Texas to Maine Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,218 miles from Texas to Maine usually costs between $1,225 and $2,119. Transit time is about four–twelve 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 Maine 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 Maine 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 Texas to Maine:
- 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
- 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 Texas
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Texas ready to move your vehicle to Maine:
- New World Auto Transport: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Lepke Auto Transport: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- San Antonio Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Trans Global Auto Logistics: 3.58 out of 5 stars
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 Maine
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Texas for a move to Maine, 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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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 2,218 miles on your car to travel between Texas and Maine. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Texas to Maine, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Texas to Maine 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 Maine. The trip typically spans 2,218 miles and takes about four–twelve days.
Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Maine
| From Texas to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX to Portland, ME | $1,199 – $1,896 | 1,947 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Houston, TX to Lewiston, ME | $1,286 – $1,802 | 1,969 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Houston, TX to Bangor, ME | $1,317 – $1,940 | 2,075 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Houston, TX to South Portland, ME | $1,249 – $1,896 | 1,940 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Houston, TX to Auburn, ME | $1,175 – $1,971 | 1,976 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to Maine
| From Texas to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio, TX to Portland, ME | $1,204 – $1,932 | 2,142 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Lewiston, ME | $1,230 – $2,052 | 2,164 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Bangor, ME | $1,213 – $2,018 | 2,270 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Antonio, TX to South Portland, ME | $1,318 – $2,032 | 2,143 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Antonio, TX to Auburn, ME | $1,242 – $2,052 | 2,164 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Dallas, TX to Maine
| From Texas to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX to Portland, ME | $1,218 – $1,716 | 1,867 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Dallas, TX to Lewiston, ME | $1,279 – $1,716 | 1,889 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Dallas, TX to Bangor, ME | $1,298 – $1,896 | 1,987 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Dallas, TX to South Portland, ME | $1,231 – $1,752 | 1,860 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Dallas, TX to Auburn, ME | $1,267 – $1,788 | 1,888 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Austin, TX to Maine
| From Texas to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX to Portland, ME | $1,317 – $1,862 | 2,062 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Austin, TX to Lewiston, ME | $1,217 – $2,038 | 2,084 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Austin, TX to Bangor, ME | $1,204 – $2,032 | 2,182 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Austin, TX to South Portland, ME | $1,254 – $1,980 | 2,062 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Austin, TX to Auburn, ME | $1,292 – $2,058 | 2,083 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Worth, TX to Maine
| From Texas to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth, TX to Portland, ME | $1,279 – $1,716 | 1,898 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Lewiston, ME | $1,273 – $1,783 | 1,928 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Bangor, ME | $1,317 – $1,940 | 2,018 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to South Portland, ME | $1,279 – $1,897 | 1,899 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Auburn, ME | $1,236 – $1,952 | 1,927 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Texas to Maine
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 Maine, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,531–$2,649.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Texas to Maine
When moving your vehicle from the Lone Star State to the Pine Tree State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Texas to Maine.
- Distance and route: The route from Texas to Maine is about 2,218 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- 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: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Texas and Maine.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes four–twelve days, while expedited service costs more.
Maine vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Maine, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
- Vehicle inspection: The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
- Driver’s license: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
- Additional taxes: Maine requires registered car owners to pay an annual excise tax for motor vehicles, trailers, mobile homes, and stock vehicles. This tax is calculated by multiplying the current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle by the mileage rate.
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 Maine
About 1.4 million people are living in the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Texas and delivery in Maine?
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 Maine.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Texas to Maine?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Texas to Maine, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Maine, 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.
In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to Maine?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Texas to Maine is about 2,218 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take four to twelve days to travel from Texas to Maine.
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.
The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
If I have a driver’s license in Texas, will I need one in Maine?
New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
If I bought a car in Texas, will I be required to pay sales tax in Maine after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Texas to Maine after purchasing it.
Maine requires registered car owners to pay an annual excise tax for motor vehicles, trailers, mobile homes, and stock vehicles. This tax is calculated by multiplying the current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle by the mileage rate.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Texas and Maine to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Texas to Maine?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Texas to Maine 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 Maine?
Shipping a car from Texas to Maine costs $1,225 to $2,119.
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205 US
5460 Babcock Rd #120-C, San Antonio, TX 78240 US
2201 Main St #205, Dallas, TX 75201 US
2401 Houston St, Grand Prairie, TX 75050 US