Cost to ship a car from Buffalo to Lafayette

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,351 miles from Buffalo to Lafayette ranges from $1,017 to $1,490. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lafayette, LA in 3–8 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 Lafayette to Buffalo car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Buffalo to Lafayette car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Queen City to the Hub City — approximately 1,351 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 Buffalo and Lafayette can impact car shipping prices.

Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather.

It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Buffalo to Lafayette 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 1,351-mile distance between Buffalo and Lafayette 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 Buffalo to Lafayette typically takes between 3 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Buffalo to Lafayette car shipping companies

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

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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 Buffalo and Lafayette vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Buffalo:
  • Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.

Car insurance requirements

  • Buffalo: 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.
  • Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.

Vehicle inspections

  • Buffalo: 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.
  • Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.

Driver’s license

  • Buffalo: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
  • Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Buffalo to Lafayette?

The cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to Lafayette, LA 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 Buffalo to Lafayette will range from $1,017 to $1,490.

How long will it take to ship my car from Buffalo to Lafayette?

It will take approximately 3–8 days to ship your car the 1,351 miles from Buffalo to Lafayette. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Buffalo to Lafayette?

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

Helpful Buffalo resources