($1,199) Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to San Diego, CA

Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,199 to $1,561 to ship your car 1,696 miles from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to San Diego, 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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  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Diego to Sioux Falls 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
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The best Sioux Falls to San Diego car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Sioux Falls to San Diego:

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 Exact Pickup Dates
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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
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
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Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Sioux Falls

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

  1. A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  2. Auto Driveaway: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Sun Chaser Elite: 3.5 out of 5 stars

A A All States Auto Transport

214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0
Get a Quote (712) 823-0443

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Auto Driveaway

3506 Keystone Dr # 150, Omaha, NE 68134 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0

Customers report significant safety concerns with the company's delivery drivers, as well as damage to vehicles during transport. Appeals for support have reportedly been dismissed, leading to dissatisfaction.

Get a Quote (800) 346-2277

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Auto Driveaway Systems, LLC
  • AD Acquisition, LLC
  • Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC

Yada Enterprises Inc

611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (605) 472-3800

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Aaall States Transport

214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

While some customers report frustrating experiences with delivery delays and a refusal to wear masks by drivers, others are satisfied with undamaged deliveries and commend the customer service provided by the office staff and drivers.

Get a Quote (712) 823-0443

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Sun Chaser Elite

1415 580th Street, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the friendly staff and efficient service, noting prompt delivery of dumpsters within hours of the call. Such quick response times enhance overall satisfaction.

Get a Quote (712) 299-3687

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Heavy equipment
  • Electric vehicles

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 SD to CA

When you’re moving from Sioux Falls to San Diego, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from Sioux Falls to San Diego, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.

Drive your car

Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,696 miles from Sioux Falls to San Diego might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.

Use a driving service

You could hire a professional driver to take your car from South Dakota 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 Sioux Falls to San Diego safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to San Diego 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 Sioux Falls to San Diego car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Sioux Falls to San Diego, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When it comes to moving your car from Sioux Falls to San Diego, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.

Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to San Diego, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of Sioux Falls 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 San Diego will cost more than moving a smaller car.

Distance and route

To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,696 miles from Sioux Falls to San Diego will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within South Dakota.

Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Sioux Falls and San Diego can impact car shipping prices.

August, June and September are the most pleasant months in Sioux Falls, while January and December are the least comfortable months.

San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.

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

Fuel prices

Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 1,696 miles between Sioux Falls and San Diego, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Sioux Falls to San Diego typically takes between three and nine days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Sioux Falls and San Diego vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Sioux Falls:
  • San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.

Car insurance requirements

  • Sioux Falls: 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.
  • San Diego: 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

  • Sioux Falls: 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.
  • San Diego: 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

  • Sioux Falls: 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.
  • San Diego: 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 Sioux Falls to San Diego?

The cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to San Diego, 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 Sioux Falls to San Diego will range from $1,199 to $1,561.

How long will it take to ship my car from Sioux Falls to San Diego?

It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,696 miles from Sioux Falls to San Diego. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Sioux Falls to San Diego?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Sioux Falls to San Diego. 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 Sioux Falls to San Diego?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Sioux Falls to San Diego 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 1,696-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 Sioux Falls resources