Founded in 1984, locally owned and operated Texas Auto Carriers provides transport, towing, and hauling services for consumer and commercial clients. Our…
Route guide · CA → TX
Car shipping from California to Texas
Car transport from California to Texas runs 1,470 road miles between the biggest metros. Shipping a running sedan from Los Angeles to Dallas costs about $1,000–$1,450 on an open carrier and $1,525–$2,150 in an enclosed trailer, with 3–6 days in transit. It is the busiest long-distance moving lane in the country, based on Census data.
- Open carrier, sedan
- $1,225
- Road miles
- 1,470
- Days in transit
- 3–6
- People moving a year
- 85.6K
- Companies at both ends
- 206
City to city
Cost to ship a car from California to Texas, city to city
Open-carrier prices for a running sedan between Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose and Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin — 1,330 to 1,970 road miles apart.
| From | Dallas | Houston | San Antonio | Austin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $1,000–$1,4501,470 mi · 3–6 days | $1,050–$1,5001,630 mi · 4–6 days | $1,000–$1,4251,430 mi · 3–6 days | $1,000–$1,4251,450 mi · 3–6 days |
| San Francisco | $1,100–$1,5751,790 mi · 4–7 days | $1,150–$1,6501,970 mi · 4–7 days | $1,100–$1,5751,790 mi · 4–7 days | $1,100–$1,5751,810 mi · 4–7 days |
| San Diego | $975–$1,4001,390 mi · 3–6 days | $1,025–$1,4501,530 mi · 4–6 days | $975–$1,3751,330 mi · 3–6 days | $975–$1,4001,360 mi · 3–6 days |
| San Jose | $1,075–$1,5251,710 mi · 4–7 days | $1,125–$1,6001,890 mi · 4–7 days | $1,075–$1,5251,700 mi · 4–7 days | $1,075–$1,5501,720 mi · 4–7 days |
Estimate, not a quote
A pickup or delivery far from these metros usually adds $75–$150. Quotes move with fuel prices and truck space, so treat these as a yardstick. Price your own addresses →
By vehicle
Price by vehicle type
Los Angeles to Dallas, 1,470 miles. Bigger and heavier vehicles take more room and weight on the trailer, so they cost more.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan or small car | $1,000–$1,450 | $1,525–$2,150 |
| Midsize SUV or crossover | $1,125–$1,600 | $1,700–$2,425 |
| Large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition) | $1,250–$1,800 | $1,900–$2,700 |
| Pickup truck | $1,300–$1,875 | $1,975–$2,800 |
| Motorcycle | $600–$875 | $900–$1,300 |
By month
Best time to ship
Prices on this lane peak in June–August (the summer moving peak), running about 8% above the quietest months. The cheapest time to ship from California to Texas is January–May and September–November.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cheapest: about $1,225 Peak: about $1,325
About this route
Why so many cars go from California to Texas
About 85,566 people moved from California to Texas in each of the last two years, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (93,970 in 2023, 77,161 in 2024). That is 12.7% of everyone who left California for another state — no state draws more people from California.
Far fewer people make the reverse move — about 42,090 a year from Texas to California. Carriers bound for Texas rarely run empty, which keeps pickups quick but prices firm.
How the price compares
At a typical $1,225, shipping from California to Texas costs more than sending a car to Oklahoma ($1,200) and Kansas ($1,200) but less than to Missouri ($1,275) and Minnesota ($1,325). That works out to about 83¢ a mile.
Distance and transit time
Los Angeles to Dallas is about 1,470 road miles, or 3–6 days on a car carrier. Most of the wait is before pickup, while the driver fills the trailer. The car heads east and crosses 2 time zones — from Pacific to Central time — so confirm whether the delivery window you are given is in local time.
On the road
- Trucks usually take the southern route across the desert Southwest, which stays open all winter — one reason this lane runs on schedule year-round.
Companies
Car transport companies from California to Texas
Companies headquartered at either end of the route usually run this lane often. Filter by services, company type and safety record — every listing is matched to its FMCSA record.
- Pickup end California 88 companies · 67 carriers · 24 brokers · 1,921 trucks · 12 yrs avg.
- Delivery end Texas 118 companies · 89 carriers · 33 brokers · 1,247 trucks · 10 yrs avg.
We are a family owned and operated nationwide auto transport and auto moving company with long experience specializing in shipping cars around the United…
Each move is unique, factoring in variables like size, distance, and more. Moreover, each auto transport company or moving firm has its distinct pricing and…
At Thrifty Auto Shipping, we understand the importance of finding a reliable auto transport company that will handle your vehicle with the utmost care. Our…
Established in 2011, Acme Car Shipping has grown into a trusted partner in vehicle transportation. As the best car shipping company for moving and relocation…
AG Car Shipping stands out by demanding full cargo insurance coverage from every active carrier, eliminating hidden broker fees, and providing 24/7 dedicated…
At Andrew Auto Transport, we provide secure, stress-free vehicle shipping solutions tailored to your needs. Our door-to-door service makes transporting your…
Auto Express Inc. started in Long Island, NY—a market most drivers avoided. We fearlessly traversed the entire country, accustomed to every challenge we faced…
Dedicated to providing quality and hassle-free experiences to all its clients, Autoplex has been surpassing the expectations of many. Started as a small…
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in North Hollywood, California, BAH Logistics LLC is a federally licensed auto transport broker. We connect customers with a…
Why choose Bold Auto Transport comes down to one thing most car shipping companies cannot offer: a licensed, federally authorized broker that coordinates your…
Compass Transport offers auto shipping services at reasonable pricing while never sacrificing your needs as a customer. While you may find companies that…
At Crestline Auto Transport, we’ve been moving vehicles across the country for decades. Whether you need to ship a car across the state or from coast to…
In 2004, Direct Express Auto Transport changed the vehicle logistics industry forever. Before we launched, getting a car shipping quote meant hours of phone…
FAST AUTOSHIP LLC, based in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to providing exceptional auto shipping services throughout the entire country. While we have a single…
Founded in 2021 by two brothers with extensive experience in leading auto transport companies, Flix Auto Transport was built on a shared passion for…
Freedom Auto Transport is the leader in auto transport and car shipping. The reason we can say this is we have the most conscientious, courteous, and…
San Jose auto transport broker operating as CarHauler247, with instant online quotes and booking.
LISCA Auto Transport is your trusted nationwide shipping solution. We specialize in transporting cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and RVs safely and…
We are a family owned and operated business. Our goal is to get your vehicle to its destination safely and on time. With our several years of pertinence we…
Relocate with ease! Moveauto transports vehicles across North America for individuals, families, and businesses. With 30 years of experience, you can trust us…
From barn finds to pick of the lot, we’re here to deliver your prized possession. We back our first class automotive transport with expert logistics for a…
At Nationwide United Auto Transport our goal is simple, provide fast, safe and reliable vehicle transport.
At NEST Auto Transport, we are dedicated to providing reliable, efficient, and hassle-free vehicle shipping services across the nation. With years of industry…
New World Auto Transport is a family owned and operated business, which values excellence. With over 50 years of experience in all aspects of the automotive…
At NexGen Auto Transport, our mission is to provide unparalleled auto transport solutions that consistently exceed customer expectations. We aim to deliver…
North Texas Auto Transport, USDOT 3519417, is your trusted partner for seamless door-to-door auto transport across the 48 contiguous United States. We set the…
We understand your vehicle is important, and we are committed to arranging its transport with professionalism and care. We provide trusted coordination…
Revoway was founded for one reason: to revolutionize the industry and address existing gaps. Committed to constant growth, we have developed outstanding and…
At Send It Car Shippers, we offer a diverse range of auto transport services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our comprehensive vehicle…
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Moving close to Texas but not into it — or coming from somewhere near California? These guides cover the neighbouring lanes.
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FAQ
California to Texas car shipping: questions
Numbers on this page come from our price model, Census moving data and Texas's DMV.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Texas?
For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $1,000–$1,450 from Los Angeles to Dallas (1,470 road miles). Between other big cities in the two states prices range from $975–$1,650. An SUV costs about $1,125–$1,600, a pickup $1,300–$1,875, and an enclosed trailer $1,525–$2,150 for a sedan.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Texas?
Transit is usually 3–6 days after pickup for the 1,470-mile trip from Los Angeles to Dallas. Before that, allow 1–5 days for a carrier to be assigned — or pay roughly 30% extra to have it collected within 48 hours.
When is the cheapest time to ship a car from California to Texas?
January–May and September–November is the cheapest window on this lane. Prices are highest in June–August, up to about 8% more. In any month, giving the carrier a wide pickup window lowers the quote.
How soon do I have to register my car in Texas after moving?
Texas requires new residents to register within 30 days of becoming a resident. Get Texas insurance first. Cars in 17 emissions counties — including Harris (Houston), Dallas, Tarrant (Fort Worth) and Travis (Austin) — need an emissions test; then register at the county tax assessor-collector.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from California to Texas?
Driving 1,470 miles takes about 3 days: roughly $190 in gas and 2 nights of hotels and meals (about $280). Shipping a sedan costs about $1,000–$1,450. Add wear on the car and 3 days off work, and the two come out close.
Which car shipping companies go from California to Texas?
Our directory lists 88 companies based in California and 118 based in Texas, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 191 that ship nationwide.