Shipping a car is best for long distances, cross-country moves, or when saving time matters more than cost. Driving makes sense for shorter trips or when you want full control and flexibility. We’ll break down the real costs, time, and wear-and-tear factors so you can choose the smarter option for your move.
Key Takeaways
- Shipping saves time and wear. Shipping is best for long distances, busy schedules, or when you want to avoid adding miles to your car.
- Driving can cut costs. Driving is ideal for shorter moves, when you’d rather spend on gas than carrier fees.
- Cost depends on distance and vehicle type. Shipping a sedan cross-country can range from $1,000–$1,500, while SUVs and enclosed transport cost more.
- It’s convenience vs. control. Shipping offers peace of mind and less hassle, while driving gives you flexibility and full control of timing.
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Cost To Ship a Car vs. Drive It
Driving your car yourself almost always seems cheaper, but that price tag doesn’t include “hidden” costs:
- Gas
- Hotels/lodging
- Meals
- Extra mileage
- Vehicle wear and tear
- Time off work
Shipping your car can seem expensive upfront, but the payoff is convenience:
- Preserving your car’s value
- Protecting antique or luxury vehicles
- Added insurance coverage
- Avoiding the safety risk of long road trips
The real question is how those trade-offs balance out for your route and schedule. Below, we break down what you can expect to spend shipping a car vs. driving it yourself.
Cost To Ship a Car
Car shipping costs depend on factors like route, distance, time of year, and your vehicle’s size and condition.
To give you a general pricing snapshot, here are estimated open-transport costs to ship a compact SUV (similar to a Honda CR-V) roughly 900–1,100 miles.
| Auto Transport Company | Sample Route | Estimated Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ship A Car Direct | Atlanta, GA → Philadelphia, PA | $800–$950 |
| SGT Auto Transport | Chicago, IL → Dallas, TX | $850–$1,050 |
| Navi Auto Transport | Minneapolis, MN → Denver, CO | $750–$900 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Charlotte, NC → St. Louis, MO | $850–$1,100 |
| Nexus Auto Transport | Philadelphia, PA → Des Moines, IA | $900–$1,000 |
Estimates reflect open-carrier transport under normal market conditions. Pricing may increase for enclosed transport, peak moving season (spring/summer), expedited service, or limited pickup flexibility.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Cost To Drive a Car
Driving your own car definitely comes with expenses, but they’re harder to pin down since there’s no single invoice or set fee. Instead, the costs add up along the way. These could include gas, food, hotels, and maybe even a few sightseeing stops if you turn it into a road trip.
Here’s what a sample drive from Chicago to Dallas (approximately 1,000 miles) might cost in a Honda CR-V:
- Fuel efficiency: 28–34 miles per gallon
- Fuel needed: Approx. 32 gallons (mostly highway driving)
- Gas cost: $3–$3.25 per gallon x 32 gallons = $120–$130
- Hotels/lodging: 2 nights × $100–$150 per night = $200–$300
- Food: $30–$50 per person per day x 2 days = $60–$100
Estimated total: About $380–$530 for one person (not including extra stops or tolls).
Pros & Cons of Car Shipping
Pros
- Saves time
- Protects vehicles from wear and potential damage
- Flexible options like open or enclosed carriers, door-to-door service, and expedited shipments
Cons
- Higher upfront costs
- Less control over timing due to coordinating pickup & delivery windows
Pros & Cons of Driving Your Car
Pros
- Cheaper than car shipping
- Travel at your own pace
- Transport personal belongings
Cons
- Unpredicatable costs
- Weather and road risks
Ship a Car or Drive It: What To Consider
- Budget: The shorter the distance, the more cost-effective it is to drive instead of ship your car. Regardless of the total distance, look at your total moving budget and how much you can afford to spend on car shipping services compared to a cross-country drive.
- Potential wear and tear: Driving yourself can expose your car to harsh weather conditions and other road hazards. Those added miles will also result in additional maintenance needs. Because of this, owners of classic or high-value cars usually ship their vehicles in an enclosed trailer to ensure ultimate protection.
- Your moving timeline: Auto shipping companies often can’t accommodate exact pickup dates. If you’re on a tight schedule, you’ll either need to pay an extra fee for guaranteed pickup or drive yourself.
- Packing needs: Auto shippers generally don’t allow you to store household goods in your vehicle.
- Your comfort with driving: For some, a cross-country trip that includes long periods of driving and finding food, gas, and lodging along the way can be stressful.
Quick Decision Run-Down by Scenario
When Shipping a Car Makes More Sense
Here are a few scenarios where a customer-friendly car-shipping process would be a better option. Keep in mind that delivery windows vary by route and season, and pricing can change quickly based on demand.
- Long-distance moves: When the drive is 700+ miles, shipping can save you multiple hotel nights, fuel costs, and the physical toll of a multi-day road trip. Many interstate movers also offer vehicle shipping as an add-on if you need to be at your new home quickly.
- You’re already flying or driving a moving truck: If you’re flying to your destination or one person is driving a rental truck, shipping avoids a second long-haul trip just to move a car.
- Moving with kids, pets, or multiple vehicles: Coordinating a long drive alongside family logistics can add stress.
- Car purchase via remote auction or out-of-state sale: After buying a vehicle online or at auction, shipping it directly saves time and avoids arranging temporary tags or long-distance pickup.
- Risky or exhausting routes: Winter weather, mountain passes, deserts, or storm-prone corridors can make long drives stressful or unsafe.
- High-value, newer, or low-mileage vehicles: Enclosed or carefully-matched open transport helps you avoid unnecessary mileage, road debris, and wear.
- Concern about vehicle reliability: If your car has questionable tires, brakes, or cooling components, shipping reduces the risk of breakdowns.
When Driving Your Car Makes More Sense
In some situations, hopping behind the wheel is the simpler or more cost-effective choice. Just remember that your real cost isn’t just gas, it’s also meals, lodging, wear-and-tear, and the value of your time.
- Short-distance moves: If your move is under 500–700 miles and can be completed in one long day, driving often costs less than shipping, especially if you can avoid overnight hotel stays.
- You enjoy road trips (and have the time): If you can build the drive into your moving timeline, driving may feel easier than coordinating pickup and delivery windows.
- Your vehicle is older or already high-mileage: Adding miles may not meaningfully affect resale value.
- You’re on a tight or unpredictable timeline: Driving gives you full control over departure and arrival times.
- You have a second driver: Switching drivers reduces fatigue, improves safety, and makes longer drives more manageable.
- You need your car immediately: If you’ll rely on your vehicle as soon as you arrive (for work, school, or family logistics), driving ensures it’s available right away.
Decision Cheat-Sheet
- Short move + flexible schedule → Drive it
- Long move + limited time → Ship it
- Newer/high-value car → Ship it (enclosed)
- Moving truck + one car already → Ship the extra vehicle
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Compare Top-Rated Car Shippers
| Company | Best For | Cost | State Availability | BBB Rating | Door-To-Door Transport | Guaranteed Pricing | Guaranteed Delivery | Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | Overall value | $$ | All 50 | A+ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | Military, student, senior, cash |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Guarantees | $$$ | All 50 | A+ | ✓ (in the lower 48) | ✓ | ✗ | Military, referral |
| SGT Auto Transport | Exact pickup dates | $$ | 49 (not in AK) | B | ✓ | ✓ (quote guarantee window) | ✗ | Military, senior, student, multi-vehicle |
| Easy Auto Ship | Affordable pricing | $$ | All 50 | A+ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Cash, military |
| Navi Auto Transport | Customer service | $ | All 50 | N/A (not accredited) | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Military, student, senior, cash |
Our Take
If your goal is saving time and hassle, then you should ship your vehicle with a reputable auto transport company. However, driving your car yourself will save you money and offer you more flexibility.
Get multiple quotes from professional shipping companies before making your decision.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car 1,000 miles?
Shipping a car 1,000 miles via open transport will cost between $700 and $1,400 in many cases. Enclosed transport, which provides more protection than open transport, will cost between $1,100 and $1,800 or more. Note that shipping your car or any other vehicle will cost more during the summer months because car shippers charge higher rates to cope with increases in demand.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship a car?
Usually, it costs less to drive your car yourself than to hire an auto transport company, but it’s not always that simple. When you factor in gas, food, hotels, and the value of your time, the savings can shrink fast. It’s worth comparing both options side by side before deciding which really fits your budget and schedule. Our list of the most affordable car shippers can get you started in your research.
Is my car insured when it’s shipped?
Vehicle shipping providers are legally required to provide basic liability and cargo insurance for all cars they transport. These policies vary in coverage scope from carrier to carrier, however. Additionally, they do not cover any items you may leave in your vehicle.
Can I pack items in my car during shipping?
It’s best not to pack personal items in your car when you ship it. Some carriers might allow a few lightweight, non-valuable things in the trunk, but they’re not covered by insurance if anything gets lost or damaged. To stay safe, keep your car empty and ship personal belongings separately.
How long does car shipping take?
Cross-country vehicle shipping usually takes between seven and 10 days unless otherwise stated by your carrier of choice. Shipping requests of 500 miles or less will often take one to three days.
