San Francisco to Chicago Car Shipping
San Francisco to Chicago Car Shipping
Written by Richard Avery, President of Smart Auto Move · USDOT 2887232 · MC 969368
Shipping a car from San Francisco to Chicago costs $1,300 to $1,450 on an open trailer. The trip is about 2,130 miles on Interstate 80 and takes five to seven days on the road. I-80 begins in San Francisco, so your car rides one interstate from its starting point almost all the way to Chicago, where our staffed office is at the delivery end.
San Francisco to Chicago car shipping prices
Running mid-size vehicle on an open trailer, reviewed September 2026. The lower rows show the trip back and nearby California to Chicago lanes.
| Route | Distance | Days on the road | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco to Chicago | 2,130 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,300 to $1,450 |
| Aurora, IL to San Francisco THE OTHER DIRECTION | 2,110 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,325 to $1,475 |
| Sacramento to Chicago FOR COMPARISON | 2,050 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,275 to $1,425 |
| San Diego to Chicago FOR COMPARISON | 2,080 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,225 to $1,375 |
These are estimates, not fixed prices. Fuel is the largest cost of hauling a car and diesel prices change, so we review these ranges as the market moves. Day counts are road time, counted from the end of your pickup window. Enclosed is about 80 percent more than open. For a car that will not start, plan on $200 or more extra for a winch truck. See how our national bands work.
Mile zero of Interstate 80
Interstate 80 starts in San Francisco and runs across the country toward New York. A truck leaving the city is on it from the first mile.
From the Bay Bridge the road passes Sacramento, climbs over Donner Pass, and heads through Reno, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Omaha and Des Moines. Near Chicago, the truck turns off for the last few miles into the city.
One road the whole way means a simple, steady trip. From December through March, snow can close Donner Pass or parts of southern Wyoming for a few hours, so add a day to your plan in those months.
San Francisco to Chicago Car Shipping Questions
What customers moving a car from the Bay Area to Chicagoland ask us most.
How much is car shipping from San Francisco to Chicago?
$1,300 to $1,450 for a mid-size car that runs, on an open trailer. That covers pickup anywhere in the Bay Area and delivery anywhere in Chicagoland.
How many days does it take?
Five to seven days once the car is loaded, over about 2,130 miles. Before that, allow for your pickup window: six days on Standard or three on Expedited.
Does Chicago to San Francisco cost the same?
Close to it. Aurora, Illinois to San Francisco runs $1,325 to $1,475 on our rate card. Illinois is easy to ship out of, and the Bay Area is easy to leave, so both directions land in nearly the same place.
Is Sacramento to Chicago cheaper?
Slightly. Sacramento to Chicago runs $1,275 to $1,425. Sacramento is about 80 miles farther along I-80, so the trip is a little shorter.
Which road does the carrier take?
Interstate 80, which starts in San Francisco. The truck crosses the Bay Bridge, runs past Sacramento and over Donner Pass, then through Reno, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Omaha and Des Moines into Illinois.
What about winter?
From December through March, snow can close Donner Pass or parts of southern Wyoming for a few hours. Drivers wait for the road to reopen. Adding a day to your plan covers it.
When should I book?
Two to three weeks ahead in summer, which is the busy moving season. Spring and fall are easier to schedule.
Can the truck load on a San Francisco hill?
It loads on a flat, wide block nearby. San Francisco has some of the steepest streets in the country, so the driver meets you where the ground is level, at no charge.
Where around the Bay Area do you pick up?
San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Richmond, Daly City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hayward, Walnut Creek and Marin County.
Where around Chicago do you deliver?
The city and suburbs, including Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, Schaumburg, Naperville, Aurora, Elgin and Joliet.
Do you have an office in Chicago?
Yes. Our staffed Chicago office is at 742 E 87th Pl, on 312-300-7773. On the California side, our staffed Los Angeles office supports Bay Area pickups.
How do I register my car in Illinois?
Illinois gives new residents 30 days. If you live in Chicago itself, you also buy a city vehicle sticker.
Is door-to-door included?
Yes, in every quote.
Open or enclosed?
Most cars go open. Enclosed suits a classic, a low sports car or new paint, and keeps winter road salt off the finish. It costs about 80 percent more.
Can you move a car that doesn't run?
Yes. A winch truck loads it, usually for $200 or more above the running price.
What does Expedited change?
It cuts the pickup window to three days. The time on the road stays the same.
Can I send two cars?
Yes. Two cars going to one Chicago address can often go together.
Can I keep some belongings in the car?
Usually yes, within reason. About 100 pounds in the trunk works fine. Carrier Cargo Insurance covers the car itself, not the items.
How do I get the car ready?
Wash it, snap photos of every side, leave a quarter tank, turn off the alarm and take out your FasTrak.
Who insures my car?
The carrier does, with Carrier Cargo Insurance, from pickup in the Bay Area to delivery in Chicago. Your certificate comes by email once the truck is assigned.
How do you pick my carrier?
We use our vetted network of over 16,000 carriers. Every one holds active FMCSA authority with insurance on file.
How can I verify Smart Auto Move?
USDOT 2887232 and MC 969368 are listed on SAFER, the FMCSA's free lookup.
Is it cheaper to drive?
It is about 31 hours behind the wheel, so four days with sleep, hotels and fuel. Shipping keeps those days and 2,130 miles off your car.
Will my quote hold?
Yes. With 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 do you need to quote me?
The two zip codes, the year, make and model, whether it runs, and your first pickup date. Fill in the form at the top or call 888-709-9078.
Both directions price about the same
Most Northern California lanes cost more coming in than going out. This one comes out nearly even.
San Francisco to Chicago runs $1,300 to $1,450. Aurora, Illinois to San Francisco runs $1,325 to $1,475. The Bay Area is an easy place for trucks to leave, and Illinois is one of the easiest states to ship out of, so the two sides balance.
If you are planning a car out now and another back later, you can budget both legs at about the same figure.
Pickup on Bay Area streets
We pick up across the Bay Area: San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Richmond, Daly City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hayward, Walnut Creek and Marin County.
San Francisco's hills are part of its charm, but a 75-foot hauler loads best on level ground. The driver meets you on a flat, wide block or in a nearby lot, and we set the spot with you ahead of time. Our San Francisco car shipping page has more tips.
Delivery across Chicagoland
We deliver to Chicago and its suburbs, including Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, Schaumburg, Naperville, Aurora, Elgin and Joliet. On tight one-way blocks in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Wicker Park, the driver meets you on a wider street nearby.
Our staffed Chicago office is at 742 E 87th Pl, on 312-300-7773, and our staffed Los Angeles office supports California pickups. Illinois gives new residents 30 days to register, and Chicago residents also buy a city vehicle sticker.
Open, enclosed or expedited to Chicago
Open trailers move most cars on this lane at the best price. Enclosed is a good fit for a classic, a low sports car or fresh paint, and it keeps Midwest road salt off the finish, at about 80 percent more.
Expedited shortens your pickup window to three days. Students and service members can see our college student discount and military discount. The open and enclosed guide compares trailer types.
Who carries and insures your car to Chicago
Your car is assigned to a carrier from our vetted network of over 16,000. Each one holds active FMCSA authority with insurance on file, and we review equipment and service history before we choose yours.
Carrier Cargo Insurance, held by the carrier, protects your car from loading in the Bay Area to delivery in Chicago. We email you the certificate once the truck is set. You can look us up on SAFER at USDOT 2887232, MC 969368.
What our customers report
Reviews from customers across our offices and service areas, Chicago and Los Angeles included. Read more on our BBB profile, where we hold an A+ rating and have been accredited since 2016.
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
More San Francisco and Chicago car shipping pages
Related lanes and guides.
San Francisco to Chicago Car Shipping
Written by Richard Avery, President of Smart Auto Move · USDOT 2887232 · MC 969368
Shipping a car from San Francisco to Chicago costs $1,300 to $1,450 on an open trailer. The trip is about 2,130 miles on Interstate 80 and takes five to seven days on the road. I-80 begins in San Francisco, so your car rides one interstate from its starting point almost all the way to Chicago, where our staffed office is at the delivery end.
San Francisco to Chicago car shipping prices
Running mid-size vehicle on an open trailer, reviewed September 2026. The lower rows show the trip back and nearby California to Chicago lanes.
| Route | Distance | Days on the road | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco to Chicago | 2,130 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,300 to $1,450 |
| Aurora, IL to San Francisco THE OTHER DIRECTION | 2,110 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,325 to $1,475 |
| Sacramento to Chicago FOR COMPARISON | 2,050 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,275 to $1,425 |
| San Diego to Chicago FOR COMPARISON | 2,080 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,225 to $1,375 |
These are estimates, not fixed prices. Fuel is the largest cost of hauling a car and diesel prices change, so we review these ranges as the market moves. Day counts are road time, counted from the end of your pickup window. Enclosed is about 80 percent more than open. For a car that will not start, plan on $200 or more extra for a winch truck. See how our national bands work.
Mile zero of Interstate 80
Interstate 80 starts in San Francisco and runs across the country toward New York. A truck leaving the city is on it from the first mile.
From the Bay Bridge the road passes Sacramento, climbs over Donner Pass, and heads through Reno, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Omaha and Des Moines. Near Chicago, the truck turns off for the last few miles into the city.
One road the whole way means a simple, steady trip. From December through March, snow can close Donner Pass or parts of southern Wyoming for a few hours, so add a day to your plan in those months.
San Francisco to Chicago Car Shipping Questions
What customers moving a car from the Bay Area to Chicagoland ask us most.
How much is car shipping from San Francisco to Chicago?
$1,300 to $1,450 for a mid-size car that runs, on an open trailer. That covers pickup anywhere in the Bay Area and delivery anywhere in Chicagoland.
How many days does it take?
Five to seven days once the car is loaded, over about 2,130 miles. Before that, allow for your pickup window: six days on Standard or three on Expedited.
Does Chicago to San Francisco cost the same?
Close to it. Aurora, Illinois to San Francisco runs $1,325 to $1,475 on our rate card. Illinois is easy to ship out of, and the Bay Area is easy to leave, so both directions land in nearly the same place.
Is Sacramento to Chicago cheaper?
Slightly. Sacramento to Chicago runs $1,275 to $1,425. Sacramento is about 80 miles farther along I-80, so the trip is a little shorter.
Which road does the carrier take?
Interstate 80, which starts in San Francisco. The truck crosses the Bay Bridge, runs past Sacramento and over Donner Pass, then through Reno, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Omaha and Des Moines into Illinois.
What about winter?
From December through March, snow can close Donner Pass or parts of southern Wyoming for a few hours. Drivers wait for the road to reopen. Adding a day to your plan covers it.
When should I book?
Two to three weeks ahead in summer, which is the busy moving season. Spring and fall are easier to schedule.
Can the truck load on a San Francisco hill?
It loads on a flat, wide block nearby. San Francisco has some of the steepest streets in the country, so the driver meets you where the ground is level, at no charge.
Where around the Bay Area do you pick up?
San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Richmond, Daly City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hayward, Walnut Creek and Marin County.
Where around Chicago do you deliver?
The city and suburbs, including Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, Schaumburg, Naperville, Aurora, Elgin and Joliet.
Do you have an office in Chicago?
Yes. Our staffed Chicago office is at 742 E 87th Pl, on 312-300-7773. On the California side, our staffed Los Angeles office supports Bay Area pickups.
How do I register my car in Illinois?
Illinois gives new residents 30 days. If you live in Chicago itself, you also buy a city vehicle sticker.
Is door-to-door included?
Yes, in every quote.
Open or enclosed?
Most cars go open. Enclosed suits a classic, a low sports car or new paint, and keeps winter road salt off the finish. It costs about 80 percent more.
Can you move a car that doesn't run?
Yes. A winch truck loads it, usually for $200 or more above the running price.
What does Expedited change?
It cuts the pickup window to three days. The time on the road stays the same.
Can I send two cars?
Yes. Two cars going to one Chicago address can often go together.
Can I keep some belongings in the car?
Usually yes, within reason. About 100 pounds in the trunk works fine. Carrier Cargo Insurance covers the car itself, not the items.
How do I get the car ready?
Wash it, snap photos of every side, leave a quarter tank, turn off the alarm and take out your FasTrak.
Who insures my car?
The carrier does, with Carrier Cargo Insurance, from pickup in the Bay Area to delivery in Chicago. Your certificate comes by email once the truck is assigned.
How do you pick my carrier?
We use our vetted network of over 16,000 carriers. Every one holds active FMCSA authority with insurance on file.
How can I verify Smart Auto Move?
USDOT 2887232 and MC 969368 are listed on SAFER, the FMCSA's free lookup.
Is it cheaper to drive?
It is about 31 hours behind the wheel, so four days with sleep, hotels and fuel. Shipping keeps those days and 2,130 miles off your car.
Will my quote hold?
Yes. With 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 do you need to quote me?
The two zip codes, the year, make and model, whether it runs, and your first pickup date. Fill in the form at the top or call 888-709-9078.
Both directions price about the same
Most Northern California lanes cost more coming in than going out. This one comes out nearly even.
San Francisco to Chicago runs $1,300 to $1,450. Aurora, Illinois to San Francisco runs $1,325 to $1,475. The Bay Area is an easy place for trucks to leave, and Illinois is one of the easiest states to ship out of, so the two sides balance.
If you are planning a car out now and another back later, you can budget both legs at about the same figure.
Pickup on Bay Area streets
We pick up across the Bay Area: San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Richmond, Daly City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hayward, Walnut Creek and Marin County.
San Francisco's hills are part of its charm, but a 75-foot hauler loads best on level ground. The driver meets you on a flat, wide block or in a nearby lot, and we set the spot with you ahead of time. Our San Francisco car shipping page has more tips.
Delivery across Chicagoland
We deliver to Chicago and its suburbs, including Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, Schaumburg, Naperville, Aurora, Elgin and Joliet. On tight one-way blocks in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Wicker Park, the driver meets you on a wider street nearby.
Our staffed Chicago office is at 742 E 87th Pl, on 312-300-7773, and our staffed Los Angeles office supports California pickups. Illinois gives new residents 30 days to register, and Chicago residents also buy a city vehicle sticker.
Open, enclosed or expedited to Chicago
Open trailers move most cars on this lane at the best price. Enclosed is a good fit for a classic, a low sports car or fresh paint, and it keeps Midwest road salt off the finish, at about 80 percent more.
Expedited shortens your pickup window to three days. Students and service members can see our college student discount and military discount. The open and enclosed guide compares trailer types.
Who carries and insures your car to Chicago
Your car is assigned to a carrier from our vetted network of over 16,000. Each one holds active FMCSA authority with insurance on file, and we review equipment and service history before we choose yours.
Carrier Cargo Insurance, held by the carrier, protects your car from loading in the Bay Area to delivery in Chicago. We email you the certificate once the truck is set. You can look us up on SAFER at USDOT 2887232, MC 969368.
What our customers report
Reviews from customers across our offices and service areas, Chicago and Los Angeles included. Read more on our BBB profile, where we hold an A+ rating and have been accredited since 2016.
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
More San Francisco and Chicago car shipping pages
Related lanes and guides.