How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in 2026?

Short answer: shipping a car in 2026 usually runs $550 to about $1,800, depending mostly on distance. A short in-state move can be a few hundred dollars; a coast-to-coast haul lands near the top of that range. But "average" hides a lot — here's what actually sets your price.

Typical cost by distance

Auto transport is priced per mile, and the per-mile rate falls as distance grows, because long routes are more efficient for carriers:

• Under 500 miles: roughly $500–$800
• 500–1,500 miles: roughly $700–$1,200
• Over 1,500 miles: roughly $1,000–$1,800

Want the number for your exact route? The cost calculator gives an instant range — enter two cities and it works out the distance for you.

What moves the price

• Distance — the single biggest factor.
• Vehicle size & weight — an SUV or pickup costs more than a sedan; a motorcycle less.
• Open vs. enclosed — enclosed protection adds roughly 40%. (When is it worth it?)
• Season — summer and snowbird months cost more. (Best time to ship.)
• Route popularity & access — busy corridors between metros are cheaper than remote pickups.

How we get these numbers

Every estimate on this site is a transparent calculation from published 2026 carrier rates — not a lead-capture guess. See exactly how we estimate, down to the per-mile bands and multipliers.

Popular routes

Browse real estimates on busy corridors like Los Angeles → Dallas or New York → Miami, or find your state on the by-state list.