California to Arizona Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 736 miles from California to Arizona ranges from $945 to $1,316 and takes 1–6 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 Arizona to California car shipping guide.
California to Arizona 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 Arizona. The average travel distance is about 736 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 1 to 6 days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Arizona
| From California to Arizona | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, AZ | 373 miles | $665–$919 | 1–4 days |
| San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ | 483 miles | $819–$1,104 | 1–4 days |
| San Jose, CA to Mesa, AZ | 388 miles | $670–$984 | 1–4 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Chandler, AZ | 396 miles | $691–$975 | 1–4 days |
| Fresno, CA to Gilbert, AZ | 393 miles | $705–$975 | 1–4 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Arizona
| From California to Arizona | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, AZ | 355 miles | $672–$891 | 1–4 days |
| San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ | 405 miles | $765–$968 | 1–4 days |
| San Jose, CA to Mesa, AZ | 361 miles | $665–$910 | 1–4 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Chandler, AZ | 350 miles | $672–$938 | 1–4 days |
| Fresno, CA to Gilbert, AZ | 357 miles | $659–$947 | 1–4 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Arizona
| From California to Arizona | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, AZ | 710 miles | $942–$1,304 | 1–6 days |
| San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ | 821 miles | $982–$1,501 | 2–7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Mesa, AZ | 727 miles | $935–$1,440 | 1–6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Chandler, AZ | 734 miles | $974–$1,427 | 1–6 days |
| Fresno, CA to Gilbert, AZ | 732 miles | $993–$1,427 | 1–6 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Arizona
| From California to Arizona | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, AZ | 754 miles | $975–$1,425 | 2–7 days |
| San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ | 864 miles | $1,023–$1,528 | 2–7 days |
| San Jose, CA to Mesa, AZ | 770 miles | $975–$1,368 | 2–7 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Chandler, AZ | 777 miles | $984–$1,492 | 2–7 days |
| Fresno, CA to Gilbert, AZ | 774 miles | $936–$1,410 | 2–7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to Arizona
| From California to Arizona | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, AZ | 590 miles | $868–$1,261 | 1–6 days |
| San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ | 700 miles | $952–$1,344 | 1–6 days |
| San Jose, CA to Mesa, AZ | 606 miles | $905–$1,248 | 1–6 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Chandler, AZ | 613 miles | $923–$1,260 | 1–6 days |
| Fresno, CA to Gilbert, AZ | 611 miles | $835–$1,186 | 1–6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Arizona
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 Arizona you should expect to pay between $1,181 and $1,645.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from California to Arizona
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Grand Canyon 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 Arizona.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Arizona spans approximately 736 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 Arizona 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 Arizona should take between 1 and 6 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best California to Arizona 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 Arizona:
- 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 Arizona
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 736 miles on your car going from California to Arizona. 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 Arizona 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 Arizona?
- Car insurance requirements: The mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per accident
- Vehicle inspection: Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.
- Driver’s license: If you are a former resident of another state and now reside in Arizona, you will need to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office in person to obtain an Arizona driver's license. You have a 10-day window after relocating within the state to update the address on your Arizona driver's license.
- Additional taxes: In Arizona, vehicle owners are required to pay the Vehicle License Tax (VLT) along with other fees. This tax serves as an alternative to the personal property tax that is imposed in some other states.
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 Arizona
About 22 million people are living in the Grand Canyon State of Arizona. Arizona may be on of the top states where your move is least likely to be affected by climate due to the unlikelihood of extremely cold days and natural disasters.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in California and when dropping off my car in Arizona?
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 Arizona.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Arizona?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Arizona, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Arizona, 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. The mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per accident
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Arizona?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Arizona is about 736 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take 1-6 days to travel from California to Arizona.
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.
Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Arizona?
If you are a former resident of another state and now reside in Arizona, you will need to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office in person to obtain an Arizona driver's license. You have a 10-day window after relocating within the state to update the address on your Arizona driver's license.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Arizona after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Arizona after purchasing it.
In Arizona, vehicle owners are required to pay the Vehicle License Tax (VLT) along with other fees. This tax serves as an alternative to the personal property tax that is imposed in some other states.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Arizona to avoid any hidden costs.
