New Mexico to California Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,005 miles from New Mexico to California ranges from $980 to $1,552 and takes 2–8 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to New Mexico car shipping guide.
New Mexico to California auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in New Mexico and California. The average travel distance is about 1,005 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 2 to 8 days.
Cost to ship a car from Albuquerque, NM to California
| From New Mexico to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA | 787 miles | $964–$1,391 | 2–7 days |
| Los Alamos, NM to San Diego, CA | 771 miles | $955–$1,439 | 2–7 days |
| Las Vegas, NM to San Jose, CA | 1,043 miles | $940–$1,663 | 2–8 days |
| Artesia, NM to San Francisco, CA | 1,085 miles | $1,029–$1,631 | 2–8 days |
| North Valley, NM to Fresno, CA | 912 miles | $958–$1,578 | 2–7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Los Alamos, NM to California
| From New Mexico to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA | 880 miles | $986–$1,561 | 2–7 days |
| Los Alamos, NM to San Diego, CA | 864 miles | $1,003–$1,453 | 2–7 days |
| Las Vegas, NM to San Jose, CA | 1,135 miles | $1,035–$1,721 | 2–8 days |
| Artesia, NM to San Francisco, CA | 1,177 miles | $1,121–$1,721 | 2–8 days |
| North Valley, NM to Fresno, CA | 1,003 miles | $1,000–$1,584 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Las Vegas, NM to California
| From New Mexico to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA | 907 miles | $998–$1,563 | 2–7 days |
| Los Alamos, NM to San Diego, CA | 891 miles | $1,016–$1,470 | 2–7 days |
| Las Vegas, NM to San Jose, CA | 1,162 miles | $1,024–$1,620 | 2–8 days |
| Artesia, NM to San Francisco, CA | 1,204 miles | $1,176–$1,799 | 2–8 days |
| North Valley, NM to Fresno, CA | 1,030 miles | $950–$1,584 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Artesia, NM to California
| From New Mexico to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA | 942 miles | $988–$1,563 | 2–7 days |
| Los Alamos, NM to San Diego, CA | 864 miles | $1,042–$1,453 | 2–7 days |
| Las Vegas, NM to San Jose, CA | 1,281 miles | $1,117–$1,835 | 3–8 days |
| Artesia, NM to San Francisco, CA | 1,324 miles | $1,211–$1,791 | 3–8 days |
| North Valley, NM to Fresno, CA | 1,148 miles | $1,067–$1,654 | 2–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from North Valley, NM to California
| From New Mexico to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA | 795 miles | $955–$1,406 | 2–7 days |
| Los Alamos, NM to San Diego, CA | 779 miles | $1,003–$1,478 | 2–7 days |
| Las Vegas, NM to San Jose, CA | 1,050 miles | $940–$1,631 | 2–8 days |
| Artesia, NM to San Francisco, CA | 1,092 miles | $1,000–$1,600 | 2–8 days |
| North Valley, NM to Fresno, CA | 918 miles | $1,028–$1,609 | 2–7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from New Mexico to California
Since vehicles like SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from New Mexico to California you should expect to pay between $1,225 and $1,940.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from New Mexico to California
When transporting your vehicle from the Land of Enchantment to the Golden State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to California.
- Distance and route: The journey from New Mexico to California spans approximately 1,005 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of New Mexico, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between New Mexico and California and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from New Mexico to California should take between 2 and 8 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best New Mexico to California car shipping companies
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We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from New Mexico to California:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from New Mexico to California
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,005 miles on your car going from New Mexico to California. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from New Mexico to California for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from New Mexico to California?
- Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: 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: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Additional taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from New Mexico
Over 39 million people call New Mexico home. Nicknamed the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico has long been reputable for its pleasant, temperate climate. The eastern third of the state receives the most rainfall while the western third receives the least amount. New Mexico's stable climate and sparse population provide for clearer skies and less light pollution.
Transporting your vehicle to California
About 22 million people are living in the Golden State of California. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in New Mexico and when dropping off my car in California?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in New Mexico and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from New Mexico to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from New Mexico to California, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, which you should verify before loading your car in New Mexico.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Out-of-state insurance is acceptable in New Mexico, provided it meets the state's minimums $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure legal coverage with a submitted affidavit.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. 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.
How long does it take to ship a car from New Mexico to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from New Mexico to California is about 1005 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take 2-8 days to travel from New Mexico to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Individuals relocating to New Mexico from another state must have their vehicle inspected for its VIN at a certified MVD facility.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in New Mexico, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in New Mexico, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from New Mexico to California after purchasing it.
You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both New Mexico and California to avoid any hidden costs.
