How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Every shipment is priced on its own, based on your vehicle and your route. Here is what actually goes into that number, and how to get an accurate one for your car.
What Affects Your Price
- Distance and Route
- The farther your vehicle travels, the more the shipment costs, though the price per mile is usually lower on longer routes. The specific route matters too, since a corridor with more regular carrier traffic prices differently than a less-traveled one.
- Vehicle Size
- A larger or heavier vehicle takes up more space on a carrier, which affects how many vehicles fit on the same trip. Trucks and SUVs generally cost more to ship than a sedan traveling the same distance.
- Open or Enclosed Transport
- Open carrier transport is the standard, more economical option. Enclosed transport costs more because fewer vehicles fit per trailer, but it protects your vehicle from weather and road debris for the entire trip.
- Timing
- Rush shipping, which prioritizes your vehicle for faster pickup and delivery, generally costs more than standard scheduling. Some flexibility around your ideal pickup date can help your vehicle get slotted onto a route more easily.
- Vehicle Condition
- An inoperable vehicle, meaning one that cannot be driven, steered or braked under its own power, typically costs more to ship since it needs a winch and extra handling to load and unload.
Open vs. Enclosed, at a Glance
Most vehicles ship open. Here is how the two options compare.
| Factor | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | The more economical option | Typically 40 to 60 percent more than open, for the same route |
| Protection | Exposed to weather and road debris, like normal highway driving | Fully covered for the entire trip |
| Best For | Everyday cars, trucks and SUVs | Delicate, exotic, luxury or classic vehicles |
| Availability | More carriers run open trailers, so it is easier to book quickly | Fewer carriers run enclosed trailers, so booking can take a little longer |
Sample Prices Along Popular Routes
These examples assume a regular sedan or SUV on open carrier transport. Contact us for an exact quote and to ask about any discounts you may qualify for.
| New York → Miami | ~1,280 miles | $850 - $1,100 | 4 - 6 days |
| Chicago → Miami | ~1,380 miles | $850 - $1,100 | 4 - 6 days |
| Boston → West Palm Beach | ~1,470 miles | $850 - $1,100 | 4 - 6 days |
| Philadelphia → Orlando | ~1,010 miles | $850 - $1,100 | 4 - 6 days |
| Minneapolis → Phoenix | ~1,720 miles | $1,000 - $1,300 | 5 - 8 days |
| Los Angeles → Dallas | ~1,435 miles | $850 - $1,100 | 4 - 6 days |
| Los Angeles → Austin | ~1,375 miles | $850 - $1,100 | 4 - 6 days |
| San Francisco → Austin | ~1,745 miles | $1,000 - $1,300 | 5 - 8 days |
| San Francisco → Dallas | ~1,745 miles | $1,000 - $1,300 | 5 - 8 days |
| New York → Dallas | ~1,550 miles | $1,000 - $1,300 | 5 - 8 days |
| Chicago → Dallas | ~925 miles | $650 - $850 | 2 - 4 days |
| Los Angeles → Phoenix | ~370 miles | $450 - $650 | 1 - 3 days |
| New York → Los Angeles | ~2,790 miles | $1,100 - $1,500 | 7 - 12 days |
| Los Angeles → Miami | ~2,730 miles | $1,100 - $1,500 | 7 - 12 days |
| Seattle → Miami | ~3,300 miles | $1,100 - $1,500 | 7 - 12 days |
| Boston → Los Angeles | ~3,015 miles | $1,100 - $1,500 | 7 - 12 days |
| Washington, D.C. → San Francisco | ~2,835 miles | $1,100 - $1,500 | 7 - 12 days |
| San Francisco → Seattle | ~810 miles | $650 - $850 | 2 - 4 days |
| Atlanta → Washington, D.C. | ~640 miles | $650 - $850 | 2 - 4 days |
| Chicago → New York | ~790 miles | $650 - $850 | 2 - 4 days |
| Houston → Atlanta | ~790 miles | $650 - $850 | 2 - 4 days |
| Denver → Phoenix | ~840 miles | $650 - $850 | 2 - 4 days |
Shipping By State
We ship nationwide. Pick a state below for its routes, or use the filter above for a specific city pair.
Pricing Questions
How much does it cost to ship my car?
Your price depends on your vehicle, your route and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. We do not publish a flat rate because every shipment is different. Request a quote and we will give you a firm price, with no upfront payment required.
Do I have to pay anything before my car ships?
No. Hilton Auto Transport does not require an upfront payment. You are only charged once an insured carrier has been dispatched to pick up your vehicle.
Does my vehicle's value affect the price?
For open transport, price is based mainly on size, distance and route, not the vehicle's value. Value matters more when choosing enclosed transport, which we recommend for delicate, exotic, luxury or classic vehicles regardless of price.
How do I get the most accurate quote?
Give us your exact pickup and delivery addresses, your vehicle's year, make and model, and your preferred timing. The more specific you are, the more accurate your quote will be.
Is insurance included in the price?
Yes. Every quote from Hilton Auto Transport already includes insurance coverage, whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
Get Your Shipping Quote
Tell us where your vehicle is now and where it needs to go. Zero upfront payment, and we are here every day of the year.
- Phone
- 310-686-5318
- Address
- 1611 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
- Hours
- 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific, 365 days a year, with 24/7 support during active vehicle transport