($1,382) Cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to Santa Clarita, CA

Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,382 to $2,009 to ship your car 2,529 miles from Buffalo, New York, to Santa Clarita, California. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use 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 Santa Clarita 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
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The best Buffalo to Santa Clarita car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Buffalo to Santa Clarita:

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 for safety & reliability
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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
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Buffalo

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies 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 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 NY to CA

Relocating from Buffalo to Santa Clarita 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 Buffalo to Santa Clarita, 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 plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,529-mile trip from Buffalo to Santa Clarita could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.

Use a driving service

You could hire a professional driver to take your car from New York to California, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Buffalo to Santa Clarita safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Santa Clarita—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.

Factors affecting Buffalo to Santa Clarita car shipping costs

The price to ship your car from Buffalo to Santa Clarita can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:

Transport method

You have a few different options for shipping your car from Buffalo to Santa Clarita, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.

Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Santa Clarita, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Buffalo 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 Santa Clarita 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 2,529 miles from Buffalo to Santa Clarita is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within New York.

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 Buffalo and Santa Clarita can impact car shipping prices.

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.

Santa Clarita experiences hot, very dry summers and cool winters with moderate precipitation.

During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Buffalo to Santa Clarita during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,529-mile distance between Buffalo and Santa Clarita and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Buffalo to Santa Clarita typically takes between seven and fifteen days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Buffalo and Santa Clarita vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Buffalo:
  • Santa Clarita: 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.
  • Santa Clarita: 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.
  • Santa Clarita: 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.
  • Santa Clarita: 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 Santa Clarita?

The cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita will range from $1,382 to $2,009.

How long will it take to ship my car from Buffalo to Santa Clarita?

It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,529 miles from Buffalo to Santa Clarita. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Buffalo to Santa Clarita?

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

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Buffalo to Santa Clarita 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 2,529-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