Pennsylvania to California Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,730 miles from Pennsylvania to California ranges from $1,307 to $2,224. Expect the trip to take around seven–fifteen days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania to California car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Pennsylvania ready to move your vehicle to California:
- Virginia Transportation Corp: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Safe Auto Trucking LLC: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Pittsburgh Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Royal Auto Ship: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Philadelphia Car Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
Virginia Transportation Corp
329 Bethel Ave, Upper Chichester, PA 19014 US
virginiatransportation.com
3.76 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 643760
Safe Auto Trucking LLC
13512 Bustleton Ave Apt 5304, Philadelphia, PA 19116 US
safeautotrucking.com
3.66 / 5.0
Safe Auto Trucking LLC has received numerous customer reviews highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Many customers praised their professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional communication throughout the vehicle transport process. Specific team members, such as Terry, Peter, and Alvin, received high marks for being responsive and attentive to customers' needs. However, some customers reported significant issues with pricing, often citing "bait and switch" tactics where initial quotes were dramatically increased last minute. This inconsistency in pricing and communication has led to frustration and mistrust among certain customers, urging potential clients to be cautious before engaging their services.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3829832
Pittsburgh Auto Shipping Group
606 Liberty Ave 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-pennsylvania/pittsburgh
3.64 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the exceptional customer service provided by representatives like Felicia, Heidi, and Kimberly, highlighting their professionalism, communication skills, and empathy during the vehicle transportation process. However, some reviews pointed out issues related to pricing practices and difficulties in finding carriers within promised time frames, leading to frustration for some customers.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Teacher
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Royal Auto Ship
300 Avon St, Philadelphia, PA 19116 US
royalautoship.com
3.64 / 5.0
Royal Auto Ship is often praised for their outstanding customer service, responsiveness, and ability to ensure safe and timely vehicle transport. Numerous customers commend the professionalism and support received from representatives such as Tim, Scott, and Oscar Harris. However, some reviews highlight issues with certain drivers and unexpected costs during the shipping process, emphasizing the importance of clear communication. Overall, many customers highly recommend this service for reliable vehicle shipping.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 4094097
Philadelphia Car Transport
1968 Bryn Mawr Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131 US
philadelphiacartransport.com
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2542752
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 Pennsylvania to California
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Pennsylvania to California, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 2,730 extra miles on your car to travel from Pennsylvania to California. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Pennsylvania to California for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Pennsylvania to California auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Pennsylvania and California. Average distances are close to 2,730 miles, with delivery usually taking seven–fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA to California
| From Pennsylvania to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,390 – $2,073 | 2,710 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA | $1,386 – $2,121 | 2,694 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to San Jose, CA | $1,389 – $2,342 | 2,903 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,335 – $2,224 | 2,725 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to San Francisco, CA | $1,405 – $2,151 | 2,872 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pittsburgh, PA to California
| From Pennsylvania to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,216 – $2,112 | 2,426 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to San Diego, CA | $1,216 – $2,071 | 2,410 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to San Jose, CA | $1,345 – $2,079 | 2,607 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,279 – $2,092 | 2,441 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to San Francisco, CA | $1,255 – $2,018 | 2,573 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Erie, PA to California
| From Pennsylvania to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie, PA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,228 – $2,030 | 2,445 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Erie, PA to San Diego, CA | $1,305 – $2,153 | 2,463 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Erie, PA to San Jose, CA | $1,345 – $2,140 | 2,589 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Erie, PA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,318 – $2,112 | 2,460 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Erie, PA to San Francisco, CA | $1,345 – $2,038 | 2,557 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Allentown, PA to California
| From Pennsylvania to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown, PA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,386 – $2,163 | 2,689 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Allentown, PA to San Diego, CA | $1,321 – $2,181 | 2,711 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Allentown, PA to San Jose, CA | $1,405 – $2,151 | 2,874 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Allentown, PA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,376 – $2,202 | 2,704 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Allentown, PA to San Francisco, CA | $1,419 – $2,328 | 2,842 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Reading, PA to California
| From Pennsylvania to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,292 – $2,100 | 2,667 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Reading, PA to San Diego, CA | $1,386 – $2,079 | 2,652 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Reading, PA to San Jose, CA | $1,475 – $2,284 | 2,860 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Reading, PA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,413 – $2,016 | 2,683 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Reading, PA to San Francisco, CA | $1,475 – $2,217 | 2,828 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania to California, expect costs to range from $1,634 to $2,780.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Pennsylvania to California
If you’re shipping a car from the Keystone State to the Golden State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to California than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The route from Pennsylvania to California is about 2,730 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Pennsylvania in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Pennsylvania and California.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within seven–fifteen days, but expedited options cost more.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to California, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- 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 Pennsylvania
More than 13.0 million people call Pennsylvania home. Nicknamed the Keystone State. Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Pennsylvania to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
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 Pennsylvania to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Pennsylvania to California is about 2,730 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from Pennsylvania to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Pennsylvania to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania to California?
Shipping a car from Pennsylvania to California costs $1,307 to $2,224.
