Car Shipping from Virginia to Florida
Virginia to Florida is a shorter East Coast corridor of roughly 700 to 860 miles, and people search for it as "VA to FL." It's also the one route where Amtrak's Auto Train is a real alternative, because the train departs from Lorton, Virginia. Here's what shipping typically costs and how the Auto Train compares.
What It Typically Costs
Across the market, the average cost to ship a car from Virginia to Florida is about $721, with most standard shipments ranging from $450 to $1,150. The exact price depends mainly on your city pair, vehicle size, and trailer type.
These are typical market ranges, not a quote for your car. What affects the cost of car shipping Get a quote
**Larger vehicles:** SUVs, trucks, and vans take up more weight and space, typically adding $100 to $250 to the final bill.
**Non-running vehicles:** if the car needs a winch or forklift to load, it typically adds an extra $100 to $250. Non-running and salvage vehicle shipping
**Open or enclosed:** open transport is the standard and most economical choice. See our open transport guide How enclosed car transport works
When to Ship
The East Coast corridor sees major price swings. Demand surges from October through December as travelers head south for the winter, pushing southbound rates up by $150 to $200, and rates drop in off-peak periods like early spring. See our guide to shipping to Florida
The Amtrak Auto Train From Lorton
The Auto Train runs nonstop between Lorton, Virginia, near Washington, D.C., and Sanford, Florida, near Orlando. It takes about 17.5 hours, departing daily at 4:00 PM and arriving around 9:00 AM the next day. You can't ship a car on it alone: you have to buy a passenger ticket and ride the same train. If you only want the car moved, you need a commercial car transport.
What it costs, one-way:
A single traveler in coach with a standard car is looking at roughly $650, and two adults in a roomette at roughly $1,100 to $1,500. Limits apply: vehicles can be at most 84 inches wide including mirrors and 85 inches high, and dual-wheel trucks, oversized trailers, and low-slung sports cars are often restricted. Fares use dynamic pricing, so booking early, or traveling in the off-peak direction, gets lower prices.
The train makes sense if you're traveling to Florida anyway and want the trip with your car. A commercial shipment makes sense if you'd rather fly and have the car delivered, or if your car doesn't fit the limits.
- **A standard car or small SUV** (up to 16 feet): $225 to $570. An extended vehicle, such as a large SUV or truck up to 18 feet, runs $255 to $650, and a motorcycle $155 to $310.
- **Passenger tickets:** coach seats cost $75 to $100 per person, a private roomette for two $400 to $900, and a private bedroom $700 to $1,500 or more.
- **Priority offloading:** $125 to $250. The train carries over 300 vehicles, so unloading can take up to 90 minutes, and priority puts your car among the first 30 off.
Driving It Yourself
Driving takes about 12 to 14 hours, covering roughly 700 to 861 miles depending on your start and end points. To North or Central Florida, such as Orlando or Tampa, it's about 11.5 to 13 hours and roughly 760 miles, and to South Florida, such as Miami, about 14 hours. Heavy traffic around Richmond, Jacksonville, or holiday weekends can add several hours. Shipping vs. driving explained
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Virginia to Florida?
The market average is about $721, with most standard shipments between $450 and $1,150.
How much does the Auto Train cost for a car?
A standard car or small SUV costs $225 to $570 one-way, plus your own passenger ticket. A coach seat is $75 to $100, and a roomette for two is $400 to $900.
Can I ship my car on the Auto Train without riding?
No. You must buy a passenger ticket and ride the same train.
When is it most expensive to ship a car from Virginia to Florida?
October through December, when southbound rates rise by $150 to $200.
How long does it take to drive from Virginia to Florida?
About 12 to 14 hours, covering roughly 700 to 861 miles.
Shipping a Car on This Route?
Get a quote with your vehicle and pickup and delivery cities.