How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Moving a car a long distance typically costs $500 - $1,500, depending on distance, vehicle, and transport type. Get free quotes matched to your route below.
Car Shipping Cost by Distance (2026)
| Distance | Per mile | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| Short (under 500 miles) | $1.10 - $2.75 | $350 - $850 |
| Medium (500 - 1,500 miles) | $0.60 - $1.00 | $700 - $1,100 |
| Long (1,500+ miles, cross-country) | $0.40 - $0.75 | $900 - $1,500 |
Estimates for a standard running sedan on open transport. Your exact price depends on your route and dates - get a free quote for the exact number.
What Affects Your Car Transport Price
- Distance: The single biggest factor. Cost per mile drops as distance grows.
- Open vs. enclosed: Enclosed transport protects the car but costs 30-60% more.
- Vehicle size & condition: SUVs, trucks, and non-running vehicles cost more to load and haul.
- Season & route: Peak season and remote pickup/drop-off raise prices; popular lanes are cheaper.
- Timing: Flexible pickup dates are cheaper than guaranteed or expedited pickup.
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Car Transport Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to ship a car long-distance?
In 2026, long-distance car shipping typically costs $500-$1,500. Cost per mile falls sharply with distance: short moves under 500 miles work out to about $1.10-$2.75/mile because carriers apply a $150-$300 minimum, while cross-country transport over 1,500 miles runs about $0.40-$0.75/mile.
Is car shipping cheaper than driving it yourself?
For long moves it often is, once you count gas, hotels, food, time off work, and the wear/mileage you add to the car. For short local moves, a standard tow or driving is usually cheaper.
Open vs. enclosed auto transport - which do I need?
Open transport is the standard and most affordable option and is fine for most vehicles. Enclosed transport costs 30-60% more and is worth it for classic, luxury, or high-value cars that need protection from the elements.
How do I get an accurate car transport quote?
Real quotes depend on your exact pickup and delivery ZIP codes, the vehicle, and your dates. Post your route on our partner marketplace and let carriers bid on it to see the real market rate before you book.