Cost to ship a car from San Diego to St. Paul

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,996 miles from San Diego to St. Paul ranges from $1,306 to $2,168. 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 San Diego car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting San Diego to St. Paul car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from San Diego to St. Paul, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving San Diego, 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 San Diego. 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 America's Finest City to the Pigs Eye — approximately 1,996 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 Diego and St. Paul can impact car shipping prices.

San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.

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 San Diego 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 1,996-mile distance between San Diego 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 San Diego 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.

San Diego 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 San Diego to St. Paul:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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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 Diego and St. Paul vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.
  • 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

  • San Diego: 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

  • San Diego: 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

  • San Diego: 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 San Diego to St. Paul?

The cost to ship a car from San Diego, 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 San Diego to St. Paul will range from $1,306 to $2,168.

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

It will take approximately 3–11 days to ship your car the 1,996 miles from San Diego to St. Paul. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful San Diego resources