($1,396) Cost to ship a car from Rochester, NY to Irvine, CA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,598 miles from Rochester, New York, to Irvine, California, ranges from $1,396 to $2,136. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, 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 Irvine to Rochester 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 Rochester to Irvine car shipping companies

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

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
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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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Rochester

If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Rochester, NY:

  1. M & L Trucking Svc: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  2. Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

M & L Trucking Svc

1 Revere Park, Rome, NY 13440 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0

Customers highlight good access for large vehicles and express satisfaction with the quality of work and professionalism at the logistics company. However, serious concerns include accusations of racist behavior, poor communication, and allegations of scamming. These issues lead to significant dissatisfaction among some clients, emphasizing a need for improvement in customer relations and service delivery.

Get a Quote (315) 339-2550

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions

Additional Information

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

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

If you’re planning a move from Rochester to Irvine, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

If you are relocating from Rochester to Irvine, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.

Drive your car

There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,598-mile trip from Rochester to Irvine 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

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from New York to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Rochester to Irvine. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Irvine 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 Rochester to Irvine car shipping costs

The price to ship your car from Rochester to Irvine can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:

Transport method

When shipping your car from Rochester to Irvine, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from Rochester are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Irvine? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of Rochester has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Irvine will cost more than moving a smaller car.

Distance and route

Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 2,598 miles from Rochester to Irvine will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in New York.

Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.

The time of the year

The time of year and weather conditions in Rochester and Irvine play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

The cold weather and snow might be a challenge if you're planning to relocate to Rochester, NY during January and February. August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Rochester.

Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather

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

Fuel prices

Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 2,598 miles between Rochester and Irvine, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport 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 Rochester to Irvine usually takes seven–fifteen days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.

Comparing Rochester and Irvine vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Rochester: Rochester’s parking regulations are designed to promote traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and availability of parking spaces on city streets. A variety of street signs placed along city streets indicate the parking regulations that apply. In addition to signs, parking meters are in place to provide on-street parking to as many vehicles as possible. Make sure to obtain the proper requirements upon moving.
  • Irvine: The City of Irvine forbids parking in red zones or where signs prohibit same, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 6-3-573. The City of Irvine offers both annual and overnight parking permits

Car insurance requirements

  • Rochester: 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.
  • Irvine: 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

  • Rochester: 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.
  • Irvine: 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

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

The cost to ship a car from Rochester, NY to Irvine, 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 Rochester to Irvine will range from $1,396 to $2,136.

How long will it take to ship my car from Rochester to Irvine?

It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,598 miles from Rochester to Irvine. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Rochester to Irvine?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Rochester to Irvine. 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 Rochester to Irvine?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Rochester to Irvine 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 2,598-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 Rochester resources