Cost to ship a car from Las Vegas to Santa Ana

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 268 miles from Las Vegas to Santa Ana ranges from $497 to $691. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Santa Ana, CA in 1–4 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 Santa Ana to Las Vegas car shipping guide.

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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 Las Vegas to Santa Ana car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Sin City to the Santa Ana — approximately 268 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 Las Vegas and Santa Ana can impact car shipping prices.

Las Vegas has extremely hot summers; warm transitional seasons; and short winters with mild days and cool nights. June through September are extremely hot, though moderated by extremely low humidity. Las Vegas winters are short and generally very mild, with chilly (but rarely cold) daytime temperatures. Be sure to check your weather app during July as it is the hottest month in Las Vegas.

Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Las Vegas to Santa Ana 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 268-mile distance between Las Vegas and Santa Ana 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 Las Vegas to Santa Ana typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Las Vegas to Santa Ana car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Las Vegas to Santa Ana:

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Las Vegas and Santa Ana vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Las Vegas: Out-of-state commercial vehicles are required to obtain a permit to operate in Nevada. Vehicles registered for Nevada under the International Registration Plan (IRP) do not need a permit. Commercial vehicles based in other states but doing business in Nevada must obtain a Nonresident Business Permit. A Nonresident Business Permit is required for each vehicle operated within the State of Nevada. The permit is not transferable and non-refundable. Businesses must obtain the permit(s) within 10 days of commencement of operations. The Nonresident Business Permit expires one year from the date of issuance. All applications must be completed in person.
  • Santa Ana: Guest parking permits must be filled in ink by the resident and placed on the left-hand side of the dashboard. Each guest permit is valid until noon the following day. Each guest permit can only be used once and the date may NOT be changed. Not every district has guest permits. Only residents of single family homes are eligible for guest permits.

Car insurance requirements

  • Las Vegas: Nevada law mandates drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $20,000 for property damage, ensuring financial responsibility in case of accidents. Stay compliant for legal and financial protection.
  • Santa Ana: 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

  • Las Vegas: The State of Nevada requires yearly vehicle emissions and VIN tests.
  • Santa Ana: 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

  • Las Vegas: To obtain a driver's license in Nevada as a new resident, you must apply for it in-person at a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in Nevada.
  • Santa Ana: 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 Las Vegas to Santa Ana?

The cost to ship a car from Las Vegas, NV to Santa Ana, 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 Las Vegas to Santa Ana will range from $497 to $691.

How long will it take to ship my car from Las Vegas to Santa Ana?

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 268 miles from Las Vegas to Santa Ana. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Las Vegas to Santa Ana?

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

Helpful Las Vegas resources