San Francisco Car Shipping
San Francisco Car Shipping and Auto Transport
Written by Richard Avery, President of Smart Auto Move · USDOT 2887232 · MC 969368
Car shipping from San Francisco runs $450 to $900 within California, $1,375 to $1,525 to Dallas and $1,875 to $2,025 to Miami, on an open trailer. Trucks leaving the Bay Area fill easily, and on San Francisco's hills the driver simply meets you on a flat block nearby.
San Francisco car shipping prices, out and in
Running mid-size vehicle on an open trailer, reviewed September 2026. The top rows leave the Bay Area; the bottom rows come into it.
| Route | Distance | Days on the road | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco to Los Angeles or San Diego NATIONAL BAND | 380 to 500 miles | 1 to 2 days | $450 to $900 |
| San Francisco to Dallas | 1,770 miles | 4 to 6 days | $1,375 to $1,525 |
| San Francisco to Miami | 3,045 miles | 8 to 10 days | $1,875 to $2,025 |
| Aurora, IL to San Francisco COMING IN | 2,110 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,325 to $1,475 |
| San Antonio to San Francisco COMING IN | 1,750 miles | 4 to 6 days | $1,475 to $1,625 |
| Jersey City to San Francisco COMING IN | 2,902 miles | 8 to 10 days | $1,650 to $1,900 |
These are estimates, not fixed prices. Diesel is the biggest cost in moving a car and fuel prices change, so we review these ranges as the market moves. Days shown are road time, after your pickup window. Enclosed costs about 80 percent more than open. A car that will not start needs a winch truck, so allow $200 or more extra. See how our national bands work.
Shipping a car in a city built on hills
San Francisco has some of the steepest streets in the country, plus tight parking and narrow blocks in neighborhoods like Nob Hill, North Beach and the Mission. A car hauler runs close to 75 feet and loads best on level ground.
Three simple steps make pickup easy:
Pick a flat, wide block. A level street near a main road, or a store or commercial lot, works best. We agree the spot with you ahead of time.
Keep your phone handy. The driver calls when close, so you can walk the car down to meet the truck.
Allow a few minutes for the check. The driver notes the car's condition, you both sign, and it is loaded. The same flat-block approach works for delivery into the city.
San Francisco Car Shipping Questions
The questions we hear most from people shipping a car to or from the Bay Area.
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Francisco?
It depends on where the car is going. Within California, such as Los Angeles or San Diego, trips run $450 to $900. San Francisco to Dallas runs $1,375 to $1,525, and San Francisco to Miami $1,875 to $2,025. All of these are for a mid-size car that runs, on an open trailer.
What does it cost to ship a car into San Francisco?
From the Midwest, Aurora, Illinois to San Francisco runs $1,325 to $1,475. From Texas, San Antonio to San Francisco runs $1,475 to $1,625. From the East Coast, Jersey City to San Francisco runs $1,650 to $1,900.
Is shipping into the Bay Area more expensive than shipping out?
Often a little. Northern California takes in more cars than it sends back out, so trucks heading east from San Francisco fill easily. That is why San Francisco to Dallas runs about $100 less than San Antonio to San Francisco.
How many days will it be on the road?
One to two days within California, four to six days to Texas, five to seven to Chicago, and eight to ten days to Florida. The pickup window comes first, six days on Standard or three on Expedited.
Can a car carrier load on a San Francisco hill?
Yes, on a flat, wide block nearby. San Francisco has some of the steepest streets in the country, and a 75-foot hauler loads best on level ground. The driver picks a flat spot close to your home, at no extra cost.
Where is the best place to meet the truck in the city?
A wide, level street near a main road works best. Many customers meet the driver near a store lot or a commercial block. We agree the spot with you before pickup day.
What about Oakland, San Jose and the rest of the Bay Area?
We cover the whole region: San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Daly City, South San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto, San Jose and Walnut Creek. They share the same prices on long trips.
Do you have an office in California?
Yes. Our staffed office is in Los Angeles, at 5111 Harold Way, Suite 301, on 213-766-0064. San Francisco orders are handled door to door, so there is nowhere you need to drive.
How long do I have to register a car in California?
Twenty days after you become a resident or take a job here, according to the California DMV. A smog check is part of registering for most gas cars.
Do electric cars need a smog check in California?
No. Electric vehicles are exempt. Charge the car to about half before pickup and leave the cable in the car.
Do you ship cars for students?
Yes. With several big universities in the Bay Area, August and May are busy months. Book two to three weeks ahead and check our college student discount page.
When is the busiest time to ship?
June through August, when most moves happen. Spring and fall schedule more easily.
Is door-to-door included?
Yes. Every quote includes it.
Open or enclosed?
Most daily drivers go open. Enclosed fits a classic, a low sports car or new paint, at about 80 percent more.
Can you move a car that won't start?
Yes. It goes on a winch truck, usually for $200 or more above the running price.
What does Expedited change?
It shortens the pickup window from six days to three. The drive itself takes just as long.
Can a second car ride with mine?
Yes. Two cars on the same route can often share a truck.
Can I leave some items in the car?
Usually yes, within reason. Keep it to about 100 pounds in the trunk. Carrier Cargo Insurance covers the car, not what is packed in it.
How do I prepare my car?
Wash it, take photos of every side, leave about a quarter tank, turn off the alarm and remove your FasTrak.
Who insures my car?
The carrier, through Carrier Cargo Insurance, from pickup to delivery. Your certificate arrives by email when the truck is assigned.
How is my carrier selected?
We choose from our vetted network of over 16,000 carriers. Every one has active FMCSA authority and insurance on file.
How do I look you up?
Both USDOT 2887232 and MC 969368 show up on SAFER, the FMCSA's free lookup.
Does my quoted price hold after I book?
Yes. The Smart Price Promise means the price we quote is the price you pay, as long as the car, route, condition and shipping details stay the same.
What do you need for a quote?
Where it starts and ends, the year, make and model, whether it runs, and when it is ready to go. Use the form above or call 888-709-9078.
Why leaving the Bay Area prices well
Northern California takes in more cars than it sends back out. Trucks that deliver here often leave with open spaces, so a car heading east from San Francisco fills one of those spaces quickly.
You can see it in the table. San Francisco to Dallas runs $1,375 to $1,525, while San Antonio to San Francisco, over about the same distance, runs $1,475 to $1,625. Moving into the city, a flexible date helps you get the best price.
Illinois is the exception. It is one of the cheapest states to ship out of, so Aurora to San Francisco comes in at $1,325 to $1,475.
Registering a car in San Francisco
The California DMV gives new residents 20 days to register after they move or start a job here. For most gas cars, a smog check is part of that. Electric cars are exempt, which covers a lot of Bay Area drivers.
Our California car shipping page covers the rest of the state.
Pickup and delivery across the Bay Area
We cover the whole region: San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Daly City, South San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto, San Jose and Walnut Creek.
Our staffed Los Angeles office, at 5111 Harold Way, Suite 301, on 213-766-0064, supports California customers. Every Bay Area order is door to door, so the car goes straight from your street onto the truck.
Students heading to or from Bay Area universities can see our college student discount, and service members our military discount.
Open, enclosed or expedited from San Francisco
Open trailers carry most cars at the best price. Enclosed is a good choice for a classic, a low sports car or fresh paint, at about 80 percent more.
With Expedited, the pickup window is three days rather than six. Our open and enclosed guide compares the options.
The carriers behind your Bay Area shipment
Your car is assigned to one carrier from our vetted network of over 16,000. Each carrier has active FMCSA authority with insurance on file, and we review equipment and service history before we assign yours.
The carrier's own policy, Carrier Cargo Insurance, protects your car from the moment it loads until it is handed back to you. We send the certificate once the truck is booked. Anyone can check us on SAFER at USDOT 2887232, MC 969368.
What our customers report
Reviews from customers across our offices and service areas, California included. You can read more on our BBB profile, where we hold an A+ rating and have been accredited since 2016.
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
San Francisco routes and nearby pages
Popular lanes to and from the Bay Area.