San Diego to Houston Car Shipping and Auto Transport Companies
San Diego to Houston Car Shipping
Door-to-door vehicle shipping from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX with transparent pricing, carrier options you can trust, and clear communication from dispatch to delivery.
Smart Auto Move is the best-suited company for this route because we have base locations in both California and Texas. That means smoother coordination on both ends of your shipment—pickup planning in CA and delivery support in TX.
Instant Quote Calculator
Compare open vs enclosed shipping and choose a pickup window that fits your timeline.
Want more detail on how rates are calculated? How much does it cost to ship a car?
San Diego to Houston Auto Transport Overview
Shipping a vehicle from San Diego to Houston is one of the most common California-to-Texas moves—perfect for relocations, dealership purchases, military transfers, snowbirds, college moves, and online car buys. We make it simple with door-to-door coordination, vetted carrier options, and updates you can actually understand.
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Door-to-door service
Pickup and delivery at the closest safe location to your addresses. -
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Open or enclosed trailers
Choose the right protection level for your vehicle and budget. -
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Support on both ends
With base locations in CA and TX, your shipment stays coordinated.
Typical Transit Time
Most San Diego → Houston shipments take about 4–7 days, depending on pickup window, carrier routing, and road conditions. If you have a firm deadline, ask about expedited pickup.
Route Snapshot
- ✓Pickup
San Diego metro & surrounding areas - ✓Delivery
Houston metro & surrounding areas - ✓Transport Types
Open, Enclosed, Inoperable-capable
Learn more about pricing factors: How much does it cost to ship a car?
Estimated Cost to Ship a Car from San Diego to Houston
Your price depends on trailer type, vehicle size, operability, seasonality, and pickup window. The ranges below are general guidance—your quote will reflect real-time carrier availability.
| Transport Option | Best For | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | Most daily drivers | $1000 — $1200 | Most common & budget-friendly option |
| Enclosed Transport | Luxury / classic / collectible | $1500 — $1700 | More protection; fewer carriers available |
| Inoperable Vehicle | Non-running cars | $1350 | Requires special equipment (winch/liftgate) |
| Expedited Pickup | Tight deadlines | $1400 | Prioritized dispatch; depends on lane capacity |
What drives the price the most?
- ✓Vehicle size & weight
SUVs/trucks typically cost more than sedans. - ✓Open vs enclosed
Enclosed adds protection and usually increases cost. - ✓Pickup window
More flexibility usually improves pricing and availability.
Want the full breakdown?
We explain how carriers price routes, what “seasonality” really means, and how to avoid common cost surprises.
Best-Suited for CA → TX
We’re built for California-to-Texas lanes—with base locations in both states to support smoother coordination.
- ✓Stronger dispatch coverage
Better lane familiarity and carrier availability. - ✓Clear updates
You’ll know what’s happening and when.
Door-to-Door Convenience
We coordinate pickup and delivery at the closest safe spot to your address—no terminals required for most shipments.
- ✓Residential friendly
We help choose accessible streets/meeting points. - ✓Flexible scheduling
Pickup windows that match real carrier routes.
Options for Every Vehicle
Shipping a commuter car, a truck, or something rare? We’ll match the right trailer and equipment.
- ✓Open & enclosed
Choose protection level that fits your needs. - ✓Inoperable capable
Winch/liftgate solutions available when needed.
How San Diego to Houston Car Shipping Works
A simple, proven process—built to keep your shipment smooth and predictable.
Request a Quote
Use the calculator to compare transport types and pickup windows for your route.
Schedule Pickup
We confirm a pickup window and dispatch a carrier matched to your vehicle and timeline.
Delivery & Inspection
Meet the driver, complete a final inspection, and enjoy your vehicle in Houston.
Need it moved fast?
Ask about expedited pickup availability for the San Diego → Houston lane.
Transport Options for This Route
Choose the option that fits your vehicle, budget, and protection needs.
Open Auto Transport
Cost-effective and widely available for San Diego to Houston shipping.
- ✓Most popular choice
Great for standard vehicles. - ✓More carrier options
Often improves scheduling flexibility.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Extra protection for high-end, classic, exotic, or collectible vehicles.
- ✓Added protection
Shielded from weather and road debris. - ✓Ideal for specialty cars
Recommended for show vehicles.
Inoperable Shipping
Non-running vehicles can be shipped with the right equipment and planning.
- ✓Winch/liftgate capable
Tell us it doesn’t run for accurate dispatch. - ✓Accurate expectations
Special handling affects pricing and availability.
Vehicle Prep Checklist
A few quick steps make pickup smoother and help avoid delays.
- ✓Remove personal items
Keep the vehicle clear of loose items and valuables. - ✓Leave ~1/4 tank of gas
Enough for loading/unloading without adding weight. - ✓Disable alarms
Prevents interruptions during transport. - ✓Take photos
Document the vehicle condition before pickup. - ✓Check for leaks & tire pressure
Helps avoid loading issues.
Pickup & Delivery Day: What to Expect
- ✓Inspection at pickup
Carrier notes condition and confirms the shipment details. - ✓On-route updates
We keep you informed as the driver progresses. - ✓Inspection at delivery
Confirm condition upon arrival before completing delivery.
Have questions about timing or special pickup locations? Call 888-709-9078.
Who Uses San Diego to Houston Auto Transport?
This lane is popular because it fits a ton of real-world situations.
Relocations
Moving for work or family? Ship your car and skip the long drive.
Online Car Buyers
Bought a vehicle in CA and need it delivered to Houston? We can coordinate pickup.
Dealers & Fleets
Consistent transport options for inventory moves and fleet relocations.
Customer Reviews
Real feedback from customers who trusted Smart Auto Move for their vehicle shipping.
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
More Popular California to Texas Car Shipping Routes
Explore related routes and statewide shipping info:
San Diego to Houston Car Shipping FAQs
How do I get the best price on San Diego to Houston auto transport?
Flexible pickup windows usually help. Open transport is often the best value, and booking ahead can improve carrier availability. Use the quote form above to compare options quickly.
Can you deliver to a home or apartment in Houston?
Yes—door-to-door delivery is available when the location is safe and legal for a large carrier. If access is tight, we’ll coordinate a nearby meeting point that’s easy for you.
Do you ship electric vehicles (EVs) on this route?
Yes. For EVs, we recommend having a healthy charge level for pickup and keeping keys/charging adapters accessible if needed.
Where can I learn more about car shipping rates?
Read: How much does it cost to ship a car? for a breakdown of the main factors that influence pricing.
Still have questions? Call 888-709-9078 and we’ll help you choose the best option for your vehicle and timeline.
Smart Auto Move — Delivering Happiness, One Car at a Time.