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Route guide · WA → CA
Car shipping from Washington to California
Car transport from Washington to California runs 1,130 road miles between the biggest metros. Shipping a running sedan from Seattle to Los Angeles 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 #18 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
- 29.6K
- Companies at both ends
- 122
City to city
Cost to ship a car from Washington to California, city to city
Open-carrier prices for a running sedan between Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver and Yakima and Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose — 650 to 1,250 road miles apart.
| From | Los Angeles | San Francisco | San Diego | San Jose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $900–$1,3001,130 mi · 3–5 days | $775–$1,175810 mi · 2–4 days | $950–$1,3501,250 mi · 3–5 days | $775–$1,175840 mi · 2–4 days |
| Spokane | $900–$1,3001,110 mi · 3–5 days | $800–$1,200880 mi · 2–4 days | $925–$1,3251,210 mi · 3–5 days | $800–$1,200890 mi · 2–4 days |
| Vancouver | $850–$1,250980 mi · 2–4 days | $700–$1,100650 mi · 2–3 days | $900–$1,3001,100 mi · 3–5 days | $725–$1,100680 mi · 2–4 days |
| Yakima | $850–$1,2501,030 mi · 3–5 days | $750–$1,150740 mi · 2–4 days | $900–$1,3001,140 mi · 3–5 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
Seattle to Los Angeles, 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 Washington to California 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 Washington to California
About 29,587 people moved from Washington to California in each of the last two years, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (32,218 in 2023, 26,956 in 2024). That is 14.1% of everyone who left Washington for another state — no state draws more people from Washington.
This is the lighter direction: about 42,398 people a year move California to Washington. Carriers that bring cars into Washington need loads back toward California, so it's worth asking for a backhaul price on this leg.
How the price compares
At a typical $1,100, shipping from Washington to California is one of the cheaper long moves out of Washington — Colorado ($1,125) and Arizona ($1,175) cost more. That works out to about 97¢ a mile.
Distance and transit time
Expect about 1,130 road miles from Seattle to Los Angeles — 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 south-southeast 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 Washington 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 Washington 34 companies · 34 carriers · 0 brokers · 195 trucks · 9 yrs avg.
- Delivery end California 88 companies · 67 carriers · 24 brokers · 1,921 trucks · 12 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…
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…
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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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 Washington? These guides cover the neighbouring lanes.
From Washington to states near California
To California from states near Washington
FAQ
Washington 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 Washington to California?
For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $900–$1,300 from Seattle to Los Angeles (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 Washington to California?
Transit is usually 3–5 days after pickup for the 1,130-mile trip from Seattle to Los Angeles. 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 Washington to California?
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 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 Washington to California?
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 Washington to California?
Our directory lists 34 companies based in Washington and 88 based in California, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 190 that ship nationwide.