Texas to California Auto Transport
How Much Does Auto Transport from Texas to California?
Texas occupies the south-central part of the United States. It is the largest state in the South after Alaska, covering about 268,820 square miles. California, the most populous state in the United States, is located in the western part of the country, covering about 163,696 square miles. The distance between the two states will depend on how much it will cost to ship a car from Texas to California. The more miles between them, the higher the cost. The kind of service the shipping company offers and some extra charges can add to the shipping cost.
Auto Transport Pricing & Time To Ship Your Car Examples-Texas to California
Last Updated: 8 hours ago
Quick Answer: Shipping a car from Texas to California costs around $950 and generally takes 4-6 days.
See route-specific prices and distances in the table below.
| To / From Texas to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated Time In Transit |
| Houston, TX to Los Angeles, CA | 1373 miles | $2,402.75 - $2,979.41 | 6 - 8 Days |
| San Antonio, TX to San Diego, CA | 1121 miles | $1,961.75 - $2,432.57 | 5 - 7 Days |
| Dallas, TX to San Jose, CA | 1447 miles | $2,532.25 - $3,139.99 | 6 - 8 Days |
| Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA | 1493 miles | $2,612.75 - $3,239.81 | 6 - 8 Days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Fresno, CA | 1285 miles | $2,248.75 - $2,786.45 | 6 - 8 Days |
| El Paso, TX to Sacramento, CA | 954 miles | $1,669.50 - $2,078.18 | 5 - 7 Days |
| Arlington, TX to Long Beach, CA | 1215 miles | $2,126.25 - $2,634.55 | 6 - 8 Days |
| Corpus Christi, TX to Oakland, CA | 1591 miles | $2,784.25 - $3,457.47 | 6 - 8 Days |
| Plano, TX to Bakersfield, CA | 1279 miles | $2,238.25 - $2,775.43 | 6 - 8 Days |
| Laredo, TX to Anaheim, CA | 1175 miles | $2,056.25 - $2,549.75 | 5 - 7 Days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle you are shipping.
How Far Is It, and How Long Is the Estimated Delivery Time to Ship a Car?
Texas is on the west, and California is on the south; about 1,500 miles (2414 km) separate Texas from California. Shipping a car will take 2 to 4 days by road to get your vehicle to California if the transporter is driving at about 450 miles per day. This excludes external factors like weather conditions and traffic.
What Are Major Auto Shipping Delivery Hubs?
Vehicles are majorly shipped to these hubs:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Jose
- San Francisco
- Fresno
- Sacramento
- Long Beach
- Oakland
What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship?
The cheapest way to transport your cars between different locations is through an Open Carrier Auto Transport. However, your vehicles will be exposed to weather conditions like sunlight, snow, rain, etc., which may or may not be your choice. Enclosed Shipping is the sure way to go if you don't want your cars to be exposed. It is safer, but it is also more expensive.
We Can Also Assist You With The Shipment of the Following Items:
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Heavy Equipment
- RV's
- Freight
- ATVs
Scheduling Your Vehicle Transport Pickup
The list of places we service in Texasincludes:
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Dallas
- Austin
- Fort Worth
- El Paso
- Arlington
- Corpus Christi
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Texas to California auto transport cost?
Most Texas to California shipments range from $650 to $1,150 using standard open carriers. Pricing varies based on distance (1,300–1,700 miles), vehicle size, carrier type, and pickup conditions in cities like Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio. Seasonal surges and limited-access rural areas can raise rates. For a broader comparison of route pricing nationwide, visit our car transport rates resource.
How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to California?
Transit typically takes 4 to 7 days depending on the pickup city, route congestion, and Southwest weather patterns. Trucks leaving major hubs such as Dallas or Houston often move faster than rural-origin loads. Travel time may stretch slightly during summer and winter peaks.
Can I ship a car from California back to Texas?
Yes. Carriers operate heavily traveled lanes in both directions, with similar timing (4 to 7 days) and comparable pricing. Transit reliability depends on carrier availability, pickup accessibility, and your preferred shipping window. Door pickup is widely supported on most metro routes through our car pick up and delivery service.
What is the most reliable way to ship a car from Texas to California?
Open transport is the most efficient and affordable method for most vehicles. It offers high availability on routes like Houston–Los Angeles and Dallas–San Diego. Drivers with premium vehicles often choose enclosed carriers for added protection from heat, dust, and storms common across West Texas and the desert. See our detailed overview of open trailer auto transport.
Can I ship a luxury, exotic, or classic car from Texas to California?
Yes. These vehicles are typically shipped via enclosed carriers, which offer full weather shielding, soft-strap tie-downs, and liftgate loading. Enclosed trucks run this corridor daily but have limited space, so early booking helps secure preferred pickup dates.
What affects Texas to California car shipping prices the most?
Key influences include seasonal demand, pickup location, trailer type, flexibility of pickup dates, and overall mileage. SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost more because they occupy more carrier space. A comprehensive cost breakdown is available in our cost distance estimate tool.
Is door pickup available for Texas to California auto transport?
Yes. Most carriers provide door pickup when local roads support large transport trucks. Major metros like Houston, Austin, and Los Angeles are typically accessible. In neighborhoods with restricted access, drivers coordinate a nearby safe meeting point. More details are available on our same day auto transport page.
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