Shipping a Car from New York to California (With 2023 Costs)

Quick Answer: The average cost to ship a car the 2914 miles from New York to California ranges from $1,504 to $2,411 and takes 7-15 days.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to New York car shipping guide.

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The average cost to ship a car from New York to California

Because the distance between New York to California is about 2914 miles, it’ll take from 7 to 15 days to complete your car shipment.

Cost to ship a car from New York City, NY to California

  • New York City to Los Angeles: $1,445 to $2,267
  • New York City to San Diego: $1,445 to $2,267
  • New York City to San Jose: $1,504 to $2,411
  • New York City to San Francisco: $1,504 to $2,411
  • New York City to Fresno: $1,504 to $2,411

Cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to California

  • Buffalo to Los Angeles: $1,358 to $2,140
  • Buffalo to San Diego: $1,358 to $2,140
  • Buffalo to San Jose: $1,413 to $2,205
  • Buffalo to San Francisco: $1,413 to $2,205
  • Buffalo to Fresno: $1,413 to $2,205

Cost to ship a car from Yonkers, NY to California

  • Yonkers to Los Angeles: $1,475 to $2,328
  • Yonkers to San Diego: $1,445 to $2,267
  • Yonkers to San Jose: $1,504 to $2,411
  • Yonkers to San Francisco: $1,504 to $2,411
  • Yonkers to Fresno: $1,504 to $2,411

Cost to ship a car from Rochester, NY to California

  • Rochester to Los Angeles: $1,413 to $2,205
  • Rochester to San Diego: $1,413 to $2,205
  • Rochester to San Jose: $1,445 to $2,267
  • Rochester to San Francisco: $1,445 to $2,267
  • Rochester to Fresno: $1,445 to $2,267

Cost to ship a car from Albany, NY to California

  • Albany to Los Angeles: $1,475 to $2,328
  • Albany to San Diego: $1,475 to $2,328
  • Albany to San Jose: $1,504 to $2,411
  • Albany to San Francisco: $1,504 to $2,411
  • Albany to Fresno: $1,504 to $2,411

Shipping an SUV or Truck from New York to California

Since vehicles such as SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?

If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from New York to California you should expect to pay between $1,880 and $3,014.

Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from New York to California

  • Open Carrier or Enclosed Trailer – Most new cars from ports and factories are moved on open auto carriers, while race cars, vintage collector’s cars, and high-dollar luxury cars get enclosed transport. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs enclosed car shipping.
  • Time of the year – Due to demand, prices to ship your car from New York to California tend to be a little higher in the summer.
  • Size, Weight, and Type of Vehicle – The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more shipping your car to California will cost.
  • Delivery Expectations – Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from New York to California should take between 7 and 15 days.
  • Pick up and Drop-Off Options – Instead of door-to-door service, consider taking your vehicle to the nearest company terminal in New York and having it delivered to the one closest to your new home in California. It’s more work for you, but it could save you a bundle.

Resources for Shipping a Car from New York to California

The following resources can help with you shipping your car from New York to California:

Stick around for more details on costs, tips, and New York car shippers you should use.

The best New York to California car shippers

A good car shipping company should cover the basics. These are the things to look out for in a quality transport company:

  • Insurance: Make sure the insurance covers both the company and the hauler the company contracts with to ship the car.
  • Experience: Look for a company that has multiple years of experience and a good track record.
  • Shipping options: Good car shipping companies will offer open and closed transport, expedited delivery, shipment tracking, and more.
  • Added Perks: Damage coverage, no initial deposits, rental car assistance, free car wash, and guaranteed pricing are some additional options great car shippers offer.
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Transparent pricing
  • Fully insured
Check prices (864) 492-1221

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
Check prices (888) 259-6046

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
Check prices (833) 775-1461

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.35 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable
Check prices (866) 563-0804

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.55 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV
Check prices (224) 206-5633

% of users select this mover

How car shipping from New York to California works

  • After you’ve received your quote, book your vehicle transport from New York to California.
  • Once booked, you’ll schedule your vehicle to be picked up in New York where it will be loaded onto the carrier.
  • Your vehicle will be safely unloaded from the carrier in California on your delivery date.

What else should you know about shipping a car from New York to California?

  • Car Insurance requirements: California’s minimum car insurance requirement is $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the event of an accident involving another driver.
  • Vehicle Inspection: 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: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Additional Taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.

Alternative ways to ship your car from New York to California

Learn more with our car shipping checklist

Shipping Your Car from New York to California FAQs

Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in New York and when dropping off my car in California?

Most companies will require someone that is at least 18-years-old to be present when picking up your car in New York and when dropping it off in California.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from New York to California?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from New York to California, it’s not required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, which you should verify before loading your car in New York.

How long does it take to ship a car from New York to California?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. With the trip from New York to California being about 2914 miles, that’s as fast as about 6 days. But most car transporting companies will take 7-15 days to go from New York to California.