San Diego to Dallas Car Shipping and Auto Transport Services
San Diego to Dallas Car Shipping
Written by Richard Avery, President of Smart Auto Move · USDOT 2887232 · MC 969368
Shipping a car from San Diego to Dallas costs $1,150 to $1,300 on an open trailer. The trip is about 1,360 miles and takes three to five days on the road. One range covers the whole Dallas-Fort Worth area, and McKinney, just north of Dallas, is one of our service areas.
San Diego to Dallas car shipping prices
Running mid-size vehicle on an open trailer, reviewed September 2026. The lower rows are published lanes that sit on either side of this one.
| Route | Distance | Days on the road | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego to Dallas-Fort Worth | 1,360 miles | 3 to 5 days | $1,150 to $1,300 |
| San Diego to San Antonio FOR COMPARISON | 1,250 miles | 3 to 5 days | $1,000 to $1,150 |
| Los Angeles to San Antonio FOR COMPARISON | 1,354 miles | 3 to 4 days | $1,100 to $1,300 |
| McKinney to Los Angeles THE OTHER DIRECTION | 1,440 miles | 3 to 5 days | $1,175 to $1,325 |
| San Francisco to Dallas FOR COMPARISON | 1,770 miles | 4 to 6 days | $1,375 to $1,525 |
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. Days shown are road time, counted after your pickup window. Enclosed runs 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.
Where the $1,150 to $1,300 comes from
We price each lane from the loads we move. San Diego to Dallas sits right between two lanes we already publish, so we can show you the working.
San Diego to San Antonio is about 110 miles shorter and runs $1,000 to $1,150. Los Angeles to San Antonio is almost the same distance as this trip and runs $1,100 to $1,300. Dallas lands in that same range.
The trip back checks it too. McKinney to Los Angeles, a little longer, runs $1,175 to $1,325. When your quote comes back, it should sit comfortably inside these numbers.
San Diego to Dallas Car Shipping Questions
What customers moving a car from San Diego County to Dallas-Fort Worth ask us most.
How much is car shipping from San Diego to Dallas?
Expect $1,150 to $1,300 for a running mid-size car on an open trailer. The price covers pickup at your San Diego County address and delivery anywhere in Dallas-Fort Worth.
How many days does it take?
Three to five days on the road for about 1,360 miles. The pickup window comes first, six days on Standard or three on Expedited.
Where does that price come from?
Two of our published lanes bracket it. San Diego to San Antonio, about 110 miles shorter, runs $1,000 to $1,150. Los Angeles to San Antonio, a near match on distance, runs $1,100 to $1,300. Dallas sits right in that range.
Is Dallas to San Diego the same price?
Close to it. Our rate card has McKinney, north of Dallas, to Los Angeles at $1,175 to $1,325, which is very near the eastbound figure.
Is Fort Worth priced differently from Dallas?
No. Dallas, Fort Worth and the suburbs between them share one range. The Metroplex is one delivery market for the truck.
What route does the carrier take?
East on I-8 out of San Diego to Gila Bend, then I-10 through Tucson and El Paso. In West Texas the truck turns onto I-20 through Midland and Abilene into Fort Worth and Dallas.
Does weather slow this route down?
Rarely. It is a southern route with dry desert most of the way. In summer, a healthy battery and good tires are all your car needs for the heat.
When is the best time to book?
Fall and early spring schedule most easily. From June through August, book two to three weeks ahead.
Where around San Diego do you pick up?
The whole county, including San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Escondido, San Marcos, Carlsbad and Oceanside.
Where in Dallas-Fort Worth do you deliver?
All across the Metroplex: Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, Irving, Arlington and Garland.
Do you have locations near Dallas?
Yes. McKinney, just north of Dallas, is a Smart Auto Move service area. Our staffed Los Angeles office supports Southern California pickups.
What if my HOA or street limits big trucks?
Many newer Frisco, Plano and McKinney neighborhoods have HOA rules or tight cul-de-sacs. The driver meets you at a nearby open lot, at no charge.
How long do I have to register my car in Texas?
Thirty days after you move. Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties require an emissions test, so plan that into the first week.
Do you ship for military families?
Yes. Many cars on this lane leave San Diego on orders. See our military discount page for the details.
Is door-to-door included?
Yes. Every quote includes it.
Should I go open or enclosed?
Open is right for most daily drivers. Pick enclosed for a classic, a low sports car or fresh paint, at about 80 percent more.
Can you take a car that doesn't run?
Yes. A winch truck loads it, usually for $200 or more on top.
What does Expedited change?
It shortens your pickup window to three days. Road time stays about the same.
Can two cars ship together?
Yes. Two cars headed for one Dallas-area address often share a truck.
Can I pack some things in the car?
Usually yes, within reason. Keep it near 100 pounds and in the trunk. Carrier Cargo Insurance covers the car rather than your items.
How should 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 on the trip?
The carrier, under its Carrier Cargo Insurance, from pickup in San Diego to delivery in Dallas. We send the certificate once the truck is assigned.
Where does my carrier come from?
Our vetted network of over 16,000 carriers. Each has active FMCSA authority and insurance on file.
How can I check you out?
Search USDOT 2887232 or MC 969368 on SAFER, the free FMCSA site.
Is it worth driving it myself?
The drive is about 20 hours, so two long days or three easy ones, plus hotels and fuel. Shipping saves the time and 1,360 miles on your car.
Can my price change once 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?
Both zip codes, the year, make and model, whether the car runs, and when it is ready. Fill in the form above or call 888-709-9078.
The road east: I-8, I-10 and I-20
The truck leaves San Diego on Interstate 8, over the hills past Alpine and down through the Imperial Valley to Yuma. At Gila Bend it picks up Interstate 10 through Tucson and El Paso.
In West Texas it turns onto Interstate 20, across Midland, Odessa and Abilene, and reaches Fort Worth first, then Dallas. It is a dry southern road, so it runs steadily all year.
Before the drive comes the pickup window, six days on Standard or three on Expedited. Together they make your timeline. Our guide to how long car shipping takes explains each step.
Delivery across Dallas-Fort Worth
We deliver all over the Metroplex: Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, Irving, Arlington and Garland. We pick up across San Diego County, from Chula Vista and National City to Escondido, Carlsbad and Oceanside.
Many newer neighborhoods in Frisco, Plano and McKinney have HOA rules or tight cul-de-sacs. A hauler runs close to 75 feet, so the driver will meet you at a nearby open lot, at no extra cost.
McKinney is a Smart Auto Move service area, and our staffed Los Angeles office supports the California side of your move.
Registering your California car in Dallas-Fort Worth
Texas gives new residents 30 days to register. Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties all require an emissions test, so book it early in that window along with Texas insurance.
A car that arrives within a few days of you makes all of this simple. Our California to Texas page covers moves to other Texas cities.
Open, enclosed or expedited to Dallas
Open trailers carry most cars on this lane at the best price. Enclosed suits a classic, a low sports car or fresh paint, and it keeps Texas hail and sun off the finish, at about 80 percent more.
Expedited brings the pickup window down to three days. Service members and students can check our military discount and college student discount. Our open and enclosed guide compares the trailer types.
Who carries and insures your car to Dallas
Your car travels with a carrier from our vetted network of over 16,000. Every one has active FMCSA authority and insurance on file, and we look at equipment and service history before we assign your car.
Carrier Cargo Insurance, the carrier's own policy, covers your car from loading in San Diego to delivery in Dallas. We send you the certificate as soon as the truck is booked. To check us on SAFER, search USDOT 2887232, MC 969368.
What our customers report
Reviews from customers across our offices and service areas, Texas included. There are more on our BBB profile, where we hold an A+ rating and have been accredited since 2016.
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
More San Diego and Texas car shipping pages
Related lanes and guides to read before you book.