Cost to ship a car from Albany to Sacramento

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,845 miles from Albany to Sacramento ranges from $1,602 to $2,501. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Sacramento, CA 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 Sacramento to Albany car shipping guide.

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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 Albany to Sacramento car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Smallbany to the Almond Capital of the World — approximately 2,845 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 Albany and Sacramento can impact car shipping prices.

August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.

Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Albany to Sacramento 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 2,845-mile distance between Albany and Sacramento 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 Albany to Sacramento 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.

Albany to Sacramento car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Albany and Sacramento vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Albany: Check with the City of Albany for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Albany.
  • Sacramento: All Residential Parking Permits, including Online 24-Hour Temporary Parking Permits, are free of charge. Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged Vehicle permit (stickers) or Visitor permits (placards) is $25. Online Temporary Permits that are lost, stolen or damaged will not be replaced as the permit may be re-printed for that vehicle if the valid time is still in effect.

Car insurance requirements

  • Albany: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
  • Sacramento: 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

  • Albany: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
  • Sacramento: 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

  • Albany: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
  • Sacramento: 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 Albany to Sacramento?

The cost to ship a car from Albany, NY to Sacramento, 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 Albany to Sacramento will range from $1,602 to $2,501.

How long will it take to ship my car from Albany to Sacramento?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,845 miles from Albany to Sacramento. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Albany to Sacramento?

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

Helpful Albany resources