Cost to ship a car from Lexington to Bakersfield

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,176 miles from Lexington to Bakersfield ranges from $1,445 to $2,271. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Bakersfield, CA in 4–12 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 Bakersfield to Lexington 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 Lexington to Bakersfield car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Horse Capital of the World to the California's Country Music Capital — approximately 2,176 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 Lexington and Bakersfield can impact car shipping prices.

Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods

Bakersfield has very hot, dry summers, and winters that consist of mild days with chilly/cold nights. Check your weather app before your move to avoid extreme heat.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Lexington to Bakersfield 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 2,176-mile distance between Lexington and Bakersfield 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 Lexington to Bakersfield typically takes between 4 and 12 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Lexington to Bakersfield car shipping companies

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

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 Lexington and Bakersfield vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
  • Bakersfield: First two hours - no charge $1 per each additional hour $10 maximum daily fee On-street parking spaces are available throughout downtown Bakersfield on a first-come, first-served basis. Most spaces have posted time limits which are monitored and enforced by the Bakersfield Police Department. There is no fee for on-street public parking.

Car insurance requirements

  • Lexington: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
  • Bakersfield: 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

  • Lexington: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
  • Bakersfield: 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

  • Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
  • Bakersfield: 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 Lexington to Bakersfield?

The cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Bakersfield, 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 Lexington to Bakersfield will range from $1,445 to $2,271.

How long will it take to ship my car from Lexington to Bakersfield?

It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,176 miles from Lexington to Bakersfield. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lexington to Bakersfield?

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

Helpful Lexington resources