Cost to ship a car from Sacramento to Spokane

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 820 miles from Sacramento to Spokane ranges from $960 to $1,398. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Spokane, WA in 2–7 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 Spokane to Sacramento car shipping guide.

Why Trust Us

Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.

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 Spokane car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Sacramento to Spokane, 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 Spokane, 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 Spokane 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 Hooptown USA — approximately 820 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 Spokane 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 is advisable to plan your trips to Spokane, WA between the months of August, July and September as these months have more favorable weather.

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 Spokane 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 820-mile distance between Sacramento and Spokane 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 Spokane typically takes between 2 and 7 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Sacramento to Spokane car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Sacramento and Spokane 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.
  • Spokane: The City of Spokane requires permits to park in specific places. Many of the permits may be obtained in person at the 3rd Floor of City Hall, Development Services Center, during regular business hours (8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday). If not possible, please call the Permit Team at 509.625.6999 or email [email protected] with any questions.

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.
  • Spokane: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.

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.
  • Spokane: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.

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.
  • Spokane: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Sacramento, CA to Spokane, WA 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 Spokane will range from $960 to $1,398.

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

It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 820 miles from Sacramento to Spokane. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Sacramento resources