Washington to California Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 954 miles from Washington to California typically falls between $813 and $1,187. The process usually takes two–seven days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to California:
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Washington
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Washington who can get your vehicle to California:
- Diesel Auto Express: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- Carworx Auto Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Auto Shipping Group Inc: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Seattle Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Better-Haul Auto Logistics: 3.64 out of 5 stars
Diesel Auto Express
12711 NE 95th St STE B, Vancouver, WA 98682 US
dieselautoexpress.com
3.88 / 5.0
Diesel Auto Express receives generally positive feedback for their punctuality, professionalism, and effective communication throughout the car shipping process. Many customers praise the drivers for their courteous behavior and attentiveness to detail, often noting that their vehicles arrived undamaged and ahead of schedule. However, some negative reviews highlight issues with responsiveness, hidden charges, and damage claims, suggesting customers experienced significant communication problems and delays. Despite some adverse experiences, numerous customers recommend their services for reliable vehicle transport.
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
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1885300
Carworx Auto Transport Inc
3020 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd SE #544, Sammamish, WA 98075 US
carworx.com
3.86 / 5.0
Customers consistently highlight the excellent service provided by Carworx, particularly noting the professionalism and responsiveness of John and his team. The timely delivery and willingness to go the extra mile for customer satisfaction also stand out. However, some reviews did not mention any significant concerns, reflecting overall positive experiences with no major issues reported.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2237515
Auto Shipping Group Inc
700 Ne 4th Ave # 205, Camas, WA 98607 US
autoshippinggroup.com
3.76 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
Seattle Auto Shipping Group
1546 NW 56th St #5209, Seattle, WA 98107 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-washington-state/seattle
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Better-Haul Auto Logistics
1001 Madison Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902 US
jrtransinc.com
3.64 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2249642
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 Washington to California
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Washington to California, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 954 miles on your car to travel between Washington and California. 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 Washington to California, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Washington to California auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Washington and California. The typical distance is about 954 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to California
| From Washington to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA | $871 – $1,350 | 1,136 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Seattle, WA to San Diego, CA | $968 – $1,468 | 1,255 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA | $822 – $1,147 | 839 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Seattle, WA to Bakersfield, CA | $768 – $1,204 | 1,029 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA | $770 – $1,108 | 807 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Spokane, WA to California
| From Washington to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spokane, WA to Los Angeles, CA | $894 – $1,425 | 1,204 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Spokane, WA to San Diego, CA | $940 – $1,411 | 1,292 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Spokane, WA to San Jose, CA | $790 – $1,274 | 907 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Spokane, WA to Bakersfield, CA | $768 – $1,192 | 1,096 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Spokane, WA to San Francisco, CA | $828 – $1,249 | 875 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tacoma, WA to California
| From Washington to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma, WA to Los Angeles, CA | $896 – $1,377 | 1,106 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Tacoma, WA to San Diego, CA | $940 – $1,397 | 1,231 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Tacoma, WA to San Jose, CA | $762 – $1,119 | 809 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Bakersfield, CA | $779 – $1,258 | 998 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Tacoma, WA to San Francisco, CA | $772 – $1,182 | 777 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Vancouver, WA to California
| From Washington to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver, WA to Los Angeles, CA | $766 – $1,224 | 971 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Vancouver, WA to San Diego, CA | $776 – $1,229 | 1,096 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Vancouver, WA to San Jose, CA | $695 – $1,081 | 674 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Vancouver, WA to Bakersfield, CA | $818 – $1,186 | 864 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Vancouver, WA to San Francisco, CA | $725 – $994 | 642 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bellevue, WA to California
| From Washington to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue, WA to Los Angeles, CA | $862 – $1,377 | 1,139 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bellevue, WA to San Diego, CA | $931 – $1,468 | 1,264 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bellevue, WA to San Jose, CA | $790 – $1,147 | 842 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bellevue, WA to Bakersfield, CA | $823 – $1,204 | 1,031 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bellevue, WA to San Francisco, CA | $817 – $1,189 | 810 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Washington to California
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Washington to California you should expect to pay between $1,016 and $1,484.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Washington to California
If you’re shipping a car from the Evergreen State to the Golden State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on 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 Washington to California.
- Distance and route: The journey from Washington to California spans about 954 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Washington in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Washington and California.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to California, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- 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 Washington
More than 7.8 million people call Washington home. Nicknamed the Evergreen State. Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
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 Washington 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 Washington and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Washington to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Washington 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 Washington.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
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 Washington to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Washington to California is about 954 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Washington to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
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 Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington 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 Washington and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Washington to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Washington 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 Washington to California?
Shipping a car from Washington to California costs $813 to $1,187.
