Cost to ship a car from Buffalo to Ann Arbor

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 298 miles from Buffalo to Ann Arbor ranges from $531 to $710. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Ann Arbor, MI 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 Ann Arbor to Buffalo car shipping guide.

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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 Buffalo to Ann Arbor car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Buffalo to Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor 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 Tree Town — approximately 298 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 Ann Arbor 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.

August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.

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 Ann Arbor 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 298-mile distance between Buffalo and Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor 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.

Buffalo to Ann Arbor car shipping companies

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

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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 Buffalo and Ann Arbor vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Buffalo:
  • Ann Arbor: The Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program allows vehicles owned by residents to park in a RPP neighborhood for the posted time limit without being ticketed. If your neighborhood is participating in a RPP Program, you will need to acquire and display a RPP decal for every vehicle that will park on neighborhood streets during the specified enforcement period. Check with the City of Ann Arbor for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Ann Arbor.

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.
  • Ann Arbor: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.

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.
  • Ann Arbor: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.

Driver’s license

  • Buffalo: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
  • Ann Arbor: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to Ann Arbor, MI 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 Ann Arbor will range from $531 to $710.

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

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 298 miles from Buffalo to Ann Arbor. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Buffalo resources