Car Shipping from California to Washington
California to Washington is a West Coast corridor, and people search for it as "CA to WA." This page covers Washington State. If you're shipping to Washington, D.C., that's a cross-country route with different pricing, and the quote starts from your actual delivery city.
What It Typically Costs
Across the market, the average cost to ship a sedan from California to Washington is roughly $901, with total costs typically ranging from $500 to $1,550 depending on the city pair, vehicle size, and transport method. Typical ranges for common city pairs, with transit times:
Several modifiers apply on top:
These are typical market ranges, not a quote for your car. Car shipping cost guide Get a quote
| Route | Typical range | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Seattle | $675 to $1,100 | 3 to 5 days |
| San Francisco to Vancouver, WA | $525 to $850 | 2 to 4 days |
| Sacramento to Tacoma | $525 to $850 | 2 to 4 days |
| San Diego to Spokane | $850 to $1,350 | 3 to 5 days |
**Open or enclosed:** open transport is the standard method. Enclosed transport protects high-value or classic cars and adds a premium of roughly 30% to 50%. See our open transport guide See our enclosed transport guide
**Larger vehicles:** large SUVs, vans, and full-size trucks typically add $100 to $250 over a standard sedan, and heavy electric vehicles may add a further $50 to $100 weight surcharge.
**Non-running vehicles:** typically add $150 to $300 for the winch equipment needed to load them. Non-running and salvage vehicle shipping
How Long It Takes
Transit on this corridor typically runs 2 to 5 days once the car is picked up, with shorter city pairs at the low end and routes like San Diego to Spokane at the high end. Car shipping guide: how it works
When to Ship
This lane shows seasonal travel patterns, with shipping demand and pricing peaking between March and September. Late autumn and winter typically see the lowest baseline rates, so shipping then, with a flexible pickup window, is the best way to keep the cost down.
Is It Cheaper to Ship or Drive?
The answer depends on which pair you're moving between. Under 500 miles, driving is usually cheaper. From 500 to 1,000 miles the costs are close, and past roughly 1,000 to 1,500 miles shipping often matches or beats the total cost of driving once hotels at about $150 a night, meals, and wear on the car are counted. On this corridor, shorter pairs like San Francisco to Vancouver sit near the break-even point, while longer ones like San Diego to Spokane favor shipping. Moving two cars, or flying instead of driving back, tips it further toward shipping. Ship or drive: the full cost comparison
Shipping From Washington to California
Direction changes the price. Washington to California averages about $771, noticeably lower than the $901 average heading north. See Washington to California
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Washington?
The market average for a sedan is roughly $901, with total costs typically ranging from $500 to $1,550. Los Angeles to Seattle typically runs $675 to $1,100.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Washington?
Typically 2 to 5 days once the car is picked up, depending on the city pair.
When is the cheapest time to ship from California to Washington?
Late autumn and winter, when baseline rates are lowest. Demand and pricing peak between March and September.
How much extra does an SUV or truck cost to ship?
Large SUVs, vans, and full-size trucks typically add $100 to $250 over a standard sedan.
Do electric vehicles cost more to ship?
Heavy electric vehicles may incur an extra $50 to $100 weight surcharge.
Is this the same as shipping to Washington, D.C.?
No. This page covers Washington State. Shipping to Washington, D.C. is a different route, so tell us your exact delivery city when you request a quote.
Shipping a Car on This Route?
Get a quote with your vehicle and pickup and delivery cities.