Wisconsin to California Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,163 miles from Wisconsin to California ranges from $1,398 to $2,029. Expect the trip to take around four–twelve days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to California 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 Wisconsin to California:
- 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 Wisconsin
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Wisconsin ready to move your vehicle to California:
- Discount Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Midwest Auto Movers Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Rapid Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Discount Auto Transport
213231 Varsity St, Stratford, WI 54484 US
cartransport.services
3.5 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise Nation Wide Discount Auto Transport for its excellent service, reasonable pricing, and knowledgeable staff. While some experienced minor frustrations during the process, overall experiences highlight effective communication and customer care.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2361288
Auto Driveaway
N14w24200 Tower Pl # 210b, Waukesha, WI 53188 US
autodriveaway.com
3.5 / 5.0
Fail to get reviews.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Midwest Auto Movers Inc
2909 South Mallard Avenue, Marshfield, WI 54449 US
midwestautomovers.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers highly appreciate the prompt delivery and great value provided by the company. The quality of the equipment and the drivers' care for vehicles are also noted positively, indicating a strong commitment to service. Overall, customers express satisfaction with their experiences.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1993917
Alternative Business Names
- Midwest Auto Movers
Ceva Logistics
5929 Packer Dr Ne, Menomonie, WI 54751 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 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
Rapid Auto Transport
1101 Jackson St, Wausau, WI 54403 US rapidautotransport.com3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1646918
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 Wisconsin to California
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Wisconsin to California, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 2,163 extra miles on your car to travel from Wisconsin to California. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Wisconsin to California is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Wisconsin to California auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Wisconsin and California. The average travel distance is about 2,163 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from four to twelve days.
Cost to ship a car from Milwaukee, WI to California
| From Wisconsin to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,330 – $2,037 | 2,055 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA | $1,344 – $2,050 | 2,117 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Milwaukee, WI to San Jose, CA | $1,273 – $2,204 | 2,200 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Milwaukee, WI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,264 – $1,955 | 2,071 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA | $1,331 – $2,092 | 2,169 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Madison, WI to California
| From Wisconsin to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, WI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,337 – $2,050 | 1,967 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Madison, WI to San Diego, CA | $1,330 – $1,976 | 2,028 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Madison, WI to San Jose, CA | $1,344 – $2,092 | 2,111 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Madison, WI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,324 – $2,030 | 1,982 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA | $1,264 – $2,140 | 2,079 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Green Bay, WI to California
| From Wisconsin to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay, WI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,278 – $2,092 | 2,108 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Green Bay, WI to San Diego, CA | $1,278 – $2,050 | 2,169 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Green Bay, WI to San Jose, CA | $1,367 – $2,182 | 2,252 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Green Bay, WI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,331 – $2,050 | 2,123 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Green Bay, WI to San Francisco, CA | $1,300 – $2,161 | 2,220 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Kenosha, WI to California
| From Wisconsin to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenosha, WI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,317 – $1,955 | 2,051 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Kenosha, WI to San Diego, CA | $1,358 – $2,029 | 2,112 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Kenosha, WI to San Jose, CA | $1,291 – $2,196 | 2,195 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Kenosha, WI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,278 – $2,017 | 2,066 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Kenosha, WI to San Francisco, CA | $1,291 – $2,196 | 2,163 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Racine, WI to California
| From Wisconsin to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racine, WI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,264 – $2,161 | 2,052 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Racine, WI to San Diego, CA | $1,331 – $2,092 | 2,114 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Racine, WI to San Jose, CA | $1,331 – $2,092 | 2,197 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Racine, WI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,304 – $2,099 | 2,067 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Racine, WI to San Francisco, CA | $1,304 – $2,071 | 2,165 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Wisconsin to California
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Wisconsin to California usually runs between $1,748 and $2,536.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Wisconsin to California
When transporting your vehicle from the Badger State to the Golden State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to California.
- Distance and route: The trip from Wisconsin to California covers roughly 2,163 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Wisconsin in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Wisconsin to California, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Wisconsin to California takes four–twelve days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in California, 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: 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 Wisconsin
More than 5.9 million people call Wisconsin home. Nicknamed the Badger State. Wisconsin has warm-summers humid continental climate while the southern and southwestern portions are classified as hot-summer humid continental climate. Wisconsin also receives a large amount of regular snowfall averaging around 40 inches. Be sure to check your local weather station if you are planning your move for the summer.
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Wisconsin to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.
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 Wisconsin to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Wisconsin to California is about 2,163 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take four to twelve days to travel from Wisconsin to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.
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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Wisconsin to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to California?
Shipping a car from Wisconsin to California costs $1,398 to $2,029.
