($1,025) Cost to ship a car from McKinney, TX to Chula Vista, CA

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,386 miles from McKinney, Texas, to Chula Vista, California, generally falls between $1,025 and $1,610. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chula Vista to McKinney car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
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The best McKinney to Chula Vista car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from McKinney to Chula Vista:

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
Licensedcheckmark
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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 safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in McKinney

If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in McKinney, TX:

  1. Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Bold Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Crestline Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Number 1 Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.

2201 Main St #205, Dallas, TX 75201 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 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.

Get a Quote (844) 741-1221

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

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (469) 942-5444

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

Crestline Auto Transport

3530 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75234 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Crestline Auto Transport is praised for its reliability, timely service, and excellent communication. Customers consistently report hassle-free experiences and competitive pricing, making them a preferred choice for vehicle transport. Some experiences noted slightly higher costs and occasional delays due to weather.

Get a Quote (214) 382-5000

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • Student

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Crestline Logistics, LLC

Number 1 Auto Transport

13101 Preston Rd #406, Dallas, TX 75240 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers frequently praise the exceptional service and communication provided by the team at Number 1 Auto Transport. Many reviewers appreciate the dedication and support from the staff, particularly from individuals like James, Marc, and John Russo. However, there were initial hesitations regarding the legitimacy of the service, which were quickly dispelled with transparency about pricing.

Get a Quote (855) 422-4141

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Discounts

  • Military

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 TX to CA

Relocating from McKinney to Chula Vista means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from McKinney to Chula Vista, 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 1,386 miles from McKinney to Chula Vista 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 Texas 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 McKinney to Chula Vista safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Chula Vista. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.

Factors affecting McKinney to Chula Vista car shipping costs

The price to ship your car from McKinney to Chula Vista can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:

Transport method

When shipping your car from McKinney to Chula Vista, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from McKinney are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Chula Vista? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of McKinney 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 Chula Vista will cost more than moving a smaller car.

Distance and route

Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 1,386 miles from McKinney to Chula Vista will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Texas.

Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.

The time of the year

Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both McKinney and Chula Vista.

October, April and May are the most pleasant months in McKinney, while July and August are the least comfortable months as you may experience extreme heat during these months.

Like the rest of lowland San Diego County, Chula Vista has a semi-arid climate, with Mediterranean characteristics, though the winter rainfall is too low and erratic to qualify as an actual Mediterranean climate.

During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from McKinney to Chula Vista during these times can be more expensive.

Fuel prices

Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,386-mile journey from McKinney to Chula Vista makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.

Delivery expectations

If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from McKinney to Chula Vista takes between three and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.

Comparing McKinney and Chula Vista vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • McKinney:
  • Chula Vista: Park cards are available for the Downtown Parking District. Cards are available for purchase at the Chula Vista Finance Department. Park cards can be purchased in any denomination and can be used at any on-street meter or municipal parking lot.

Car insurance requirements

  • McKinney: 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.
  • Chula Vista: 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

  • McKinney: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
  • Chula Vista: 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

  • McKinney: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
  • Chula Vista: 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 McKinney to Chula Vista?

The cost to ship a car from McKinney, TX to Chula Vista, 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 McKinney to Chula Vista will range from $1,025 to $1,610.

How long will it take to ship my car from McKinney to Chula Vista?

It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,386 miles from McKinney to Chula Vista. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from McKinney to Chula Vista?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from McKinney to Chula Vista. 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 McKinney to Chula Vista?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from McKinney to Chula Vista 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 1,386-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 McKinney resources