If you’re planning a move from California to Texas, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people relocate between the two states – drawn by work, family, education, or the promise of a fresh start.
While booking movers and changing addresses may feel straightforward, one big question tends to slow people down: what do I do with my car?
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend days driving across the country. You can simply ship your car from California to Texas using a professional auto transport service.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the process fast, affordable, and completely stress-free.
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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
The cost to ship your car from California to Texas typically ranges between $900 and $1,300 for open carrier transport, depending on the time of year, exact route, and size of the vehicle.
If you’re transporting a high-end or collector car, an enclosed trailer may be the better option – with pricing between $1,100 and $2,000.
For example, moving a mid-size sedan from Los Angeles to Dallas in the spring might cost around $1,050 with open transport.
Enclosed transport could add a few hundred dollars more, but provides added protection for vehicles that need extra care.
Choosing the Right Transport Type
There are two primary types of car shipping services available, each serving different needs:
- Open Car Transport: The most common and affordable option. Your vehicle travels on an open-air trailer, exposed to the elements but secured and insured the entire way. This is the go-to choice for most drivers.
- Enclosed Car Transport: Best for luxury, antique, or exotic cars. Vehicles are placed in a fully enclosed trailer to protect them from weather and road debris during the journey.
If your vehicle is standard, reliable, and doesn’t need extra protection, open transport is often the best value. But for those who want peace of mind or are shipping something rare, enclosed shipping is worth the investment.
Route Highlights and Major Highways
The most popular auto transport routes from California to Texas include Los Angeles to Houston, San Diego to Dallas, and San Jose to Austin. These corridors use major highways such as I-10, I-5, and I-35, which are favored by drivers for efficiency and safety.
Urban pickups in cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, or San Diego tend to be faster due to higher carrier availability.
However, keep in mind that some metro areas, like downtown Los Angeles, may require flexible pickup locations because of parking restrictions or traffic.
On the other hand, rural areas in Central California or East Texas may experience slightly longer wait times or modestly higher pricing due to their distance from main transport routes.
Seasonal Tips: When to Ship Your Car
Timing matters more than you might think when it comes to auto transport. Peak seasons like summer and the winter holidays tend to bring higher prices and limited carrier availability.
If you want the best combination of pricing and timing, plan your move for the January to April window.
Late summer (August to October) is also a smart time, especially for students or snowbirds relocating between the states.
You should also consider regional events and natural occurrences. Wildfires in California between June and October can delay transports, especially in northern or inland areas.
Meanwhile, festivals like Coachella or Formula 1 in Austin can cause localized traffic and scheduling disruptions.
Preparation: How To Get Your Vehicle Ready for Transport?
Before handing off your vehicle to a carrier, some light preparation can help ensure a smooth experience and avoid damage claims. The good news? It’s a short list:
- Wash your car so its condition can be clearly inspected
- Remove all personal items from the interior
- Check fluid levels, tire pressure, and battery charge
- Disable alarms and take photos of your car from all angles
- Leave about ¼ tank of gas (no more, no less)
If your vehicle is registered in California but the registration is expired, don’t worry, you can still ship it. The only difference is that it must be loaded directly onto a trailer and not driven by the carrier.
Final Thoughts: Should You Ship or Drive?
While driving your car from California to Texas might seem like an adventure, it’s important to calculate the hidden costs: fuel, hotels, meals, tolls, wear-and-tear, and time off work.
The 1,500-mile journey takes about 24 hours of driving time, spread across 2–3 days—and that’s without detours, traffic, or vehicle issues.
When you ship your car from California to Texas, you’re choosing safety, speed, and convenience.
Your vehicle will be handled by licensed professionals, insured every mile of the way, and delivered directly to your destination—no stress, no extra mileage, and no surprises.
Ready to make the move? Get a free quote today from a licensed auto transport company and find out just how easy it is to ship your car from California to Texas.
