
Ship your Automobile from California to New Mexico
Moving a car costs $700-$1400 on average.
New Mexico is a state located in the southwestern part of the United States. It is one of the mountain states of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Although it is the fifth-largest state in the country,, its population is roughly 2 million.
California, New Mexico's distant neighbor, has almost 40 million residents, having 20 times the population of New Mexico. California is one of the wealthiest states in the country and the third most prosperous city in the world.
Cost to Ship a Car from California to New Mexico
Shipping a car from California to New Mexico typically costs between $638 and $1,365, depending on the specific cities involved, vehicle size, and transport type. For instance, transporting a car from Los Angeles to Albuquerque (approximately 791 miles) may cost between $638 and $996, with an estimated 2 to 4 days transit time. Larger vehicles or those requiring enclosed transport will generally incur higher costs.
Evaluating the Cost-Benefit of Shipping vs. Driving
Deciding between shipping your car and driving it yourself from California to New Mexico involves weighing various factors. While driving may seem cost-effective, consider expenses like fuel, lodging, meals, and potential wear and tear on your vehicle. Additionally, the time commitment and possible loss of income due to time off work can add to the cost. Shipping your car can save time and reduce stress, especially for long distances. As one user noted, the convenience and preservation of their vehicle made shipping the preferred choice.

Approximate Distance and Time for Delivery
California and New Mexico are separated by 990 miles.
If you intend to ship a car from Sacramento to Albuquerque, the vehicle will travel 1079 miles before arriving at the destination.
The time it takes to travel such a distance depends on the shipping service used, the weather, and other logistics-related factors. However, assuming no delays, the average time will be three days.
Estimated Pricing & Time for Delivery
To / From California to New Mexico | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
Sacramento, CA to Santa Fe, NM | $2053.8 - $2510.2 | 1141 | 4 - 6 days |
Albuquerque, NM from Los Angeles, CA | $1416.6 - $1731.4 | 787 | 4 - 6 days |
San Diego, CA to Las Cruces, NM | $1227.6 - $1500.4 | 682 | 2 - 4 days |
Rio Rancho, NM from San Jose, CA | $1888.2 - $2307.8 | 1049 | 4 - 6 days |
San Francisco, CA to Roswel, NM | $2311.2 - $2824.8 | 1284 | 5 - 7 days |
Farmington, NM from Fresno, CA | $1555.2 - $1900.8 | 864 | 4 - 6 days |
Long Beach, CA to Hobbs, NM | $1868.4 - $2283.6 | 1038 | 4 - 6 days |
South Valley, NM from Oakland, CA | $1935 - $2365 | 1075 | 4 - 6 days |
Bakersfield, CA to Clovis, NM | $1839.6 - $2248.4 | 1022 | 4 - 6 days |
Alamogordo, NM from Anaheim, CA | $1468.8 - $1795.2 | 816 | 4 - 6 days |
Understanding the Role of Brokers vs. Carriers
When arranging auto transport from California to New Mexico, it's important to distinguish between brokers and carriers. Brokers act as intermediaries, connecting you with carriers who will physically transport your vehicle. While brokers can offer a wider network of options, it's crucial to ensure they work with reputable carriers. Some users have reported that low initial quotes from brokers can lead to delays if carriers are unwilling to accept the job at the offered rate. To avoid such issues, verify the broker's credentials and ask about their carrier selection process.
What Are the Major Delivery Hubs?
The hubs where vehicles shipped to New Mexico will be delivered include hubs in:
- Santa Fe
- Albuquerque
- Silver City
- Roswell
- La Cruces
Affordable Way of Hauling
The cheapest way to ship a vehicle from California to New Mexico is to use a truck with an exposed back. This option is even more affordable if many cars are shipped simultaneously.
While the cost of using this method is attractive, know that the vehicles will be exposed to the weather while in transit.
Choosing the Right Transport Method
When shipping your vehicle, you can choose between open and enclosed transport. Open transport is more cost-effective and suitable for most standard vehicles, while enclosed transport offers added protection for luxury or classic cars. The choice between these methods will affect your overall shipping cost and should be based on your vehicle's specific needs.
Planning for Seasonal Variations in Shipping Demand
Auto transport demand can fluctuate seasonally, affecting both availability and pricing. For instance, summer months often see higher demand due to increased relocations, potentially leading to wait times and higher costs longer. Conversely, winter conditions can impact transit times due to weather-related delays. To secure the best rates and ensure timely delivery, plan your shipment well in advance and remain flexible with your pickup and delivery dates.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Interstate Shipping
Proper preparation ensures a smooth shipping process. Clean your vehicle thoroughly to facilitate inspection, remove personal items, and provide the fuel tank is about a quarter full. Document any existing damage with photos for your records. Being flexible with pickup and delivery dates can also help reduce costs. Factors like distance, vehicle size, and transport method will influence the final price.
We Can Also move the Following Items
- Motorcycles
- Freight
- ATVs

Scheduling Your Pickup
The cities where your vehicles will be shipped to for pick up include:
- San Jose
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Long Beach
- San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is New Mexico from California by car, and how does that affect shipping time?
The driving distance between California and New Mexico varies based on your starting and ending points. For example, Los Angeles to Albuquerque is approximately 826 miles, taking about 12.5 hours to drive. This distance influences car shipping times, which typically range from 2 to 5 days, depending on factors like route, traffic, and carrier availability.
I'm moving from California to New Mexico—should I ship my car or drive it myself?
Shipping your car can save you time, reduce wear and tear on your vehicle, and alleviate the stress of a long drive. It's especially beneficial if you're moving with multiple vehicles, have tight timelines, or prefer to fly to your new home. Auto transport services offer door-to-door delivery, making the transition smoother during your move from California to New Mexico.
Can I ship my motorcycle from California to New Mexico, and what does it cost?
Yes, you can ship your motorcycle between California and New Mexico. Costs typically range from $400 to $800, depending on factors like distance, bike size, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Delivery times usually span 5 to 10 days.
What documents are required to ship a car to Mexico from California?
To ship a car to Mexico, you'll need the original title and registration. If there's a lien on the vehicle, a letter of authorization from the lienholder is also required. Additionally, your car must comply with Mexico's emissions standards, which may necessitate an inspection and certification before shipping.
What's the best way to ship a car to Mexico, RoRo or container shipping?
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is often the most cost-effective method for operable vehicles, as cars are driven directly onto the ship. Container shipping provides added protection, making it suitable for high-value or inoperable vehicles. The choice between RoRo and container shipping depends on your vehicle's condition and your budget.