Cost to ship a car from San Diego to Portland

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,089 miles from San Diego to Portland ranges from $862 to $1,380. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Portland, OR in 2–8 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 Portland to San Diego car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting San Diego to Portland car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from San Diego to Portland, 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 Portland, 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 Portland 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 Bridgetown — approximately 1,089 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 Portland 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.

Portland has cool and rainy winters and warm and dry summers. Portland also has overcast, wet, and changing weather conditions in fall, winter, and spring, Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rainy days,

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 Portland 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 1,089-mile distance between San Diego and Portland 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 Portland typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

San Diego to Portland 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 Portland:

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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 Portland 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.
  • Portland: The Temporary Street Use Permitting team at the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) can help you reserve on-street parking for residential or commercial moves, loading and unloading, construction, tree trimming, and other uses. $28 per 20-foot parking space up to 7 consecutive days. Allows for reservation of up to 100 feet of parking.

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.
  • Portland: Meeting legal obligations in Oregon, you must carry car insurance featuring a minimum 25/50/20 liability coverage, $15,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

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.
  • Portland: When moving to Oregon, all vehicles must pass an emissions test and safety inspection before they can be registered with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Emissions testing is required for vehicles that are less than 25 years old and are located in certain areas of the state, Safety inspections are required for all vehicles. Out of state inspection may be accepted by ODOT, but you should check with them directly.

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.
  • Portland: To transfer your out-of-state driver's license to Oregon, you need to visit a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. You will need your current out-of-state license, proof of identity and residency, and payment for the license fee. You may also need to pass a vision test and a knowledge or driving test.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to Portland?

The cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Portland, OR 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 Portland will range from $862 to $1,380.

How long will it take to ship my car from San Diego to Portland?

It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,089 miles from San Diego to Portland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Diego to Portland?

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

Helpful San Diego resources