Cost to ship a car from Santa Ana to Madison

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,975 miles from Santa Ana to Madison ranges from $1,498 to $2,140. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Madison, WI 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 Madison to Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana to Madison car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Santa Ana to Madison, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Santa Ana, 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 Madison, 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 Santa Ana. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Madison will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Santa Ana to the Mad City — approximately 1,975 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 Santa Ana and Madison can impact car shipping prices.

Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.

August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Santa Ana to Madison 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 1,975-mile distance between Santa Ana and Madison 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 Santa Ana to Madison 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.

Santa Ana to Madison car shipping companies

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

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Santa Ana and Madison vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Santa Ana: Guest parking permits must be filled in ink by the resident and placed on the left-hand side of the dashboard. Each guest permit is valid until noon the following day. Each guest permit can only be used once and the date may NOT be changed. Not every district has guest permits. Only residents of single family homes are eligible for guest permits.
  • Madison: The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two-hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. This provides residents the opportunity for the limited storing of vehicles on public streets to the partial exclusion of commuter vehicles. A Residential Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place. It allows the right to park if space is available. It is recommended to apply online.

Car insurance requirements

  • Santa Ana: 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.
  • Madison: Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.

Vehicle inspections

  • Santa Ana: 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.
  • Madison: Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.

Driver’s license

  • Santa Ana: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Madison: After establishing residence, new residents must apply for a WI driver license at any Wisconsin DMV service center within 60 days for a regular license and within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Santa Ana to Madison?

The cost to ship a car from Santa Ana, CA to Madison, WI 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 Santa Ana to Madison will range from $1,498 to $2,140.

How long will it take to ship my car from Santa Ana to Madison?

It will take approximately 3–11 days to ship your car the 1,975 miles from Santa Ana to Madison. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Santa Ana to Madison?

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

Helpful Santa Ana resources