Michigan to California Auto Transport
Is there a way I can know how much my car relocation from Michigan to California will cost?
It is important to determine the price of your relocation right from the start. With that knowledge, you can add other services that might be appropriate for your car’s condition and other factors as well. Price determination can be achieved by getting information about the distance of your relocation and the weight of your car. These can help you approximate the price of your move. Other protective services may also factor in approximating the price.
Auto Transport Pricing & Time To Ship Your Car Examples-Michigan to California
Last Updated: 3 days ago
Quick Answer: Shipping a car from Michigan to California costs around $1,300 and usually takes 5-7 days.
See route-specific prices and distances in the table below.
| To / From Michigan to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated Time In Transit |
| Detroit, MI to Los Angeles, CA | 1978 miles | $3,461.50 - $4,292.26 | 7 - 9 Days |
| Grand Rapids City, MI to San Diego, CA | 1840 miles | $3,220.00 - $3,992.80 | 6 - 8 Days |
| Warren City, MI to San Jose, CA | 2072 miles | $3,626.00 - $4,496.24 | 7 - 9 Days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to San Francisco, CA | 2083 miles | $3,645.25 - $4,520.11 | 7 - 9 Days |
| Ann Arbor City, MI to Fresno, CA | 1939 miles | $3,393.25 - $4,209.63 | 7 - 9 Days |
| Lansing City, MI to Sacramento, CA | 1937 miles | $3,389.75 - $4,203.29 | 7 - 9 Days |
| Clinton, MI to Long Beach, CA | 1934 miles | $3,384.50 - $4,196.78 | 7 - 9 Days |
| Flint City, MI to Oakland, CA | 2039 miles | $3,568.25 - $4,429.63 | 7 - 9 Days |
| Dearborn, MI to Bakersfield, CA | 1968 miles | $3,444.00 - $4,270.56 | 7 - 9 Days |
| Livonia, MI to Anaheim, CA | 1951 miles | $3,414.25 - $4,239.67 | 7 - 9 Days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of vehicle you are shipping.
How much time will my car relocation?
A drive from Michigan to California can take up to 36 hours. With an approximate distance of 2,500 miles, driving to both these states might not be suitable for your car. It is advantageous to hire a relocation service provider who can help relocate your car. For less than a week, you can expect your car to be relocated from your origin to your destination.
Where can I find significant delivery hubs in the Area?
California's major delivery centers are located in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, and Long Beach.
Is there any way for me to save money on my move?
Saving on your relocation means removing some other protection that you can opt for from the services we offer to you. For example, it can be cheaper to relocate your car with an open trailer service because a closed trailer service provides more protection.
We can also assist you in moving these things
- Freight
- ATV’s
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- RV’s
- Heavy Equipment
These are the areas where we can pick up your automobiles
Ann Arbor City, Dearborn, Detroit, Lansing City, Grand Rapids City, Sterling Heights, and Warren City are where you can have your automobiles picked up by our team. With just a call to us, you can schedule your pick-up at your desired location. Make sure to process your documents and prepare your car for transfer to ease up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Michigan to California?
Shipping a car from Michigan to California usually ranges $1,000–$1,500 for standard sedans on open carriers. Costs shift with vehicle size, pickup access, seasonal carrier demand, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Prices trend higher during winter in Michigan and during peak relocation months in California. For a detailed breakdown of nationwide price patterns, see our car shipping cost guide.
How long does Michigan to California car shipping take?
Most deliveries run 5–8 days, covering roughly 2,300 miles across the Midwest and Southwest. Transit time varies based on route congestion, weather delays in the Rockies, and how quickly your pickup can be scheduled. Urban pickups around Detroit and drop-offs near Los Angeles or the Bay Area typically move faster because carriers frequent these corridors.
What’s the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to California?
The most economical option is open carrier transport, widely used for cross-country relocations. It operates on high-capacity routes running from Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids toward California hubs, which helps keep pricing lower. You can further reduce costs by being flexible on pickup windows and choosing major metro meeting points. Learn more in our cheap state to state towing guide.
Is shipping a car from Michigan to California safe?
Yes. Licensed carriers follow FMCSA safety rules and secure your vehicle using industry-standard tie-downs and inspection procedures. Most carriers running the Michigan–California corridor use GPS-supported dispatch systems and complete pre- and post-trip condition reports. Choosing enclosed transport adds extra protection for luxury or restored vehicles; details: enclosed.
Can I book California-to-Michigan transport on the same route?
Yes. The lane operates heavily in both directions, especially between Southern California and Metro Detroit. Return-lane availability can even lower pricing when carriers reposition west-to-east. Scheduling works similarly: door-to-door service, full insurance, and the same delivery timelines adjusted for distance and weather.
What should I do if my Michigan pickup or California delivery location is hard for a carrier to access?
Tight streets, low tree canopies, or HOA restrictions can limit full-size trailer access. Providing accurate access notes, sharing gate codes, or arranging a nearby parking lot meeting point ensures smooth loading and prevents reattempt fees. Rural Michigan pickups and hilly California neighborhoods may require coordination with the driver to select a safe transfer point.
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