Cost to ship a car from Buffalo to Harrisburg

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 291 miles from Buffalo to Harrisburg ranges from $465 to $681. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg to Buffalo car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Buffalo to Harrisburg car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Buffalo to Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg — approximately 291 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 Harrisburg 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.

June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Harrisburg, while January and February are the least comfortable months. Consider these months in your plans in moving to Harrisburg.

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 Harrisburg 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 291-mile distance between Buffalo and Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg car shipping companies

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

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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 Harrisburg vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Buffalo:
  • Harrisburg: A parking permit is required in the City of Harrisburg. You obtain a parking permit from the Parking Enforcement office at the City Government Center. Please contact them at 717-255-3141 or visit 123 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

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.
  • Harrisburg: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.

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.
  • Harrisburg: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

Driver’s license

  • Buffalo: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
  • Harrisburg: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg will range from $465 to $681.

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

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 291 miles from Buffalo to Harrisburg. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Buffalo resources