How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Texas?
The short answer is that shipping a car from California to Texas typically costs between $1,000 and $1,200 using standard open carrier transport. However, the final price depends on several important factors, including the type of vehicle you’re shipping, the exact pickup and drop-off locations, whether your vehicle is operable or inoperable, and the type of service you choose—whether open carrier, enclosed transport, or expedited delivery.
At Smart Auto Move, we specialize in long-distance auto transport and have physical locations in both California and Texas, making us an ideal choice for this popular route. We ship vehicles between these two states more than four times per week, covering every major city from Los Angeles to Dallas, San Diego to Houston, and everywhere in between.
To get an accurate and instant price for your specific route, use our easy-to-use Car Shipping Calculator. Make sure to enter the correct zip codes, the type of vehicle you’re transporting—whether it’s a car, SUV, or pickup truck—and whether the vehicle is in running condition. Also, include your preferred shipping date to get the best rate for fully insured, door-to-door auto transport.
For more details on what affects pricing, visit our guide: How much will it cost to ship my car?
| Route | Vehicle Type | Transport Type | Estimated Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles → Dallas | Sedan | Open Carrier | $900 – $1,100 | 3–5 days |
| San Francisco → Houston | SUV | Open Carrier | $1,050 – $1,300 | 4–6 days |
| San Diego → Austin | Pickup Truck | Enclosed | $1,500 – $1,800 | 3–6 days |
| Sacramento → San Antonio | Sedan | Open Carrier | $950 – $1,150 | 4–7 days |
| Fresno → Fort Worth | Sedan | Open Carrier | $925 – $1,125 | 4–6 days |
| Oakland → El Paso | SUV | Open Carrier | $1,000 – $1,250 | 3–5 days |
| Riverside → Arlington | Sedan | Enclosed | $1,400 – $1,700 | 4–6 days |
| Bakersfield → Plano | SUV | Open Carrier | $1,000 – $1,200 | 4–6 days |
| Long Beach → Lubbock | Pickup Truck | Open Carrier | $1,050 – $1,300 | 5–7 days |
| Anaheim → Corpus Christi | Sedan | Open Carrier | $1,000 – $1,250 | 4–6 days |
| San Jose → McAllen | SUV | Enclosed | $1,600 – $1,900 | 5–8 days |
| Santa Ana → Frisco | Sedan | Open Carrier | $950 – $1,200 | 4–6 days |
| Modesto → Irving | SUV | Open Carrier | $1,050 – $1,300 | 4–6 days |
| Chula Vista → Amarillo | Sedan | Open Carrier | $950 – $1,150 | 5–7 days |
💡 All estimates are based on recent industry averages. Actual prices vary due to fuel costs, seasons, and pickup availability.
About shipping a car from California to Texas with Smart Auto Move
Smart Auto Move is a trusted, BBB A+ Rated and Accredited auto transport company with established locations in both California and Texas. We specialize in reliable, door-to-door vehicle shipping between the two states, offering fully insured service at rates that often beat the national competition. Plus, unlike our competitors, our prices don’t change.
With regular pickups in California cities like Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Thousand Oaks, Hollywood, Long Beach, Irvine, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, and San Jose, and deliveries across Texas—including Houston, Dallas, Austin, McKinney, Corpus Christi, and McAllen—we make cross-state car transport fast and worry-free.
Smart Auto Move runs five or more California-to-Texas car shipping trips every week, providing unmatched scheduling flexibility, lower costs, and personalized service. We also offer vehicle shipping from Texas back to California, making us the ideal choice for snowbirds, relocations, dealerships, or anyone moving in either direction.
When will my vehicle be picked up for transport?
Good news for you! You tell us when your vehicle will be ready for transport, and we’ll pick it within 3 days. We transport vehicles between California and Texas over 5 times a week.
How convenient is it to ship a car from California to Texas?
Shipping a car from California to Texas is highly convenient, especially for those relocating, purchasing a vehicle out of state, or traveling seasonally. Instead of navigating a 1,200–1,500 mile drive that can take 2 to 3 days, auto transport allows you to fly or focus on other priorities while professionals handle the logistics. Door-to-door service makes the process even easier, with pickup and delivery scheduled at locations that work best for you. This saves time, reduces vehicle wear and tear, and eliminates the stress of planning fuel stops, overnight stays, and long hours behind the wheel. Whether you’re moving for work, school, or personal reasons, car shipping offers a reliable, stress-free solution.
Why should I choose Smart Auto Move to ship a car from California to Texas?
Smart Auto Move is the best choice for shipping a vehicle from California to Texas because of its commitment to reliability, affordability, and personalized service. With a vast network of licensed and insured carriers, Smart Auto Move ensures that your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently across the 1,200+ mile route. Customers benefit from flexible scheduling, door-to-door delivery, and real-time shipment tracking, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car out of state, or sending a vehicle to family, Smart Auto Move offers competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. Their experienced team is dedicated to providing responsive support and handling every detail, so you can rest easy knowing your car is in expert hands.
How long does it take to get a vehicle transported from California to Texas?
Shipping a car from California to Texas typically takes between 3 to 5 days, depending on the exact pickup and delivery locations, route conditions, and the type of transport service selected. Routes between major cities like Los Angeles and Dallas tend to be faster due to high carrier availability and well-traveled highways. Open transport is the most common and usually the quickest option, while enclosed transport may take slightly longer due to fewer available carriers. Expedited shipping is also available for customers who need faster delivery. Overall, the California-to-Texas route is one of the most efficient in the auto transport industry, offering reliable timing and competitive pricing.
Is it safe to ship a car from California to Texas?
Shipping a car from California to Texas is a safe and secure process when handled by a reputable auto transport company like Smart Auto Move. Vehicles are transported by licensed, insured carriers operated by experienced drivers who follow strict safety protocols throughout the journey. Whether you choose open or enclosed transport, your car is carefully loaded, secured, and monitored during transit to prevent damage. Additionally, most shipments include insurance coverage for added peace of mind, ensuring your vehicle is protected from pickup to delivery. With proper planning and a trusted provider, car shipping is a low-risk, professional alternative to long-distance driving.
How to I schedule my vehicle for California to Texas Car Shipping?
Scheduling a car shipping order with Smart Auto Move is simple and hassle-free. To get started, you can request a free quote online by entering basic details like your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type, and preferred shipping date. Once you receive your quote, a dedicated transport coordinator will reach out to confirm the details and answer any questions. After you agree to the terms, your order is booked, and the team begins arranging a carrier that fits your schedule. You’ll receive regular updates throughout the process, including estimated pickup and delivery times, so you’re always in the loop. With Smart Auto Move, getting your car shipped is as easy as booking a flight.
Estimated Car Shipping cost & transit time for popular California to Texas Auto Transport Trips
| Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX | $849 | 1553 miles | 3-5 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX | $850 | 1557 miles | 3-5 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Austin, TX | $999 | 1773 miles | 4-6 days |
| San Diego , CA to Houston, TX | $950 | 1463 miles | 3-4 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Corpus Christi, TX | $850 | 1632 miles | 3-6 days |
| Fresno, CA to Waco, TX | $850 | 1627 miles | 4-6 days |
| Long Beach, CA to El Paso, TX | $650 | 851 miles | 2-3 days |
| Oakland, CA to San Antonio, TX | $950 | 1749 miles | 4-6 days |
*Prices are estimates and are subject to change depending on the price of fuel at the time of shipping, and type of vehicle you wish to ship. Learn more about car shipping cost
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