
Reliable, Affordable, and Stress-Free
We make the process of shipping your car between California and Texas (or Texas to California) seamless and worry-free, whether you’re relocating, selling, or purchasing a vehicle online. With decades of experience, we specialize in providing reliable car shipping services tailored to your needs. From door-to-door delivery to fully-insured transport, we ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Between Texas and California?
Shipping a car between California and Texas (approximately 1,600 miles) typically takes 3 to 7 days
The exact timeline depends on several factors such as:
- Origin and destination cities (shipments to or from major metro areas often move faster than those involving rural locations)
- Route congestion
- Weather conditions
- Carrier scheduling
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Between California and Texas?
Average Cost: Shipping a car between California and Texas typically costs between $650 and $1,300.
The cost to ship a vehicle between Texas and California depends on several factors, including:
- Timeframe you intend to ship the car (flexible or expedited delivery)
- Distance between pickup and delivery or drop-off locations and their accessibility: popular routes like Los Angeles to Houston or San Francisco to Dallas are generally cheaper compared to less common routes (see sample costs below)
- Vehicle type, size, weight, and condition: larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans cost more to ship than smaller cars (sedans, coupes) and oversized vehicles may also incur higher costs due to requiring special equipment or carriers
- Open transport (most affordable option widely available and suitable for most standard vehicles) or enclosed car hauling (recommended for added protection from weather and road debris)
- Seasonal demand and carrier availability (summer is a peak moving season)
As one of the most popular long-distance auto transport routes in the continental U.S., pricing is generally competitive. For the most accurate cost estimates, we recommend requesting a personalized quote.

Sample Car Transportation Costs
Shipping costs between California and Texas vary based on distance and pickup and delivery locations, especially between major metro hubs.
The cost to ship a vehicle between Texas and California depends on several factors, including:
We arrange vehicle pickups throughout California — including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno, Oakland, and Long Beach — with delivery available across Texas, including Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.
Shipments between California and Texas commonly move through these major metro hubs, which help streamline carrier routing and improve pickup and delivery efficiency. See route-specific prices and distances in the table below.
| To / From California to Texas | Cost | Distance (mi.) | Estimated Time In Transit |
| Sacramento, CA to Austin, TX | $3166.2 - $3869.8 | 1759 | 6 - 8 days |
| Houston, TX from Los Angeles, CA | $2786.4 - $3405.6 | 1548 | 6 - 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to San Antonio, TX | $2293.2 - $2804.8 | 1274 | 5 - 7 days |
| Dallas, TX from San Jose, CA | $3043.8 - $3720.2 | 1691 | 6 - 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Fort Worth, TX | $3070.8 - $3753.2 | 1706 | 6 - 8 days |
| El Paso, TX from Fresno, CA | $1832.4 - $2239.6 | 1018 | 4 - 6 days |
| Long Beach, CA to Arlington, TX | $2566.8 - $3137.2 | 1426 | 5 - 7 days |
| Corpus Christi, TX from Oakland, CA | $3357 - $4103 | 1865 | 6 - 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Plano, TX | $2602.8 - $3181.2 | 1446 | 5 - 7 days |
| Laredo, TX from Anaheim, CA | $2500.2 - $3055.8 | 1389 | 5 - 7 days |
How Does A-1 Car Shipping Work?
Our shipping process is simple: request a free quote, schedule pickup, complete a vehicle inspection, track the transport, and confirm delivery with a final inspection.
Shipping your vehicle with us is a straightforward process:
Step 1: Request a Free Quote
Provide your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, and preferred transport method to receive a personalized quote.
Step 2: Schedule Your Pickup
Once you book, we coordinate pickup timing with you and assign a qualified carrier.
Step 3: Vehicle Inspection and Pickup
Your vehicle is inspected and loaded onto the carrier. A condition report is completed at pickup.
Step 4: Transport Your Vehicle
Your car is transported safely along the route, with updates available throughout transit.
Step 5: Delivery and Final Inspection
Upon delivery, the vehicle is inspected again to ensure it arrives in the same condition as when picked up.

Tips for Preparing Your Car for Shipping
Before shipping your car, clean it for inspection, remove personal items, check for leaks, disable alarms, and document its condition with photos.
To ensure a smooth shipping process, follow these simple steps:
- Clean Your Vehicle: A clean car makes it easier to inspect for any pre-existing damage.
- Remove Personal Items: For safety and insurance reasons, avoid leaving personal belongings in your car.
- Check for Leaks: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and doesn’t have any fluid leaks.
- Disable Alarms: If your car has an alarm system, disable it to prevent unnecessary disruptions during transport.
- Document Your Car’s Condition: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles before shipping. This will serve as a record in case of any disputes.
Why Choose A-1 Auto Transport Services
Shipping a car long distance can feel overwhelming, but with A-1 Auto Transport, you’re in good hands. Thousands of customers trust us every year thanks to our:
- Door-to-door service for maximum convenience
- Open or enclosed transport options (best for luxury vehicles)
- Fully insured shipments for peace of mind (every shipment includes comprehensive insurance coverage, so you can rest easy knowing your car is protected throughout its journey)
- Experienced, licensed carriers
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Our support team is available to assist you throughout the shipping process.

Get Your Free Quote Today!
Ready to ship your car from California to Texas? Contact A-1 Auto Transport today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you choose the best shipping option for your needs.
Call us at 1-888-230-9116 or request a quote to get started. Let us take the stress out of car shipping so you can focus on what matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a car both ways between California and Texas?
Yes. We provide service in both directions using the same trusted carrier network.
Is pricing different depending on direction?
Pricing is generally similar, though seasonal demand and pickup location can affect availability.
How long does it take to ship a car on this route?
Most shipments take between 4 and 7 days.
Is door-to-door pickup always available?
Door pickup is available in most areas where large transport trucks can safely access.
Does A-1 ship luxury or classic vehicles?
Yes. Enclosed transport is recommended for high-value vehicles.
Can you ship non-running vehicles?
Yes. Inoperable vehicles can be shipped with specialized equipment.



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