The main routes for moving a car long distance
You have three realistic ways to move a car across the country: drive it yourself, hire an auto transport company to ship it on a truck, or use a peer-to-peer service where someone drives it for you. Each costs different amounts, takes different time, and involves different risks to your car.
Driving it yourself means you keep the car the whole time and pay only for gas, food, and lodging — but you put thousands of miles on the engine and wear on the brakes, and you spend days on the road. Hiring a transport company costs $1,000 to $5,000 depending on distance and season, takes one to two weeks, and keeps your car off the road. Peer-to-peer services (like Roadtrip) fall between the two: someone else drives, you pay them a fee, and your car moves but you lose control of when and how.
Key Takeaways
- Driving yourself is cheapest but adds wear to your car and takes a week or more; shipping costs more but protects your car from additional mileage.
- Auto transport companies quote based on distance, vehicle size, and whether you want open or enclosed transport; get at least three quotes before booking.
- You need proof of ownership, a valid title, and insurance that covers transport; some companies require the car to run, others can tow non-running vehicles.
- Enclosed transport costs more but protects against weather and road debris; open transport is standard and costs less but exposes your car.
- Book transport companies at least two to three weeks ahead during peak moving season (May through September) to avoid delays.
What auto transport companies actually do
An auto transport company picks up your car at one location and delivers it to another on a large truck, usually shared with other vehicles. The driver loads your car, secures it, and drives it across the country — you do not ride along. The company handles the logistics; you pay a flat fee and wait for delivery.
Most companies offer open transport, where your car sits on an open trailer exposed to weather and road debris. This is the standard option and costs less. Enclosed transport puts your car inside a covered truck, protecting it from rain, snow, and flying rocks — this costs 50 to 100 percent more but is worth it if your car is new, rare, or valuable.
Before you book, the company will ask for your car's year, make, model, and current condition. They need to know if it runs, because non-running cars cost more to load and some companies will not take them. You will also need to tell them your pickup and delivery zip codes so they can quote you accurately.
How much it costs and what affects the price
Auto transport pricing depends on four things: the distance, the size of your vehicle, whether you want open or enclosed transport, and the time of year. A cross-country move of a standard sedan on open transport typically costs $1,200 to $2,500. A large SUV or truck costs more. Enclosed transport adds $500 to $1,500 on top of that.
Summer (May through September) is peak moving season, so prices are higher and wait times are longer. Winter moves cost less because fewer people are relocating. The exact price also depends on which company you choose — rates vary, and some companies specialize in certain routes or vehicle types.
Get quotes from at least three companies before deciding. Most will quote you for free over the phone or through their website. Compare the total price, the pickup and delivery windows (some give a range of days rather than a specific date), and whether they charge extra for things like expedited delivery or pickup from a residential address.
What documents and information you need
You will need to show the transport company that you own the car. Bring your vehicle title (the legal ownership document) and a valid government ID. Some companies also ask for a copy of your registration or insurance card to verify the vehicle information matches.
Your car must have active insurance during transport. Most personal auto insurance policies cover your car while it is being transported, but call your insurance company to confirm before the pickup date. If your policy does not cover transport, ask the transport company whether they offer insurance as an add-on.
The company will also need to know whether your car runs. If it does, they will ask you to deliver it to the pickup location with a quarter tank of gas or less — they do not want to move a full tank. If your car does not run, tell the company upfront; they can arrange a tow truck, but this costs extra and not all companies offer it.
The pickup and delivery process
Once you book, the transport company will give you a pickup window — usually a range of three to five days when the driver will arrive. You do not get an exact time, so plan to be available during that window or arrange for someone else to hand over the keys. When the driver arrives, they will inspect your car for existing damage, take photos, and have you sign a bill of lading (a receipt that lists the car's condition at pickup).
The driver will then load your car onto the truck and find it with straps. You should walk around with the driver and point out any dents, scratches, or damage so it is documented. This protects you if the car arrives with new damage — you can file a claim with the company.
Delivery happens at the other end in the same way. The driver will unload your car, inspect it again, and you will sign another bill of lading confirming its condition at delivery. If you notice new damage, photograph it and report it to the company within a set time frame (usually 30 days) to file a claim.
Driving your car yourself across the country
If you drive the car yourself, you avoid transport costs but you add thousands of miles to the engine and wear to the brakes, tires, and suspension. A cross-country drive is roughly 2,500 to 3,000 miles depending on your route, which takes five to seven days of driving.
Budget for gas, food, lodging, and any repairs that come up on the road. You will also need to make sure your car is in good condition before you leave — get an oil change, check your tire pressure and tread, and have the brakes inspected. Bring a spare tire, a jack, jumper cables, and basic tools in case you break down in a remote area.
Your regular auto insurance covers you while you drive, so you do not need anything extra. Just make sure your policy is active and your registration is current before you leave.
Peer-to-peer car transport services
Services like Roadtrip connect you with drivers who are traveling to your destination and will drive your car there for you. You pay the driver a fee (usually $500 to $2,000 depending on distance), and they handle the driving while you fly or travel separately.
The advantage is that someone else puts the miles on your car and you do not have to spend a week driving. The disadvantage is that you lose control — you do not know exactly how the driver will treat your car, and you cannot intervene if something goes wrong on the road.
These services are less common than auto transport companies and may not be available for all routes. Check whether a service operates between your pickup and delivery locations before you count on it as an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship a car across the country?
Most auto transport companies deliver within 7 to 14 days, depending on distance and route. Expedited delivery (5 to 7 days) costs extra. Delays happen if the driver encounters bad weather or mechanical problems, so the company usually gives you a window of days rather than a specific date.
Can I put my belongings inside the car during transport?
No. Transport companies will not allow you to pack items inside the car. The car must be empty except for the spare tire and jack. If you need to move household goods, you will need a separate moving truck or shipping service.
What happens if my car gets damaged during transport?
Document any new damage with photos and report it to the transport company within 30 days. The company's insurance will cover repairs up to a certain amount. Keep your bill of lading and the damage photos as proof for the claim.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
You should be present if possible so you can inspect the car and sign the bill of lading. If you cannot be there, you can authorize someone else to hand over the keys and sign on your behalf, but let the company know in advance.
Is it cheaper to drive the car myself or hire a transport company?
Driving yourself costs less upfront (gas and lodging only), but adds wear to your car that costs money to repair later. Transport companies cost $1,200 to $2,500 upfront but protect your car from additional mileage. The break-even point depends on your car's age and condition.