Car Shipping from Texas to California
Many Texans are heading west to California for career opportunities, better weather, or family. Autos Mover ships vehicles along the Texas-to-California corridor year-round, covering the 1,570-mile route with experienced interstate carriers and full insurance. Open transport $1,100.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from Texas to California?
Our published 2026 rate for the Texas-to-California route:
- Open transport: $1,100
- Enclosed transport: $1,800
- Transit time: 5-7 days door-to-door
- Distance: approximately 1,570 miles
These are the same rates shown on our homepage route table and generated by our cost calculator – consistent pricing across every page of our site. Your exact price may vary 10-15% based on vehicle size (sedan vs SUV vs pickup), vehicle condition (running or inoperable), pickup and delivery ZIP codes (rural adds $100-$300), and time of year (summer adds 15-25%). Get an exact quote in under 2 minutes – no obligation, no upfront payment.
Popular Texas-to-California Pickup and Delivery Cities
We pick up and deliver anywhere in both states. Some of the most common Texas pickup locations:
- Houston, Texas
- Dallas, Texas
- Austin, Texas
- San Antonio, Texas
And popular California delivery locations:
- Los Angeles, California
- San Francisco, California
- San Diego, California
Our Texas to California Shipping Services
Open Auto Transport – $1,100
The most popular and affordable option for Texas-to-California shipments. Your vehicle travels on a standard multi-car open trailer alongside 7-9 other vehicles. Fully insured, weather-exposed but safe for typical sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
Enclosed Auto Transport – $1,800
Recommended for luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles. Fully enclosed trailer protects against weather, road debris, and UV exposure over the 1,570-mile route. Approximately 64% more than open transport.
Expedited Shipping
Need your vehicle on the road fast? Expedited service guarantees pickup within 24-48 hours. Ideal for military PCS orders, urgent relocations, or tight closing dates on a car purchase. Add $150-$250 to the standard rate.
Door-to-Door Service
Every shipment is door-to-door. Our carrier picks up at your Texas address and delivers directly to your California destination. In some cases (narrow streets, HOA restrictions), the driver may ask to meet at a nearby accessible location.
Why Ship Your Car from Texas to California?
Compared to driving the full 1,570 miles yourself, shipping saves you:
- Hotel costs for 4+ overnight stops
- Fuel (approximately $220 at $3.50/gallon and 25 MPG)
- Meals on the road
- Wear and tear on your vehicle (about $157 in depreciation at $0.10/mile)
- Days of your time
- Risk of breakdown, accident, or theft in unfamiliar states
For most Texas-to-California shipments, using Autos Mover at $1,100 costs about the same as or less than driving – and takes the exhaustion and risk off your plate.
The ZeroDown Guarantee
Every Texas-to-California shipment is backed by our ZeroDown Guarantee:
- No deposit required. You pay absolutely nothing until a carrier is assigned to your vehicle.
- No price changes after dispatch. The $1,100 open quote or $1,800 enclosed quote we give you is the price you pay.
- Full refund if we can’t ship. If we cannot assign a carrier within your window, any payment is fully refunded.
Texas to California Auto Transport FAQ
How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to California?
Typical transit time is 5-7 days once the carrier picks up your vehicle. Pickup usually happens within 1-5 days of booking. Expedited service can guarantee pickup within 24-48 hours for urgent shipments.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Texas to California?
Open transport at $1,100 is the most affordable option on this route. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance typically saves an additional 5-10%. Avoid the lowest “bait” quotes – carriers can’t profitably move cars at unrealistic rates, so low-ball bookings often sit unmatched for weeks.
Do I have to pay upfront to ship my car from Texas to California?
No. Autos Mover requires zero upfront payment under our ZeroDown Guarantee. You pay only after a specific carrier is confirmed and dispatched for your shipment.
Is my vehicle insured during transport from Texas to California?
Yes. Every shipment is covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance, verified before dispatch. Photograph your vehicle at pickup and review the Bill of Lading inspection report to document pre-existing condition.
Can you ship a non-running vehicle from Texas to California?
Yes. We ship non-running vehicles regularly using winch-equipped trailers. Non-running service costs approximately $100-$200 more than running vehicles. Please disclose the condition accurately when booking.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle from Texas to California?
Get a free, no-obligation quote in under 2 minutes with zero upfront payment required.
- Online: Free instant quote
- Phone: (279) 300-3808
- Email: sales@autosmover.com
Autos Mover is a DBA of Skyline Transportation. USDOT #4232458, MC #1627675. Licensed, bonded, and insured in all 50 states. BBB-accredited A+ business.