How much does it cost to ship a car cross-country?

Most cross-country car shipments run roughly $650 to $2,000+ depending on distance, vehicle size, open vs. enclosed transport, and season. A coast-to-coast open-carrier move of a standard sedan typically lands around $1,000–$1,600; enclosed transport and larger vehicles cost more. Per-mile rates drop on longer routes.

Is open or enclosed car transport better?

Open transport, the same multi-car trailers dealers use, is cheaper and fine for everyday vehicles. Enclosed transport costs 30–60% more but protects against weather and road debris, so it's worth it for classic, luxury, or high-value cars.

How long does it take to ship a car across the country?

Coast-to-coast auto transport usually takes 7–10 days, and shorter interstate routes 2–5 days. Like household van lines, carriers quote a pickup and delivery window rather than an exact time because they consolidate several vehicles per trailer.

Can I ship a car with my household move?

Yes. Many interstate movers arrange auto transport alongside your household goods through a partner carrier, and it's quoted separately from the household line. Flag it when you get quotes so the whole move is coordinated on one timeline.

Shipping a car cross-country

By the Nation Moving data team · Updated July 2026

If you're moving across the country and can't, or don't want to, drive every vehicle, auto transport hands the miles to a carrier. Here's what it costs, how open and enclosed differ, and how to bundle it with your household move.

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Car shipping cost by distance (2026)

Published 2026 open-carrier ranges for a standard sedan. Larger vehicles and enclosed transport cost more; per-mile rates fall on longer routes, just like household moves.

Standard sedan, open carrier · published 2026 auto-transport ranges. Enclosed and larger vehicles run higher.
Route	Low	Typical	High
Short interstate (~500 mi)	$450	$600	$850
Mid-haul (~1,000 mi)	$700	$900	$1,250
Long-haul (~1,500 mi)	$850	$1,150	$1,600
Coast-to-coast (~2,800 mi)	$1,100	$1,450	$2,000

Open vs. enclosed transport

Open transportis the default, the same multi-car trailers dealerships use. It's the cheapest option and perfectly safe for everyday vehicles. Enclosed transport runs 30–60% more and shields the car from weather and road debris; reserve it for classic, luxury, or genuinely high-value vehicles.

What moves the price

Distance, the biggest factor, though per-mile cost drops on longer hauls.
Vehicle size and weight, trucks and SUVs cost more than sedans.
Open vs. enclosed, the single largest optional add.
Season, summer and snowbird routes (to Florida and Arizona in fall) run higher.
Door-to-door vs. terminal, door service is more convenient and slightly pricier.

Bundling it with your household move

The simplest path is to let your interstate mover coordinate auto transport through a partner carrier so both legs run on one timeline. It's quoted separately from the household line, see how the household side is priced in long-distance moving cost.

FAQ

Most cross-country car shipments run roughly $650 to $2,000+ depending on distance, vehicle size, open vs. enclosed transport, and season. A coast-to-coast open-carrier move of a standard sedan typically lands around $1,000–$1,600; enclosed transport and larger vehicles cost more. Per-mile rates drop on longer routes.

Move your home and your car together

Flag car shipping in the quiz and your matched movers coordinate both. See your route cost in 60 seconds, no email required.