Cost to ship a car from Omaha to San Diego

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,618 miles from Omaha to San Diego ranges from $1,318 to $1,771. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in San Diego, CA in 3–9 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 San Diego to Omaha car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Omaha to San Diego car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Big "O" to the America's Finest City — approximately 1,618 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 Omaha and San Diego can impact car shipping prices.

Omaha has hot summers and cold winters. Most rain fall occurs during the warmer months.

San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Omaha to San Diego 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 1,618-mile distance between Omaha and San Diego 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 Omaha to San Diego typically takes between 3 and 9 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Omaha to San Diego car shipping companies

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

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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 Omaha and San Diego vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Omaha: Notwithstanding the above, for short term or single event valets, a parking meter hood shall be used to designate a temporary parking space to facilitate parking via valet elsewhere. Such hoods shall be charged on a per day rate. For two-, three- and four-hour meters that rate shall be $15.00 per meter. For a ten-hour meter, that rate shall be $8.00 per day.
  • San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.

Car insurance requirements

  • Omaha: Nebraska's car insurance mandates include bodily injury liability coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability coverage at $25,000, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, ensuring drivers meet the state's minimum requirements for financial protection in the event of accidents.
  • San Diego: 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

  • Omaha: Emission tests are not required in Nebraska. However, the state requires VIN inspection.
  • San Diego: 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

  • Omaha: If you are a new resident in Nebraska, you must visit a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency to obtain a driver’s license.
  • San Diego: 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 Omaha to San Diego?

The cost to ship a car from Omaha, NE to San Diego, 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 Omaha to San Diego will range from $1,318 to $1,771.

How long will it take to ship my car from Omaha to San Diego?

It will take approximately 3–9 days to ship your car the 1,618 miles from Omaha to San Diego. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Omaha to San Diego?

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

Helpful Omaha resources