Cost to ship a car from Sacramento to St. Paul

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,900 miles from Sacramento to St. Paul ranges from $1,527 to $2,207. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in St. Paul, MN in 3–11 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 St. Paul to Sacramento car shipping guide.

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Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.

Factors affecting Sacramento to St. Paul car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Sacramento to St. Paul, 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 St. Paul, 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 St. Paul 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 Pigs Eye — approximately 1,900 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 St. Paul 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.

St. Paul has frigid and snowy winters, while summers are warm to hot and humid. St. Paul experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog

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 St. Paul 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 1,900-mile distance between Sacramento and St. Paul 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 St. Paul typically takes between 3 and 11 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Sacramento to St. Paul car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Sacramento and St. Paul 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.
  • St. Paul: Construction or commercial vehicles with special permits may park in a metered space without payment between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Those without a permanent special permit are subject to ticketing if the meter has expired. Commercial Vehicle Permits are issued by license inspectors, are numbered, and expire one year after issuance. This placard shall be placed between the driver’s side dashboard and windshield ensuring that the entire placard is visible through the windshield.

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.
  • St. Paul: Drivers in Minnesota must maintain a minimum insurance coverage, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents and aligning with state regulations for responsible driving practices.

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.
  • St. Paul: Minnesota does not have a mandate for regular safety inspections on personal vehicles.

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.
  • St. Paul: In Minnesota, you have a 60-day window after becoming a resident to obtain a Minnesota driver's license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services issues driver’s licenses in the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Sacramento to St. Paul?

The cost to ship a car from Sacramento, CA to St. Paul, MN 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 St. Paul will range from $1,527 to $2,207.

How long will it take to ship my car from Sacramento to St. Paul?

It will take approximately 3–11 days to ship your car the 1,900 miles from Sacramento to St. Paul. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Sacramento to St. Paul?

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

Helpful Sacramento resources