Texas to California Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,406 miles from Texas to California ranges from $1,128 to $1,597 and takes three–eight 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Texas who can get your vehicle to California:
- New World Auto Transport: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- San Antonio Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Auto Transport Co: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Bold Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
New World Auto Transport
5150 Franz Rd STE 500, Katy, TX 77493 US newworldautotransport.com
3.8 / 5.0
New World Auto Transport is praised for their exceptional service and professionalism in moving vehicles, with many customers feeling valued and cared for throughout the process. Their quick delivery times and excellent communication stand out, leading to high customer satisfaction. However, there are no significant negative remarks reported in the reviews.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2246109
Alternative Business Names
- New World Auto Transport Logistics, LLC
San Antonio Auto Shipping Group
5460 Babcock Rd #120-C, San Antonio, TX 78240 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-texas/san-antonio
3.76 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the excellent support, professionalism, and reliable delivery speed provided by the team at Auto Shipping Group. Many highlighted the positive experiences with specific representatives who ensured smooth communication throughout the shipping process. Additionally, recipients appreciated the careful handling of their vehicles upon delivery. However, some customers encountered difficulties with prior service issues before finding satisfaction with this company. A few reviews noted initial challenges in locating transporter services, suggesting the need for better initial coordination in future cases.
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
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Auto Transport Co
1216 Wooded Creek Cir, Lewisville, TX 75067 US reliantautotransport.com
3.64 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the excellent pricing, quick delivery, and responsive customer service from Reliant. However, some experiences highlighted severe deficiencies in communication, particularly with specific representatives. This has led to frustrations for clients seeking timely and respectful interactions.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1446274
Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.
2201 Main St #205, Dallas, TX 75201 US
thriftyautoship.com
3.62 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise Thrifty Auto Shipping for their exceptional customer service and reliable, timely deliveries. Positive comments highlight the excellent communication and ease of the shipping process. However, some notes indicate that prices may not be the lowest compared to competitors, though regarded as fair.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- AAA
- Student
- Teacher
- Law enforcement
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2537155
Bold Auto Transport
325 North St. Paul Street Suite 3100, Dallas, TX 75201 US
boldautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised Bold Auto Transport for their excellent service, professional staff, and fast delivery times. However, no significant negative feedback was noted, with every shipment being handled promptly and efficiently.
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
- Electric vehicles
Discounts
- Military
- Law enforcement
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3775668
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 Texas to California
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Texas for a move to California, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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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 1,406 miles on your car going from Texas 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 Texas 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
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Texas to California auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Texas and California. The trip typically spans 1,406 miles and takes about three–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to California
| From Texas to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to Los Angeles, CA | $1,210 – $1,613 | 1,547 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Houston, TX to San Diego, CA | $1,117 – $1,694 | 1,470 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Houston, TX to San Jose, CA | $1,330 – $1,954 | 1,886 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Houston, TX to Bakersfield, CA | $1,187 – $1,708 | 1,658 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Houston, TX to San Francisco, CA | $1,337 – $2,030 | 1,928 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to California
| From Texas to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio, TX to Los Angeles, CA | $1,068 – $1,536 | 1,352 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to San Diego, CA | $939 – $1,497 | 1,274 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to San Jose, CA | $1,235 – $1,777 | 1,691 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Bakersfield, CA | $1,106 – $1,581 | 1,462 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| San Antonio, TX to San Francisco, CA | $1,241 – $1,783 | 1,733 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Dallas, TX to California
| From Texas to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX to Los Angeles, CA | $1,073 – $1,678 | 1,435 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Dallas, TX to San Diego, CA | $1,068 – $1,552 | 1,358 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Dallas, TX to San Jose, CA | $1,211 – $1,674 | 1,689 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA | $1,040 – $1,694 | 1,448 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Dallas, TX to San Francisco, CA | $1,303 – $1,891 | 1,731 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to California
| From Texas to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX to Los Angeles, CA | $976 – $1,490 | 1,379 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to San Diego, CA | $1,038 – $1,474 | 1,302 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to San Jose, CA | $1,228 – $1,873 | 1,718 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Austin, TX to Bakersfield, CA | $1,139 – $1,565 | 1,490 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA | $1,216 – $1,837 | 1,760 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Worth, TX to California
| From Texas to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth, TX to Los Angeles, CA | $1,084 – $1,597 | 1,404 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to San Diego, CA | $1,017 – $1,629 | 1,326 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to San Jose, CA | $1,259 – $1,691 | 1,662 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Bakersfield, CA | $1,139 – $1,630 | 1,422 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to San Francisco, CA | $1,266 – $1,711 | 1,704 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Texas to California
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Texas to California, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,410–$1,996.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Texas to California
Transporting your vehicle from the Lone Star State to the Golden State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car 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 trip from Texas to California covers roughly 1,406 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Texas around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Texas to California, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Texas to California takes three–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
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 Texas
More than 30.5 million people call Texas home. Nicknamed the Lone Star State. Although winters are mild, hurricane season during the summer months may affect your move.
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 Texas 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 Texas and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Texas to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Texas 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 Texas.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
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 Texas to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Texas to California is about 1,406 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Texas to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
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 Texas, 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 Texas, 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 Texas 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 Texas and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Texas to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Texas 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 Texas to California?
Shipping a car from Texas to California costs $1,128 to $1,597.
