Cost to ship a car from San Francisco to Wichita

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,677 miles from San Francisco to Wichita ranges from $1,199 to $1,794. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Wichita, KS in 3–9 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 Wichita to San Francisco car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting San Francisco to Wichita car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from San Francisco to Wichita, 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 Wichita, 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 Wichita 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 Air Capital of the World — approximately 1,677 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 Wichita 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.

Wichita experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Wichita often experiences severe weather with thunderstorms occurring frequently during the spring and summer. These occasionally bring large hail and frequent lightning. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid hail and lightning.

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 Wichita 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 1,677-mile distance between San Francisco and Wichita 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 Wichita typically takes between 3 and 9 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

San Francisco to Wichita 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 Wichita:

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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 Wichita 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.
  • Wichita: Each permit has an applicable fee, the general fee schedule is described on the respective permits. Fees should be received by the City of Wichita prior to work being completed or street being used. Use of street is required for occurrences when the street, sidewalk, right-of-way, or alley is partially or completely closed by construction or staging activity. To discuss whether a use of street is appropriate for specific activities, or a specific job, please contact Traffic Engineering at 316-268-4446.

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.
  • Wichita: Kansas mandates car insurance for all drivers, with minimum liability coverage: $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage 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.
  • Wichita: Kansas only requires car inspections when registering an out-of-state vehicle.

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.
  • Wichita: Kansas requires new residents to obtain a driver's license and register their vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Wichita, KS 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 Wichita will range from $1,199 to $1,794.

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

It will take approximately 3–9 days to ship your car the 1,677 miles from San Francisco to Wichita. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful San Francisco resources