($1,574) Cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to Arlington, VA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,750 miles from Seattle, Washington, to Arlington, Virginia, generally falls between $1,574 and $2,494. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington to Seattle car shipping guide.
The best Seattle to Arlington car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Seattle to Arlington:
- 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 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
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 VA
Getting your car from Seattle to Arlington can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Seattle to Arlington, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,750-mile trip from Seattle to Arlington could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Washington to Virginia is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Seattle to Arlington. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Arlington, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Seattle to Arlington car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Seattle to Arlington, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Seattle to Arlington, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Seattle tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Arlington, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Seattle has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Arlington will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 2,750 miles from Seattle to Arlington will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Washington.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Seattle and Arlington can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Seattle to Arlington during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,750-mile distance between Seattle and Arlington and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Seattle to Arlington takes seven to fifteen days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Seattle and Arlington 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.
- Arlington: Arlington county’s rate at long-term Meters is $1.25 per hour, and rate at Short-Term Meters: $1.50 per hour.
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.
- Arlington: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Seattle: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
- Arlington: 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.
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.
- Arlington: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Seattle to Arlington?
The cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to Arlington, VA 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 Arlington will range from $1,574 to $2,494.
How long will it take to ship my car from Seattle to Arlington?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,750 miles from Seattle to Arlington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Seattle to Arlington?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Seattle to Arlington. 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 Arlington?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Seattle to Arlington 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 2,750-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.
3020 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd SE #544, Sammamish, WA 98075 US
1546 NW 56th St #5209, Seattle, WA 98107 US
3102 W Valley Hwy N, Auburn, WA 98001 US
2253 Gilman Dr W, Seattle, WA 98119 US