Car Shipping from Massachusetts to Florida
Massachusetts to Florida is one of the longest East Coast snowbird routes, averaging around 1,300 to 1,500 miles, and people search for it as "MA to FL." Here's what shipping typically costs by city pair and vehicle type, and when to book.
What It Typically Costs
Across the market, the average cost to ship a car from Massachusetts to Florida ranges from $550 to $1,500 for open transport, with most standard shipments falling between $900 and $1,350.
By vehicle type, a standard sedan typically runs $600 to $1,050, an SUV or pickup truck $900 to $1,250 (roughly $150 to $250 more for larger trucks and SUVs), and a luxury, classic, or specialty car $1,100 to $1,600 or more. Typical ranges for common city pairs:
These are typical market ranges, not a quote for your car. How shipping costs are calculated Get a quote
| Route | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|
| Boston to Jacksonville | $575 to $950 | $875 to $1,400 |
| Springfield to Orlando | $550 to $900 | $825 to $1,350 |
| Worcester to Tampa | $575 to $925 | $850 to $1,375 |
| Lowell to Miami | $600 to $950 | $900 to $1,425 |
**Open transport:** $550 to $1,300, the standard and most affordable option. See our open transport guide
**Enclosed transport:** $800 to $1,950, which adds about 40% to 50% for weather and debris protection. See our enclosed transport guide
How Long It Takes
Transit typically takes 3 to 5 days once the car is picked up, plus a 1 to 3 day window for carrier dispatch. Car shipping guide: how it works
When to Ship
Rates spike heavily during the peak snowbird season from October through December, when southbound demand is high. Spring and summer months are generally cheaper, so shipping outside the fall rush is the biggest single saving. See our guide to shipping to Florida
Keeping the Cost Down
Giving the carrier a pickup window of 3 to 5 days can lower your price by 10% to 20%, and shipping between December and February is generally cheaper than the summer and early-fall moving seasons.
What About the Auto Train?
Amtrak's Auto Train carries your car, but it runs only between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida, and you have to ride along. From Massachusetts, that means driving to northern Virginia first. See Virginia to Florida for the Auto Train details
Driving It Yourself
Driving from Massachusetts to Florida takes about 20 to 26 hours of total driving time, covering roughly 1,100 to 1,300 miles depending on your start and end points. Boston to Jacksonville is around 1,150 miles, and it's up to 1,500 miles if you drive all the way to Miami. The distance between the two states is roughly 1,344 to 1,350 miles. Most drivers split it into a two-day trip, stopping around the Virginia and North Carolina border on night one, or take a three-day relaxed pace. If you do drive, leaving very early, between 3:00 and 5:00 AM, or on a weekend morning helps you beat the heavy traffic around New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Is it cheaper to ship or drive?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Massachusetts to Florida?
The range is $550 to $1,500 for open transport, with most standard shipments between $900 and $1,350. Enclosed transport runs $800 to $1,950.
How long does it take to ship a car from Massachusetts to Florida?
Typically 3 to 5 days once picked up, plus 1 to 3 days for carrier dispatch.
How much does it cost to ship an SUV or pickup from Massachusetts to Florida?
Typically $900 to $1,250, roughly $150 to $250 more than a sedan.
When is it most expensive to ship a car from Massachusetts to Florida?
October through December, during snowbird season.
How far is Massachusetts from Florida?
Roughly 1,300 to 1,500 miles for shipping, and about 1,100 to 1,300 miles by driving depending on your cities.
Shipping a Car on This Route?
Get a quote with your vehicle and pickup and delivery cities.