Cost to ship a car from San Jose to Seattle
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 839 miles from San Jose to Seattle ranges from $805 to $1,229. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Seattle, 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 Seattle to San Jose car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Factors affecting San Jose to Seattle car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from San Jose to Seattle, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from San Jose to Seattle, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving San Jose, 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 Seattle, 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 Jose. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Seattle will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Man Jose to the Emerald City — approximately 839 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 Jose and Seattle can impact car shipping prices.
San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from San Jose to Seattle 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 839-mile distance between San Jose and Seattle 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 Jose to Seattle 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.
San Jose to Seattle car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from San Jose to Seattle:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
|
|
|
|
rating
Comparing San Jose and Seattle vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- San Jose: Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones began to reactivate at the end of 2021. We are currently in the process of reactivating remaining RPP zones. If you live in one of these zones, please register for and purchase your virtual parking permit at sanjose.getapermit.net. Instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit were mailed to all eligible addresses within some of these zones on Monday, February 28, 2022.
- Seattle: You may apply for a temporary no parking permit if you need to use a public parking space for your move. This permit will cost $16 for 2 days of use plus an extra fee of lost revenue if you're occupying a parking meter space. This extra fee can go from $16-$27.
Car insurance requirements
- San Jose: 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.
- Seattle: 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
- San Jose: 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.
- Seattle: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
Driver’s license
- San Jose: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Seattle: 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 San Jose to Seattle?
The cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Seattle, 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 San Jose to Seattle will range from $805 to $1,229.
How long will it take to ship my car from San Jose to Seattle?
It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 839 miles from San Jose to Seattle. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Jose to Seattle?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Jose to Seattle. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
