Cost to ship a car from Boston to Phoenix

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,646 miles from Boston to Phoenix ranges from $1,384 to $2,160. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Phoenix, AZ in 7–15 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 Phoenix to Boston car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Boston to Phoenix car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Athens of America to the Arizona's Urban Heart — approximately 2,646 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 Boston and Phoenix can impact car shipping prices.

Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.

The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100° F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Boston to Phoenix 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 2,646-mile distance between Boston and Phoenix 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 Boston to Phoenix typically takes between 7 and 15 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Boston to Phoenix car shipping companies

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

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 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Boston and Phoenix vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Boston: A permit for your moving truck is not required by the City of Boston, but it guarantees you a parking spot to avoid parking tickets. A one-day permit for a moving truck that needs two metered spaces would be about $110.
  • Phoenix: Phoenix doesn't require a parking permit for your move but many cities have their own rules in specific areas. Check with the City of Phoenix if you'll need something and also be aware of any HOA or building rules that you should know before your move day.

Car insurance requirements

  • Boston: Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.
  • Phoenix: The mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per accident

Vehicle inspections

  • Boston: Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.
  • Phoenix: Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.

Driver’s license

  • Boston: As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.
  • Phoenix: If you are a former resident of another state and now reside in Arizona, you will need to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office in person to obtain an Arizona driver's license. You have a 10-day window after relocating within the state to update the address on your Arizona driver's license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Boston to Phoenix?

The cost to ship a car from Boston, MA to Phoenix, AZ 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 Boston to Phoenix will range from $1,384 to $2,160.

How long will it take to ship my car from Boston to Phoenix?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,646 miles from Boston to Phoenix. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Boston to Phoenix?

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

Helpful Boston resources