($661) Cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to Boise, ID
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 494 miles from Seattle, Washington, to Boise, Idaho, will run you about $661 to $890. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Boise to Seattle 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 Seattle to Boise car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Seattle to Boise:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in Seattle
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Seattle, WA:
- Carworx Auto Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Seattle Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Interbay Transport Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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
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
Ceva Logistics
3102 W Valley Hwy N, Auburn, WA 98001 US
cevalogistics.com
3.52 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
Interbay Transport Logistics
2253 Gilman Dr W, Seattle, WA 98119 US
interbaytransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers generally praise Interbay Transport for their smooth and professional vehicle transport service. They appreciate the responsive staff, competitive pricing, and their ability to handle payment processes directly. Several reviews mention positive experiences with Nate and Lisa, highlighting their personal care in coordinating services.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2246442
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 WA to ID
If you’re relocating from Seattle to Boise, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Seattle to Boise, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 494-mile journey from Seattle to Boise could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Washington to Idaho is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Seattle to Boise. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Boise, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Seattle to Boise car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Seattle to Boise, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Seattle to Boise, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Boise, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Seattle. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Boise will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 494 miles from Seattle to Boise is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Washington.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Seattle and Boise can impact car shipping prices.
Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
Boise experiences hot and dry summers and winters are moderately cold.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Seattle to Boise during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 494-mile trip from Seattle to Boise, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Seattle to Boise takes one to four days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Seattle and Boise vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Seattle: You may apply for a temporary no parking permit if you need to use a public parking space for your move. This permit will cost $16 for 2 days of use plus an extra fee of lost revenue if you're occupying a parking meter space. This extra fee can go from $16-$27.
- Boise: Unless otherwise posted, parking regulations are enforced at all times. This includes time-restricted parking (like loading zones and 1 or 2-hour parking) Prepay on Friday evenings after enforcement hours for the following morning, or on Saturday mornings before enforcement hours begin. You can use a credit card, coins or the Parkmobile app.
Car insurance requirements
- Seattle: 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.
- Boise: Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Seattle: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
- Boise: In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
Driver’s license
- Seattle: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
- Boise: If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Seattle to Boise?
The cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to Boise, ID 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 Seattle to Boise will range from $661 to $890.
How long will it take to ship my car from Seattle to Boise?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 494 miles from Seattle to Boise. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Seattle to Boise?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Seattle to Boise. 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 Seattle to Boise?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Seattle to Boise 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 494-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.
