Cost to ship a car from San Francisco to Hartford

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 3,008 miles from San Francisco to Hartford ranges from $1,627 to $2,494. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Hartford, CT in 7–15 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Hartford to San Francisco car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting San Francisco to Hartford car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from San Francisco to Hartford, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from San Francisco to Hartford, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving San Francisco, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Hartford, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of San Francisco. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Hartford will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Golden Gate City to the New England's Rising Star — approximately 3,008 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.

Time of the year

The season and weather in both San Francisco and Hartford can impact car shipping prices.

San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.

June, August and September are the best months if you're considering to move to Hartford. Seasonally, the period from May through October is warm to hot in Hartford. Winters are cold, with periods of snow, while summers are warm to hot and humid. Spring and fall are normally transition seasons, with weather ranging from mild to cool.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from San Francisco to Hartford during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 3,008-mile distance between San Francisco and Hartford and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from San Francisco to Hartford typically takes between 7 and 15 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

San Francisco to Hartford car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from San Francisco to Hartford:

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing San Francisco and Hartford vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • San Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.
  • Hartford: There are paid parking around Hartford that would require you to have an app. Kindly check with the City of Hartford for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Hartford.

Car insurance requirements

  • San Francisco: 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.
  • Hartford: The basic car insurance requirements in the state of Connecticut is as follow: Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident

Vehicle inspections

  • San Francisco: 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.
  • Hartford: In Connecticut, all vehicles must undergo an emissions inspection every two years, with a few exceptions. Additionally, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection, which confirms the vehicle's identity, is required when registering the vehicle in the state.

Driver’s license

  • San Francisco: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Hartford: As a new resident of Connecticut, you must obtain a Connecticut driver's license within 30 days. Residency is defined as living in the state for over 6 months in a year.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from San Francisco to Hartford?

The cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Hartford, CT varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from San Francisco to Hartford will range from $1,627 to $2,494.

How long will it take to ship my car from San Francisco to Hartford?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 3,008 miles from San Francisco to Hartford. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Francisco to Hartford?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Francisco to Hartford. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful San Francisco resources