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Reno and Los Angeles vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Los Angeles: If the pick-up or drop-off location is in a place where it is difficult to find a parking spot, you have two options for getting a parking permit for the moving truck. 1. Get in touch with the city office or department and get a permit and sign from them – “Temporary No Parking”. Usually these cost $10-60. Every city has its own requirements and procedures for granting permits. 2. Contact the company, which provides a service for installing “Temporary No Parking”. Such a sign usually cost about $250. Oversize vehicle parking permits may be purchased either by mail or in person at one of four Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Public Service Centers. Permits are issued to Los Angeles residents for a fee of $10.00 per day and may be purchased for up to three days at a time.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Los Angeles: 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
- Reno: The State of Nevada requires yearly vehicle emissions and VIN tests.
- Los Angeles: 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
- 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.
- Los Angeles: 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 Reno to Los Angeles?
The cost to ship a car from Reno, NV to Los Angeles, 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 Reno to Los Angeles will range from $671 to $929.
How long will it take to ship my car from Reno to Los Angeles?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 472 miles from Reno to Los Angeles. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Reno to Los Angeles?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Reno to Los Angeles. 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 Reno to Los Angeles?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Reno to Los Angeles 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 472-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.
6901 28th St, North Highlands, CA 95660 US
7551 14th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95820 US
1281 Terminal Way # 202, Reno, NV 89502 US