Ohio to California Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,404 miles from Ohio to California ranges from $1,257 to $2,180 and takes five–thirteen days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Ohio 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 Ohio to California car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Ohio to California:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Ohio
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Ohio ready to move your vehicle to California:
- Diesel Auto Express: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- USTA Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Tiger Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
Diesel Auto Express
1823 Kentucky Ave, Springfield, OH 45505 US
dieselautoexpress.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1885300
Jack Cooper Transport
5211 Oster Rd, Sheffield Vlg, OH 44054 US
jackcooper.com
3.7 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Ceva Logistics
4519 Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44135 US
cevalogistics.com
3.56 / 5.0
Customers appreciated timely deliveries and some friendly service, particularly praising the helpfulness of specific delivery drivers. However, many voiced serious concerns regarding unprofessional behavior, poor communication, and inadequate handling of items during delivery, noting that the overall customer service fell short of expectations.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
USTA Transport
606 Hillrose Ave, Dayton, OH 45404 US ustallc.com3.56 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the friendly staff and exceptional service provided by the company. However, there are concerns regarding pricing and unexpected charges.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
Additional Information
Tiger Auto Transport
1 W Corry St, Cincinnati, OH 45219 US
tigerautotransport.com
3.52 / 5.0
Fail to get reviews.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3417452
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Ohio to California
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Ohio to California, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,404 miles on your car going from Ohio to California. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Ohio to California is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Ohio to California auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Ohio and California. The average travel distance is about 2,404 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from five to thirteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Columbus, OH to California
| From Ohio to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH to Los Angeles, CA | $1,279 – $2,105 | 2,241 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Columbus, OH to San Diego, CA | $1,241 – $1,941 | 2,264 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Columbus, OH to San Jose, CA | $1,244 – $2,139 | 2,461 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Columbus, OH to Bakersfield, CA | $1,318 – $1,962 | 2,257 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA | $1,231 – $1,973 | 2,429 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cleveland, OH to California
| From Ohio to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH to Los Angeles, CA | $1,244 – $2,084 | 2,343 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Cleveland, OH to San Diego, CA | $1,322 – $2,125 | 2,366 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Cleveland, OH to San Jose, CA | $1,295 – $1,973 | 2,488 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Cleveland, OH to Bakersfield, CA | $1,244 – $2,084 | 2,359 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Cleveland, OH to San Francisco, CA | $1,244 – $2,077 | 2,456 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cincinnati, OH to California
| From Ohio to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH to Los Angeles, CA | $1,322 – $1,997 | 2,175 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to San Diego, CA | $1,232 – $2,078 | 2,159 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to San Jose, CA | $1,270 – $2,001 | 2,396 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to Bakersfield, CA | $1,245 – $2,078 | 2,190 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Cincinnati, OH to San Francisco, CA | $1,361 – $2,104 | 2,364 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Toledo, OH to California
| From Ohio to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo, OH to Los Angeles, CA | $1,279 – $2,002 | 2,243 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Toledo, OH to San Diego, CA | $1,231 – $2,084 | 2,305 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Toledo, OH to San Jose, CA | $1,244 – $1,981 | 2,388 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Toledo, OH to Bakersfield, CA | $1,305 – $2,125 | 2,259 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Toledo, OH to San Francisco, CA | $1,335 – $2,063 | 2,356 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Akron, OH to California
| From Ohio to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH to Los Angeles, CA | $1,231 – $2,022 | 2,366 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Akron, OH to San Diego, CA | $1,283 – $1,981 | 2,350 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Akron, OH to San Jose, CA | $1,336 – $2,085 | 2,510 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Akron, OH to Bakersfield, CA | $1,335 – $2,022 | 2,381 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Akron, OH to San Francisco, CA | $1,244 – $2,118 | 2,478 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Ohio to California
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Ohio to California, expect costs to range from $1,571 to $2,725.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Ohio to California
When arranging car transport from the Buckeye State to the Golden State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to California.
- Distance and route: The trip from Ohio to California covers roughly 2,404 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Ohio, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Ohio to California, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- 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 Ohio to California should take between five and thirteen days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to California means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: 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 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.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Ohio
More than 11.8 million people call Ohio home. Nicknamed the Buckeye State. Ohio forms a part of what's considered both the snowbelt and the tornado alley which means your move may be affected if either of these are impacting the state on your move day.
Transporting your vehicle to California
About 39.0 million people are living in the Golden State. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Ohio and delivery in California?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Ohio and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Ohio to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Ohio to California, you aren't 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 Ohio.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Ohio to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Ohio to California is about 2,404 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take five to thirteen days to travel from Ohio to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in Ohio, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in Ohio, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Ohio to California after purchasing it.
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.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Ohio and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Ohio to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Ohio to California is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Ohio to California?
Shipping a car from Ohio to California costs $1,257 to $2,180.
