Cost to ship a car from Sacramento to Lafayette

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,114 miles from Sacramento to Lafayette ranges from $1,398 to $2,008. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lafayette, LA in 4–12 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 Lafayette to Sacramento car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Sacramento to Lafayette car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Sacramento to Lafayette, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Sacramento, 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 Lafayette, 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 Sacramento. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Lafayette will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Almond Capital of the World to the Hub City — approximately 2,114 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 Sacramento and Lafayette can impact car shipping prices.

Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.

It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Sacramento to Lafayette 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 2,114-mile distance between Sacramento and Lafayette 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 Sacramento to Lafayette typically takes between 4 and 12 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Sacramento to Lafayette car shipping companies

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

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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 Sacramento and Lafayette vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Sacramento: All Residential Parking Permits, including Online 24-Hour Temporary Parking Permits, are free of charge. Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged Vehicle permit (stickers) or Visitor permits (placards) is $25. Online Temporary Permits that are lost, stolen or damaged will not be replaced as the permit may be re-printed for that vehicle if the valid time is still in effect.
  • Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.

Car insurance requirements

  • Sacramento: 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.
  • Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.

Vehicle inspections

  • Sacramento: 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.
  • Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.

Driver’s license

  • Sacramento: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Sacramento to Lafayette?

The cost to ship a car from Sacramento, CA to Lafayette, LA 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 Sacramento to Lafayette will range from $1,398 to $2,008.

How long will it take to ship my car from Sacramento to Lafayette?

It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,114 miles from Sacramento to Lafayette. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Sacramento to Lafayette?

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

Helpful Sacramento resources