San Francisco to Miami Car Shipping
Written by Richard Avery, President of Smart Auto Move · USDOT 2887232 · MC 969368
Shipping a car from San Francisco to Miami costs $1,875 to $2,025 on an open trailer. The trip is about 3,045 miles, corner to corner across the country, and takes eight to ten days on the road. Book two to three weeks ahead and ship the car about a week before you fly, and it will be waiting when you land.
San Francisco to Miami car shipping prices
Running mid-size vehicle on an open trailer, reviewed September 2026. The other rows compare Southern California and nearby Florida lanes.
| Route | Distance | Days on the road | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco to Miami | 3,045 miles | 8 to 10 days | $1,875 to $2,025 |
| Los Angeles to Miami FOR COMPARISON | 2,736 miles | 7 to 8 days | $1,600 to $1,800 |
| San Diego to Fort Lauderdale FOR COMPARISON | 2,600 miles | 7 to 9 days | $1,525 to $1,675 |
| Sacramento to Orlando FOR COMPARISON | 2,850 miles | 7 to 10 days | $1,825 to $1,975 |
These are estimates, not fixed prices. Diesel is the biggest cost of moving a car and its price changes, so we review these ranges as the market moves. The day counts are road time, after your pickup window. Enclosed is about 80 percent more than open. For a car that will not start, add $200 or more for a winch truck. See how our national bands work.
Planning a corner-to-corner move
San Francisco to Miami is about as far as a car can travel in the lower 48. A little planning makes the long distance easy.
Three weeks out: book the car. Early booking gives you the widest choice of trucks and dates.
Pickup week: the driver collects within your window, six days on Standard or three on Expedited. Hand over the keys and the car is on its way.
Eight to ten days later: the car reaches Miami. If you ship about a week before you fly, it arrives close to when you do, and you skip a week of driving and 3,000 miles on the odometer.
San Francisco to Miami Car Shipping Questions
What customers moving a car from the Bay Area to South Florida ask us most.
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Francisco to Miami?
Budget $1,875 to $2,025 for a running mid-size car on an open trailer. That is door to door, from anywhere in the Bay Area to anywhere in Miami-Dade.
How long does it take?
Eight to ten days on the road for about 3,045 miles. Add your pickup window in front: six days on Standard, three on Expedited.
How far ahead should I book?
Two to three weeks before you want the car collected. On a trip this long, early booking gives you the widest choice of trucks and dates.
Why does Los Angeles to Miami cost less?
Los Angeles is about 300 miles closer, and it sends more cars east than anywhere else on the West Coast. Our Los Angeles to Miami page publishes $1,600 to $1,800. From the Bay Area, the extra distance adds roughly $250.
Does it cost more from San Jose or Oakland?
No. The whole Bay Area shares one range. On a 3,000-mile trip, a few miles at the start barely move the price.
Can I ship to Fort Lauderdale or the Keys instead?
Yes. Fort Lauderdale prices in the same range as Miami. For Key West or anywhere in the Keys, send us the address and we will price that trip.
What route does the truck take?
Most trucks head south to pick up Interstate 10, cross the southern states through Phoenix, El Paso, Houston and New Orleans, then run down Florida on I-75 or I-95 to Miami.
Will a hurricane delay my car?
It can add a day or two. The Atlantic season lasts from June to November. If a storm threatens South Florida, drivers wait until the roads are clear, and we keep you updated.
When is the busiest time to ship to Miami?
October through December, when many cars head to Florida for the winter. Book three weeks ahead then. Late spring and summer are easier.
Where around the Bay Area do you pick up?
Everywhere, including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, San Mateo, Palo Alto, San Jose and Fremont.
Where around Miami do you deliver?
All of Miami-Dade and beyond: Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Doral, Kendall, Homestead and Fort Lauderdale.
What about San Francisco's hills?
Some of the city's steepest and narrowest streets are hard for a 75-foot hauler to load on. The driver will meet you on a flatter, wider street nearby, at no extra cost.
I live in a Miami high-rise. How does delivery work?
The driver meets you on the street or in a nearby lot, and you drive the car into your garage. Let us know about any building rules on the order.
Do you have an office in Florida?
Yes. Our staffed Florida office is in Kissimmee, near Orlando, and our staffed Los Angeles office supports California. Every order is door to door.
How long do I have to register in Florida?
Florida allows 10 days once you become a resident. Get Florida insurance first, then a VIN check on form 82042.
Does Florida require an emissions test?
No. Florida has no emissions test, so after years of California smog checks, that is one less step.
Is door-to-door included?
Yes. It comes with every quote.
Open or enclosed for Miami?
Open is the right choice for most daily drivers. Enclosed suits a classic, a low sports car or fresh paint, and shields it from Florida sun and rain, at about 80 percent more.
Can you ship a car that doesn't run?
Yes, on a winch truck. Expect $200 or more above the running price.
What does Expedited change?
Your pickup window drops to three days instead of six. The drive itself takes the same time.
Can two cars go together?
Yes. Two cars heading to one Miami address often ride on the same truck.
Can I pack items in the car?
Usually yes, within reason. About 100 pounds in the trunk is fine. Carrier Cargo Insurance covers the car, not what is inside.
How do I get the car ready?
Wash it, photograph all four sides, leave about a quarter tank, turn off the alarm and remove your FasTrak. For an EV, charge to about half.
Who insures my car on the way?
The carrier, through Carrier Cargo Insurance, from the Bay Area to Miami. We send you the certificate once your truck is assigned.
How do you choose the carrier?
From our vetted network of over 16,000 carriers. All of them hold active FMCSA authority with insurance on file.
How can I look you up?
Look up USDOT 2887232 or MC 969368 on SAFER, which the FMCSA runs for free.
Does my car switch trucks?
No. It rides the whole way on one truck with one driver.
Should I drive it instead?
It is about 45 hours of driving, close to a week with rest stops, hotels and fuel. Shipping gives you that week back and keeps 3,000 miles off the car.
Will my price change after I book?
It holds. Under the Smart Price Promise, the price we quote is the price you pay, as long as the car, route, condition and shipping details stay the same.
What details do you need from me?
Both zip codes, the year, make and model, whether it runs, and your ready date. Fill in the quote form at the top, or call 888-709-9078.
The route south and east
Most trucks head south to pick up Interstate 10, then cross the southern states through Phoenix, El Paso, Houston and New Orleans. They run down Florida on I-75 or I-95 into Miami.
It is a southern road that stays open all year. Between June and November, which is Atlantic hurricane season, when a storm heads for South Florida, drivers wait until the roads are clear. A day or two of flex covers it.
October through December is the busy season into Florida, so book three weeks ahead then. Our guide to how long car shipping takes walks through every stage.
From Bay Area hills to Miami high-rises
We pick up across the Bay Area: San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, San Mateo, Palo Alto, San Jose and Fremont. San Francisco's steepest streets are tough for a 75-foot hauler, so the driver may meet you on a flatter street a block or two away.
We deliver throughout Miami-Dade and beyond: Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Doral, Kendall, Homestead and Fort Lauderdale. For a Brickell or Miami Beach high-rise, the driver hands over the car at the curb or a nearby lot, and you drive it into the garage.
Our staffed Florida office is in Kissimmee, near Orlando, and our staffed Los Angeles office supports California customers.
Registering your California car in Florida
Florida gives new residents 10 days to register. Start with Florida insurance, then get a VIN check on form 82042 from a notary, a licensed Florida dealer or a police officer. There is no emissions test to schedule.
A car that arrives when you do keeps those 10 days easy. Our California to Florida page covers the rest of the state.
Open, enclosed or expedited to Miami
Open trailers carry most cars on this lane at the best price. Enclosed is ideal for a classic, a low sports car or new paint, and it keeps the Florida sun and summer storms off the finish, at about 80 percent more.
Expedited shortens your pickup window to three days. Service members and students can see our military discount and college student discount. Our open and enclosed guide compares trailer types.
Who carries and insures your car to Miami
Your car travels with a carrier from our vetted network of over 16,000. Each one has active FMCSA authority and insurance on file, and we look at equipment and service history before assigning your car.
Carrier Cargo Insurance, the carrier's own policy, covers your car from the Bay Area to Miami, and we send the certificate once the truck is booked. You can check us on SAFER at USDOT 2887232, MC 969368.
What our customers report
Reviews from customers across our offices and service areas, Florida and California included. More are on our BBB profile, where we hold an A+ rating and have been accredited since 2016.
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
More California and Florida car shipping pages
Other long routes and guides to read before you book.