($452) Cost to ship a car from Reno, NV to San Francisco, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Shipping a car 218 miles from Reno, Nevada, to San Francisco, California, typically costs between $452 and $570. 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 San Francisco 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
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Reno to San Francisco car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Reno to San Francisco:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Reno
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based 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
Safe Auto Transport Inc.
6901 28th St, North Highlands, CA 95660 US
safeautotransportinc.com
3.62 / 5.0
Safe Auto Transport is highly praised for its excellent communication and timely deliveries. Customers express appreciation for professional drivers who handle vehicles with care and maintain contact throughout the process. However, feedback indicates some delays in updates and longer-than-expected transit times in specific instances.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2411467
Angels Moving Autos
3031 Stanford Ranch Rd Ste 2 #418, Rocklin, CA 95765 US
angelsmovingautos.com/call-us
3.52 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2231182
Alternative Business Names
- Relocation Angels
Shipping Experts
7551 14th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95820 US
autoshippingexperts.com
3.5 / 5.0
Shipping Experts consistently deliver outstanding service, marked by excellent communication, timely delivery, and professional drivers. While some customers did not mention any concerns, a few noted the importance of good communication throughout the vehicle transportation process.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1248482
Connex
1281 Terminal Way # 202, Reno, NV 89502 US
shipconnex.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers report a range of experiences with the company. Some praise the reliable and timely service, while others express frustration over communication issues and concerns about the company's legitimacy.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 644134
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 San Francisco 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
If you’re moving from Reno to San Francisco, 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
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 218 miles from Reno to San Francisco can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Nevada to California is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Reno to San Francisco. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to San Francisco, 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 Reno to San Francisco car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Reno to San Francisco, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Reno to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Reno. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to San Francisco will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 218 miles from Reno to San Francisco is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Nevada.
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 patterns in Reno and San Francisco 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.
San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Reno to San Francisco in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 218-mile trip from Reno to San Francisco, 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 Reno to San Francisco takes one to four days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Reno and San Francisco 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.
- San Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.
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.
- San Francisco: 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.
- San Francisco: 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.
- San Francisco: 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 San Francisco?
The cost to ship a car from Reno, NV to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco will range from $452 to $570.
How long will it take to ship my car from Reno to San Francisco?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 218 miles from Reno to San Francisco. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Reno to San Francisco?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Reno to San Francisco. 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 San Francisco?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Reno to San Francisco 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 218-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.
