California to Idaho Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 910 miles from California to Idaho ranges from $1,038 to $1,563 and takes 2–7 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Idaho to California car shipping guide.
California to Idaho auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in California and Idaho. The average travel distance is about 910 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 2 to 7 days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Idaho
| From California to Idaho | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Boise, ID | 891 miles | $1,006–$1,576 | 2–7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Nampa, ID | 825 miles | $978–$1,493 | 2–7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Jerome, ID | 778 miles | $1,023–$1,406 | 2–7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Blackfoot, ID | 874 miles | $1,013–$1,513 | 2–7 days |
| Fresno, CA to Garden City, ID | 896 miles | $1,016–$1,516 | 2–7 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Idaho
| From California to Idaho | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Boise, ID | 959 miles | $967–$1,592 | 2–7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Nampa, ID | 974 miles | $1,017–$1,623 | 2–7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Jerome, ID | 846 miles | $1,028–$1,404 | 2–7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Blackfoot, ID | 941 miles | $1,038–$1,501 | 2–7 days |
| Fresno, CA to Garden City, ID | 963 miles | $957–$1,623 | 2–7 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Idaho
| From California to Idaho | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Boise, ID | 672 miles | $932–$1,365 | 1–6 days |
| San Diego, CA to Nampa, ID | 653 miles | $886–$1,287 | 1–6 days |
| San Jose, CA to Jerome, ID | 718 miles | $895–$1,358 | 1–6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Blackfoot, ID | 835 miles | $1,008–$1,508 | 2–7 days |
| Fresno, CA to Garden City, ID | 670 miles | $886–$1,274 | 1–6 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Idaho
| From California to Idaho | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Boise, ID | 639 miles | $924–$1,306 | 1–6 days |
| San Diego, CA to Nampa, ID | 621 miles | $861–$1,174 | 1–6 days |
| San Jose, CA to Jerome, ID | 686 miles | $919–$1,343 | 1–6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Blackfoot, ID | 803 miles | $943–$1,428 | 2–7 days |
| Fresno, CA to Garden City, ID | 638 miles | $942–$1,256 | 1–6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to Idaho
| From California to Idaho | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Boise, ID | 720 miles | $905–$1,331 | 1–6 days |
| San Diego, CA to Nampa, ID | 701 miles | $895–$1,426 | 1–6 days |
| San Jose, CA to Jerome, ID | 766 miles | $965–$1,396 | 2–7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Blackfoot, ID | 883 miles | $996–$1,500 | 2–7 days |
| Fresno, CA to Garden City, ID | 718 miles | $905–$1,317 | 1–6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Idaho
Since vehicles like SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from California to Idaho you should expect to pay between $1,298 and $1,954.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from California to Idaho
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Gem State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Idaho.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Idaho spans approximately 910 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of California, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between California and Idaho and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from California to Idaho should take between 2 and 7 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best California to Idaho car shipping companies
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We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from California to Idaho:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from California to Idaho
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 910 miles on your car going from California to Idaho. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from California to Idaho for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from California to Idaho?
- Car insurance requirements: Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
- Driver’s license: If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
- Additional taxes: New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from California
Over 39 million people call California home. Nicknamed the Golden State, California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
Transporting your vehicle to Idaho
About 22 million people are living in the Gem State of Idaho. The climate in Idaho varies widely. In the west cloud cover, humidity, and precipitation are at their maximum extent. Idaho can be hot but have relatively low humidity and cooler evenings during the summer months. It is important to know that winters in Idaho can be cold.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in California and when dropping off my car in Idaho?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in California and when dropping it off in Idaho.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Idaho?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Idaho, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Idaho, which you should verify before loading your car in California.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Idaho?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Idaho is about 910 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take 2-7 days to travel from California to Idaho.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Idaho?
If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Idaho after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Idaho after purchasing it.
New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Idaho to avoid any hidden costs.
