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Route guide · IN → CA
Car shipping from Indiana to California
Car transport from Indiana to California runs 2,140 road miles between the biggest metros. Shipping a running sedan from Indianapolis to Los Angeles costs about $1,200–$1,700 on an open carrier and $1,800–$2,575 in an enclosed trailer, with 5–8 days in transit. It ranks #166 among the 250 busiest car-shipping lanes, based on Census moving data.
- Open carrier, sedan
- $1,450
- Road miles
- 2,140
- Days in transit
- 5–8
- People moving a year
- 6.1K
- Companies at both ends
- 113
City to city
Cost to ship a car from Indiana to California, city to city
Open-carrier prices for a running sedan between Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville and South Bend and Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose — 2,000 to 2,380 road miles apart.
| From | Los Angeles | San Francisco | San Diego | San Jose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $1,200–$1,7002,140 mi · 5–8 days | $1,250–$1,8002,330 mi · 5–9 days | $1,175–$1,7002,100 mi · 5–8 days | $1,225–$1,7752,270 mi · 5–8 days |
| Fort Wayne | $1,225–$1,7502,210 mi · 5–8 days | $1,275–$1,8252,380 mi · 5–9 days | $1,200–$1,7252,180 mi · 5–8 days | $1,250–$1,8002,320 mi · 5–9 days |
| Evansville | $1,175–$1,6752,050 mi · 5–8 days | $1,225–$1,7752,270 mi · 5–8 days | $1,150–$1,6502,000 mi · 4–8 days | $1,225–$1,7502,200 mi · 5–8 days |
| South Bend | $1,200–$1,7252,150 mi · 5–8 days | $1,250–$1,7752,310 mi · 5–8 days | $1,200–$1,7002,120 mi · 5–8 days | $1,225–$1,7502,250 mi · 5–8 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
Indianapolis to Los Angeles, 2,140 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 | $1,200–$1,700 | $1,800–$2,575 |
| Midsize SUV or crossover | $1,325–$1,925 | $2,000–$2,875 |
| Large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition) | $1,500–$2,150 | $2,250–$3,200 |
| Pickup truck | $1,550–$2,225 | $2,325–$3,325 |
| Motorcycle | $725–$1,025 | $1,075–$1,550 |
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 Indiana to California is January–May and September–November.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cheapest: about $1,450 Peak: about $1,575
About this route
Why so many cars go from Indiana to California
About 6,093 people moved from Indiana to California in each of the last two years, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (4,531 in 2023, 7,654 in 2024). That is 4.8% of everyone who left Indiana for another state.
This is the lighter direction: about 8,740 people a year move California to Indiana. Carriers that bring cars into Indiana need loads back toward California, so it's worth asking for a backhaul price on this leg.
How the price compares
At a typical $1,450, shipping from Indiana to California is among the most expensive routes out of Indiana; Arizona ($1,325) and Florida ($1,125) cost less. That works out to about 68¢ a mile — long hauls cost less per mile because loading and paperwork are spread over more distance.
Distance and transit time
Indianapolis to Los Angeles runs about 2,140 road miles. With drivers limited to 11 hours of driving a day and stops for other cars on the load, that is 5–8 days on the truck. The car heads west and crosses 3 time zones — from Eastern to Pacific time — so confirm whether the delivery window you are given is in local time.
On the road
- The route crosses mountain passes in the West; from November to March, snow and chain laws can hold trucks for a day or two.
Companies
Car transport companies from Indiana to California
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 Indiana 25 companies · 25 carriers · 1 brokers · 528 trucks · 11 yrs avg.
- Delivery end California 88 companies · 67 carriers · 24 brokers · 1,921 trucks · 12 yrs avg.
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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…
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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.
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.
AT
American Truck Transport
FMCSA verifiedIndiana automotive carhaul carrier supporting OEM lanes and surge capacity, with experienced Teamster drivers.
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.
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.
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.
AC
ABC Car Shipping
FMCSA verifiedAt ABC Car Shipping, our objective is to make safe vehicle shipments across the U.S. affordable to everyone, regardless of their location or shipping distances
AW
All Wheelz Transport, INC.
FMCSA verifiedNo companies match these filters
Try fewer filters, or include companies from other states that serve this route.
Related routes
Nearby alternatives
Moving close to California but not into it — or coming from somewhere near Indiana? These guides cover the neighbouring lanes.
From Indiana to states near California
To California from states near Indiana
FAQ
Indiana to California car shipping: questions
Numbers on this page come from our price model, Census moving data and California's DMV.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Indiana to California?
For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $1,200–$1,700 from Indianapolis to Los Angeles (2,140 road miles). Between other big cities in the two states prices range from $1,150–$1,825. An SUV costs about $1,325–$1,925, a pickup $1,550–$2,225, and an enclosed trailer $1,800–$2,575 for a sedan.
How long does it take to ship a car from Indiana to California?
Transit is usually 5–8 days after pickup for the 2,140-mile trip from Indianapolis to Los Angeles. 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 Indiana to California?
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 California after moving?
California requires new residents to register within 20 days of becoming a resident. The car must pass a California smog check, and it has to meet California emission standards to be registered at all.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from Indiana to California?
Driving 2,140 miles takes about 5 days: roughly $270 in gas and 4 nights of hotels and meals (about $560). Shipping a sedan costs about $1,200–$1,700. Add wear on the car and 5 days off work, and the two come out close.
Which car shipping companies go from Indiana to California?
Our directory lists 25 companies based in Indiana and 88 based in California, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 190 that ship nationwide.