Virginia to Pennsylvania Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 384 miles from Virginia to Pennsylvania falls between $551 and $833. Delivery typically takes one–four days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Pennsylvania to Virginia 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 Virginia to Pennsylvania 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 Virginia to Pennsylvania:
- 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
- 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 Virginia
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Virginia who can get your vehicle to Pennsylvania:
- Safemile Auto Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Richmond Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping Norfolk: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Capital Exports Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Quality Services Moving: 3.5 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 Virginia to Pennsylvania
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Virginia for a move to Pennsylvania, 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
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 384 miles to your vehicle on the route from Virginia to Pennsylvania. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Virginia to Pennsylvania. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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.
Virginia to Pennsylvania 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 Virginia and Pennsylvania. The trip typically spans 384 miles and takes about one–four days.
Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to Pennsylvania
| From Virginia to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Philadelphia, PA | $474 – $627 | 279 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Pittsburgh, PA | $628 – $877 | 443 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Erie, PA | $655 – $938 | 566 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Allentown, PA | $561 – $715 | 327 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Reading, PA | $497 – $658 | 303 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chesapeake, VA to Pennsylvania
| From Virginia to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake, VA to Philadelphia, PA | $498 – $634 | 281 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Pittsburgh, PA | $621 – $810 | 441 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Erie, PA | $696 – $986 | 564 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Allentown, PA | $550 – $744 | 329 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Reading, PA | $541 – $732 | 356 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to Pennsylvania
| From Virginia to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA | $350 – $545 | 144 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA | $437 – $605 | 246 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Arlington, VA to Erie, PA | $564 – $771 | 368 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Arlington, VA to Allentown, PA | $433 – $551 | 193 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Arlington, VA to Reading, PA | $348 – $502 | 154 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA to Pennsylvania
| From Virginia to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA to Philadelphia, PA | $479 – $634 | 276 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Pittsburgh, PA | $628 – $886 | 435 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Erie, PA | $689 – $996 | 558 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Allentown, PA | $523 – $714 | 324 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Reading, PA | $569 – $748 | 350 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to Pennsylvania
| From Virginia to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA | $455 – $575 | 248 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Pittsburgh, PA | $550 – $708 | 343 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Erie, PA | $598 – $838 | 466 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Allentown, PA | $474 – $660 | 298 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Reading, PA | $470 – $598 | 258 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Virginia to Pennsylvania
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 Virginia to Pennsylvania, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $689–$1,041.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Virginia to Pennsylvania
If you’re shipping a car from the Old Dominion State to the Keystone State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Pennsylvania.
- Distance and route: The route from Virginia to Pennsylvania is about 384 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Virginia more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Virginia to Pennsylvania, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–four days, while expedited service costs more.
Pennsylvania vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Pennsylvania, 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: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Driver’s license: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
- Additional taxes: New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Virginia
More than 8.7 million people call Virginia home. Nicknamed the Old Dominion State. Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
Transporting your vehicle to Pennsylvania
About 13.0 million people are living in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Virginia and delivery in Pennsylvania?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Virginia and when dropping it off in Pennsylvania.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Virginia to Pennsylvania?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Virginia to Pennsylvania, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Pennsylvania, which you should verify before loading your car in Virginia.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
How long does it take to ship a car from Virginia to Pennsylvania?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Virginia to Pennsylvania is about 384 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from Virginia to Pennsylvania.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
If I have a driver’s license in Virginia, will I need one in Pennsylvania?
When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
If I bought a car in Virginia, will I be required to pay sales tax in Pennsylvania after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Virginia to Pennsylvania after purchasing it.
New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Virginia and Pennsylvania to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to Pennsylvania?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Virginia to Pennsylvania 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 Virginia to Pennsylvania?
Shipping a car from Virginia to Pennsylvania costs $551 to $833.
500 E Main St 16th floor, Norfolk, VA 23510 US
1518 Willow Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23230 US
2607 Wyoming Ave, Norfolk, VA 23513 US
20559 Meadow Island Pl, Sterling, VA 20165 US
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