Safe And Reliable Santa Cruz Car Shipping Services By Us
Known as one of the best spots for surfing in California, Santa Cruz has long been a well-traveled vacation spot for people from all walks of life. It sits on the edge of the scenic Monterey Bay and is situated about an hour and a half from the bustling business of San Francisco.
There is much to do here, from the activities at the University of California at Santa Cruz to the almost daily activity on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Fishing, surfing, and swimming are popular pastimes here, and you can feast on some of the freshest seafood on the West Coast. You can get by with a bike or walk around if you plan to stay within the city limits, but it is helpful to have your vehicle with you should you decide to venture further inland to some of the smaller towns that dot the area.
Auto Transport Pricing & Time To Haul Examples
Last Updated: a few hours ago
Quick Answer: Shipping a car in Santa Cruz, CA costs around $0.75 per mile and takes 4–7 days, with 2–4 days typical for in‑state California routes.
Weather note: Coastal fog and morning marine layer can occasionally delay local pickups.
See local transport rates and delivery estimates in the table below.
| Shipping To/From Santa Cruz | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz to Los Angeles | $200 | 347 miles | 3 - 5 days |
| Local Area to Salt Lake City | $500 | 794 miles | 3 - 4 days |
| Local Area to Seattle | $520 | 866 miles | 4 - 5 days |
| Kansas City to the Area | $1118 | 1863 miles | 5 - 7 days |
| Houston to the Area | $1140 | 1888 miles | 6 - 7 days |
| Local Area to New York | $1779 | 2965 miles | 6 - 7 days |
| Detroit to the Area | $1500 | 2453 miles | 7 - 8 days |
| Miami to the Area | $1844 | 3074 miles | 8 - 10 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle you are sending.
Using Vehicle Haulers
When you are looking to book Santa Cruz car transport services, keep a few key tips in mind:
- Opt for a company with experience: An experienced auto transport company will be able to haul your vehicle to various distances, and the customer service you are looking for will often be present in a company with experience in the industry.
- Make sure the company of your choosing has a federal vehicle license: This certification is essential to let you know that you can trust your chosen company when hauling your vehicle.
- Inquire about the company's ability to ship through various climate types: This is particularly important if you are planning a cross-country move and want to ensure that your driver has the skills to drive through different elements while still safely keeping the cars hauled.
- For more information, visit the City of Santa Cruz website.
Auto Transport Firms Directory
Transporter Auto Services Inc.
Located in neighboring Scotts Valley, this car shipping company offers top-rate customer service and can ship both running and damaged vehicles and import them. Licensed, bonded, and insured nationwide auto shippers with great BBB-accredited customer reviews. Hauls automobiles, vans, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, and other heavy hauling with their open and enclosed auto transport carriers.
5297 Scotts Valley Drive
Scotts Valley, CA
866-498-2366
Dick's Automotive Transport
Dick's is a few miles outside of Santa Cruz but offers transport service in and around the entire Monterey Bay region.
888 Camden Avenue
Campbell, CA
408-374-8890
Other Resources
Santa Cruz Wikipedia Page - everything you need to know about the city of Santa Cruz.
University Of Santa Cruz - UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the intimacy of a minor, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university.
Santa Cruz On Craigslist - local classifieds and forums for jobs, housing, for sale, personals, services, local community, and events.
Neighborhood Areas We Serve
Our auto transport services are proud to help you move in any of the neighborhoods you see below. And if you don't see your neighborhood listed here, don't worry; we can most likely provide our car shipping service there.
| Boardwalk | Live Oak | Soquel |
| Midtown | Watsonville | La Selva Beach |
| Westside | Downtown | Boulder Creek |
| Rio Del Mar | Scotts Valley | Ben Lomond |
Related Information & FAQ
- Santa Cruz long distance moving services
- Cheapest Santa Cruz moving companies
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Santa Cruz car shipping usually cost?
Most Santa Cruz car shipments fall between $500–$1,300 for domestic routes. Costs shift with distance, vehicle size, open versus enclosed transport, seasonal demand, and tight pickup windows. Coastal areas like Santa Cruz often see higher summer traffic, which can briefly raise rates. For a deeper breakdown of typical price ranges and what influences them, review our car shipping rates guide.
How long does car shipping to or from Santa Cruz take?
Standard deliveries run 3–7 days within the western U.S. and 7–10 days for cross-country routes. Timing is shaped by carrier availability leaving the Bay Area, traffic along Highway 1 and 17, weather slowdowns near the coast, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
What is the safest way to ship a car in Santa Cruz?
Open carriers are reliable for most vehicles, but enclosed transport offers stronger protection against coastal moisture, wind sand, and road debris—important for EVs, luxury models, or restored classics common in Santa Cruz County. Enclosed carriers also provide lower exposure risk during winter storms. Compare options in our enclosed transport resource.
Can carriers reach residential neighborhoods in Santa Cruz?
Yes—most jobs are handled with door-to-door service, but some Santa Cruz streets (particularly in the hillside or beachside neighborhoods) have limited clearance for full-size carriers. In those cases, drivers coordinate a nearby meeting point at a school, shopping center, or wide arterial road. Learn how the process works in our door-to-door auto transport guide.
Are there reliable Santa Cruz shipping companies for last-minute moves?
Same-week requests are common in Santa Cruz due to tourism cycles, student moves, and seasonal relocations. Availability depends on space on west-coast corridors and how quickly your vehicle can be accessed. Prices may rise during peak periods.
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