Cost to ship a car from Columbus to Sacramento

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,492 miles from Columbus to Sacramento ranges from $1,337 to $2,143. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Sacramento, CA in 5–13 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 Sacramento to Columbus car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Columbus to Sacramento car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Lowell of the South[ to the Almond Capital of the World — approximately 2,492 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 Columbus and Sacramento can impact car shipping prices.

Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.

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.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Columbus to Sacramento 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 2,492-mile distance between Columbus and Sacramento 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 Columbus to Sacramento typically takes between 5 and 13 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Columbus to Sacramento car shipping companies

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

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 Columbus and Sacramento vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Columbus: There is some free street parking in Columbus. Some street cost between $1-$2 an hour.
  • 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.

Car insurance requirements

  • Columbus: Georgia mandates drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also obligatory, with a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, including deductible options.
  • 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Columbus: New residents in Georgia must register their vehicles with the County Tag Office where they reside. To do so, they must first have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID, which can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. New residents may need to appear in person at the County Tag Office, although rules vary.
  • 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.

Driver’s license

  • Columbus: New Georgia residents must obtain a Georgia Driver's License within 30 days and can do so by visiting a Customer Service Center and transferring their out-of-state license.
  • Sacramento: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Columbus, GA to Sacramento, CA 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 Columbus to Sacramento will range from $1,337 to $2,143.

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

It will take approximately 5–13 days to ship your car the 2,492 miles from Columbus to Sacramento. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Columbus resources