($1,397) Cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to San Bernardino, CA

Quick answer: On average, moving a car 2,488 miles from Buffalo, New York, to San Bernardino, California, will run you about $1,397 to $2,132. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Bernardino to Buffalo car shipping guide.

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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 Buffalo to San Bernardino car shipping companies

To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Buffalo to San Bernardino:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best cross-country shipper
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (224) 206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Buffalo

If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Buffalo, NY:

  1. Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  2. Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Vision Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport Inc.

140 Irwin Pl, Amherst, NY 14228 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (716) 836-7500

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Storage solutions

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Erin's Automotive & Transportation
  • Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport

Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group

2305 Vestal Rd., Vestal, NY 13850 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (607) 727-7346

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking

Additional Information

Global Auto Transportation

78 College St, Buffalo, NY 14201 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers praised the excellent service, fast response times, and reliable communication from their representatives. However, some noted that their cars arrived dirty due to transportation conditions, and there were reports of delays with carrier assignments.

Get a Quote (888) 803-0501

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Jack Cooper Transport

85 Ransier Dr, Buffalo, NY 14224 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (716) 675-3999

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Vision Transportation

7659 Bramalea Rd, Brampton, ON 645

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (905) 858-7333

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

How we chose the best car shipping companiestoggle

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 NY to CA

If you’re relocating from Buffalo to San Bernardino, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from Buffalo to San Bernardino, 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 2,488 miles from Buffalo to San Bernardino 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 New York 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 Buffalo to San Bernardino. 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 Bernardino, 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 Buffalo to San Bernardino car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Buffalo to San Bernardino, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When it comes to moving your car from Buffalo to San Bernardino, 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 Bernardino, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Buffalo 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 San Bernardino than a compact car.

Distance and route

Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 2,488 miles from Buffalo to San Bernardino will cost more than a shorter move within New York.

Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.

The time of the year

The time of year and weather conditions in Buffalo and San Bernardino play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather.

San Berardino has mild winters and hot, dry summers. Relative to other areas in Southern California, winters are colder, with frost and with chilly to cold morning temperatures common.

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Buffalo to San Bernardino in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,488-mile drive between Buffalo and San Bernardino, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping 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 Buffalo to San Bernardino usually takes five–thirteen days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.

Comparing Buffalo and San Bernardino vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Buffalo:
  • San Bernardino: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved

Car insurance requirements

  • Buffalo: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
  • San Bernardino: 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

  • Buffalo: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
  • San Bernardino: 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

  • Buffalo: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
  • San Bernardino: 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 Buffalo to San Bernardino?

The cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to San Bernardino, 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 Buffalo to San Bernardino will range from $1,397 to $2,132.

How long will it take to ship my car from Buffalo to San Bernardino?

It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,488 miles from Buffalo to San Bernardino. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Buffalo to San Bernardino?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Buffalo to San Bernardino. 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 Buffalo to San Bernardino?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Buffalo to San Bernardino 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 2,488-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.

Helpful Buffalo resources