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Route guide · CA → WA
Car shipping from California to Washington
Car transport from California to Washington runs 1,130 road miles between the biggest metros. Shipping a running sedan from Los Angeles to Seattle costs about $900–$1,300 on an open carrier and $1,350–$1,950 in an enclosed trailer, with 3–5 days in transit. It ranks #9 among the 250 busiest car-shipping lanes, based on Census moving data.
- Open carrier, sedan
- $1,100
- Road miles
- 1,130
- Days in transit
- 3–5
- People moving a year
- 42.4K
- Companies at both ends
- 122
City to city
Cost to ship a car from California to Washington, city to city
Open-carrier prices for a running sedan between Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose and Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver and Yakima — 650 to 1,250 road miles apart.
| From | Seattle | Spokane | Vancouver | Yakima |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $900–$1,3001,130 mi · 3–5 days | $900–$1,3001,110 mi · 3–5 days | $850–$1,250980 mi · 2–4 days | $850–$1,2501,030 mi · 3–5 days |
| San Francisco | $775–$1,175810 mi · 2–4 days | $800–$1,200880 mi · 2–4 days | $700–$1,100650 mi · 2–3 days | $750–$1,150740 mi · 2–4 days |
| San Diego | $950–$1,3501,250 mi · 3–5 days | $925–$1,3251,210 mi · 3–5 days | $900–$1,3001,100 mi · 3–5 days | $900–$1,3001,140 mi · 3–5 days |
| San Jose | $775–$1,175840 mi · 2–4 days | $800–$1,200890 mi · 2–4 days | $725–$1,100680 mi · 2–4 days | $750–$1,150760 mi · 2–4 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 Seattle, 1,130 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 | $900–$1,300 | $1,350–$1,950 |
| Midsize SUV or crossover | $1,000–$1,450 | $1,525–$2,175 |
| Large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition) | $1,125–$1,625 | $1,700–$2,450 |
| Pickup truck | $1,175–$1,700 | $1,750–$2,550 |
| Motorcycle | $550–$775 | $800–$1,175 |
By month
Best time to ship
Prices on this lane peak in December (the holidays and winter weather up north), running about 10% above the quietest months. The cheapest time to ship from California to Washington is March–May and September–November.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cheapest: about $1,100 Peak: about $1,200
About this route
Why so many cars go from California to Washington
About 42,398 people moved from California to Washington in each of the last two years, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (40,858 in 2023, 43,938 in 2024). That is 6.3% of everyone who left California for another state, making Washington its #4 destination.
Traffic is lopsided: only about 29,587 people a year go the other way, Washington to California. Trucks heading into Washington fill up quickly, so pickups are usually fast — but carriers have less reason to discount in peak months.
How the price compares
At a typical $1,100, shipping from California to Washington costs more than sending a car to Colorado ($1,050) and Oregon ($1,050) but less than to Oklahoma ($1,200) and Kansas ($1,200). That works out to about 97¢ a mile.
Distance and transit time
Expect about 1,130 road miles from Los Angeles to Seattle — 3–5 days on the truck after pickup. Carriers usually load several cars before heading out, so the pickup window matters as much as transit time. The car heads north and stays on Pacific time the whole way.
On the road
- Winter storms in Washington can slow pickups and deliveries in December through February — leave slack in your schedule.
Companies
Car transport companies from California to Washington
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 Washington 34 companies · 34 carriers · 0 brokers · 195 trucks · 9 yrs avg.
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…
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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…
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in North Hollywood, California, BAH Logistics LLC is a federally licensed auto transport broker. We connect customers with a…
In 2004, Direct Express Auto Transport changed the vehicle logistics industry forever. Before we launched, getting a car shipping quote meant hours of phone…
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…
At Nationwide United Auto Transport our goal is simple, provide fast, safe and reliable vehicle transport.
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…
Shelby Auto Transport – the difference. In an industry as expansive as auto transport, a company’s reputation isn’t just built on efficiency but on a deeper…
Tempus Logix has a vast network of mandatory insured and bonded carriers with whom we continually work.
Cross-border car shipping between the USA and Canada with customs handling, in business since 1985.
H&
Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport Inc
FMCSA verifiedLarge Los Alamitos, CA auto carrier with 30+ years of experience, moving new and remarketed vehicles coast to coast.
DA
Deluxe Auto Carriers
FMCSA verifiedSouthern California car carrier in the Proficient Auto Logistics group, moving finished vehicles to dealerships.
DA
DBN Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedWoman-owned Anaheim car carrier established in 2012, with soft-tie trailers and camera/GPS on every truck.
DA
Diesel Auto Express
FMCSA verifiedVancouver, Washington car carrier with its own fleet, shipping vehicles coast to coast for individuals and dealers.
QC
Quality Car Shippers LLC
FMCSA verifiedFamily-owned Murrieta, CA car carrier serving dealers, rental companies, auctions and OEMs across the lower 48.
AL
Auto Line Express Inc
FMCSA verifiedGardena, CA car carrier moving thousands of finished vehicles a year across the U.S. and Canada since 2013.
IL
Intercity Lines, Inc
FMCSA verifiedAP
A Plus Auto Shippers LLC
FMCSA verifiedLicensed and bonded auto carrier from the Phoenix and Palm Desert area shipping cars and trucks nationwide.
RB
Rikki Bobbi Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedSpokane, Washington auto transport company offering car shipping, RV and boat transport, storage and brokerage.
AS
All Star Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedChino, California auto carrier moving vehicles in California and Texas since 2005.
CA
CA Auto Express Inc
FMCSA verifiedSouthern California motor carrier shipping vehicles on its own trucks, coast to coast and within California.
PA
Prime Auto Haulers LLC
FMCSA verifiedCar-hauling carrier from Airway Heights, Washington handling local and long-distance vehicle transport.
GK
Golden Key Express
FMCSA verifiedLS
Lucky Star Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedFamily-owned San Jose car carrier offering open, door-to-door auto transport nationwide since 2012.
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Related routes
Nearby alternatives
Moving close to Washington but not into it — or coming from somewhere near California? These guides cover the neighbouring lanes.
From California to states near Washington
To Washington from states near California
FAQ
California to Washington car shipping: questions
Numbers on this page come from our price model, Census moving data and Washington's DMV.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Washington?
For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $900–$1,300 from Los Angeles to Seattle (1,130 road miles). Between other big cities in the two states prices range from $700–$1,350. An SUV costs about $1,000–$1,450, a pickup $1,175–$1,700, and an enclosed trailer $1,350–$1,950 for a sedan.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Washington?
Transit is usually 3–5 days after pickup for the 1,130-mile trip from Los Angeles to Seattle. Getting the car picked up takes another 1–5 days on a standard booking; expedited pickup within 1–2 days costs about 30% more.
When is the cheapest time to ship a car from California to Washington?
March–May and September–November is the cheapest window on this lane. Prices are highest in December, up to about 10% more. Whatever the month, a flexible pickup date booked 2–3 weeks out gets the best price.
How soon do I have to register my car in Washington after moving?
Washington requires new residents to register within 30 days of becoming a resident. You need a Washington driver license before you can register the car.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from California to Washington?
Driving 1,130 miles takes about 3 days: roughly $140 in gas and 2 nights of hotels and meals (about $280). Shipping a sedan costs about $900–$1,300. Add wear on the car and 3 days off work, and the two come out close.
Which car shipping companies go from California to Washington?
Our directory lists 88 companies based in California and 34 based in Washington, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 190 that ship nationwide.