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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car? (2026 Price Guide)
Shipping a car usually costs somewhere between $500 and $1,600, but the honest answer is: it depends. A short regional move might run a few hundred dollars, while a coast-to-coast trip in an enclosed trailer can climb well past a thousand. Here’s exactly what moves the number.
The five things that set your price
- Distance. This is the biggest factor. The farther your car travels, the more you pay in total — though the per-mile rate actually drops on longer routes.
- Vehicle size and weight. A compact sedan costs less than a full-size SUV or a lifted truck. Bigger vehicles take up more room on the trailer and add weight.
- Open vs. enclosed transport. Open transport is the standard, affordable choice. Enclosed transport — fully protected from weather and debris — typically costs 30–60% more.
- Timing and season. Booking last-minute or during peak season (spring “snowbird” returns, summer moves) raises prices. Flexible dates save money.
- Vehicle condition. A non-running vehicle needs a carrier with a winch, which adds to the cost.
Typical price ranges by distance
| Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $300–$600 | $500–$900 |
| 500–1,500 miles | $600–$1,000 | $900–$1,400 |
| 1,500+ miles | $1,000–$1,600 | $1,400–$2,200 |
These are ballpark figures. Real quotes vary with the factors above and with current carrier demand on your route.
How to get the best price
- Compare multiple quotes. Prices vary between service providers for the same route. Comparing is the single easiest way to save.
- Be flexible on dates. A wider pickup window gives service providers room to fit you into an efficient route.
- Ship open if you can. Unless you’re moving a luxury or collector car, open transport is safe and far cheaper.
- Book ahead. Last-minute shipments cost more.
Ready to see real numbers for your route? Request free quotes from licensed, insured auto-transport service providers. Remember — CarShipConnect is a referral service that connects you with service providers; we don’t ship vehicles ourselves.