South Dakota to California Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,660 miles from South Dakota to California usually costs between $1,137 and $1,739. Transit time is about three–nine days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota to California:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- 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
Top local car shippers in South Dakota
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in South Dakota ready to move your vehicle to California:
- Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD 57702 US
stopwatchusa.com
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2965797
Yada Enterprises Inc
611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US
yadaenterprises.net
3.5 / 5.0
Yada Enterprises has received significant feedback regarding their vehicle transport services, highlighting both commendable customer interactions and notable issues with vehicle damage. While many customers appreciated the respectful conduct of drivers and timely delivery, there were serious concerns about vehicle mishandling and lack of accountability for damages during transport.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1255110
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 South Dakota to California
Ship it with your movers
When moving from South Dakota 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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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 1,660 extra miles on your car to travel from South Dakota to California. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from South Dakota to California, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
South Dakota to California auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in South Dakota and California. The typical distance is about 1,660 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and nine days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to California
| From South Dakota to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Los Angeles, CA | $1,220 – $1,620 | 1,634 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to San Diego, CA | $1,196 – $1,756 | 1,696 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to San Jose, CA | $1,214 – $1,708 | 1,778 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA | $1,172 – $1,637 | 1,650 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to San Francisco, CA | $1,189 – $1,797 | 1,745 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to California
| From South Dakota to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Los Angeles, CA | $1,035 – $1,610 | 1,353 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to San Diego, CA | $1,082 – $1,674 | 1,415 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to San Jose, CA | $1,060 – $1,530 | 1,435 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Bakersfield, CA | $985 – $1,549 | 1,368 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to San Francisco, CA | $1,028 – $1,546 | 1,403 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to California
| From South Dakota to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Los Angeles, CA | $1,184 – $1,671 | 1,627 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to San Diego, CA | $1,196 – $1,739 | 1,689 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to San Jose, CA | $1,202 – $1,744 | 1,709 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Bakersfield, CA | $1,172 – $1,671 | 1,643 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to San Francisco, CA | $1,149 – $1,756 | 1,677 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to California
| From South Dakota to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Los Angeles, CA | $1,202 – $1,761 | 1,740 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Brookings, SD to San Diego, CA | $1,327 – $1,912 | 1,801 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Brookings, SD to San Jose, CA | $1,201 – $1,968 | 1,821 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Brookings, SD to Bakersfield, CA | $1,177 – $1,868 | 1,755 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Brookings, SD to San Francisco, CA | $1,275 – $1,815 | 1,789 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to California
| From South Dakota to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Los Angeles, CA | $1,161 – $1,654 | 1,684 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to San Diego, CA | $1,226 – $1,850 | 1,746 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to San Jose, CA | $1,263 – $1,761 | 1,766 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Watertown, SD to Bakersfield, CA | $1,208 – $1,688 | 1,699 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to San Francisco, CA | $1,251 – $1,726 | 1,734 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota 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 South Dakota to California, expect costs to range from $1,421 to $2,174.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to California
When transporting your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Golden State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to California.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Dakota to California spans approximately 1,660 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of South Dakota more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between South Dakota and California may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from South Dakota to California takes three–nine days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
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 South Dakota
More than 919,318 people call South Dakota home. Nicknamed the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota 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 South Dakota.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
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 South Dakota to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to California is about 1,660 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from South Dakota to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota 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 South Dakota to California?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to California costs $1,137 to $1,739.
