Virginia to Pennsylvania Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 384 miles from Virginia to Pennsylvania falls between $575 and $772. 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
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best 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 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 Virginia
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Virginia that can relocate 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’re relocating from Virginia to Pennsylvania, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 384 miles to your car on the trip from Virginia to Pennsylvania. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Virginia to Pennsylvania. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Virginia to Pennsylvania auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Virginia and Pennsylvania. The average journey covers about 384 miles and takes roughly one to 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 | $457 – $648 | 279 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Pittsburgh, PA | $587 – $805 | 443 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Erie, PA | $657 – $877 | 566 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Allentown, PA | $510 – $689 | 327 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Virginia Beach, VA to Reading, PA | $504 – $641 | 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 | $438 – $617 | 281 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Pittsburgh, PA | $569 – $837 | 441 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Erie, PA | $664 – $886 | 564 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Allentown, PA | $535 – $738 | 329 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Chesapeake, VA to Reading, PA | $565 – $743 | 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 | $365 – $490 | 144 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA | $430 – $612 | 246 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Arlington, VA to Erie, PA | $538 – $735 | 368 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Arlington, VA to Allentown, PA | $438 – $537 | 193 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Arlington, VA to Reading, PA | $353 – $474 | 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 | $452 – $655 | 276 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Pittsburgh, PA | $599 – $854 | 435 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Erie, PA | $671 – $914 | 558 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Allentown, PA | $479 – $661 | 324 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Reading, PA | $516 – $757 | 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 | $452 – $601 | 248 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Pittsburgh, PA | $520 – $738 | 343 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Erie, PA | $637 – $833 | 466 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Allentown, PA | $461 – $642 | 298 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Richmond, VA to Reading, PA | $410 – $559 | 258 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Virginia to Pennsylvania
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Virginia to Pennsylvania usually runs between $719 and $965.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Virginia to Pennsylvania
When transporting your vehicle from the Old Dominion State to the Keystone State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Pennsylvania than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from Virginia to Pennsylvania spans approximately 384 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Virginia in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- 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: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–four days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Pennsylvania vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Pennsylvania, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- 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 $575 to $772.
500 E Main St 16th floor, Norfolk, VA 23510 US
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