Cost to ship a car from Tulsa to San Francisco

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,732 miles from Tulsa to San Francisco ranges from $1,459 to $2,016. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in San Francisco, CA in 3–9 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 San Francisco to Tulsa 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 Tulsa to San Francisco car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Oil Capital of the World to the Golden Gate City — approximately 1,732 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 Tulsa and San Francisco can impact car shipping prices.

Primarily in the spring and early summer months, the city is subjected to severe thunderstorms containing large hail, damaging winds, and, occasionally, tornadoes. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.

San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Tulsa to San Francisco 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 1,732-mile distance between Tulsa and San Francisco 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 Tulsa to San Francisco typically takes between 3 and 9 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Tulsa to San Francisco car shipping companies

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

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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 Tulsa and San Francisco vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Tulsa: The pay-by-plate system requires a license plate number to pay for parking. Using the ParkMobile app, just enter the tag number, the zone number of the area you parked in, length of time, pay and you’re on your way. On-street metered parking in Tulsa is limited to two hours and is enforced Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • San Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.

Car insurance requirements

  • Tulsa: Ensure compliance with Oklahoma state law by obtaining car insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 for bodily injury/death and property damage, as mandated by legal requirements.
  • San Francisco: 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

  • Tulsa: As a new Oklahoma resident, title your vehicle within 30 days of moving by presenting current out-of-state title, proof of passed VIN inspection, completed Form 701-6, proof of valid OK insurance, lien release (if applicable), and paying fees at your local tag agency.
  • San Francisco: 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

  • Tulsa: A valid driver's license from a US territory can be transferred to Oklahoma without taking written or driving tests. However, if the license has expired, the applicant will need to take both tests. To transfer their license, the applicant must present primary and secondary forms of identification, proof of full legal name and birthdate, and proof of legal presence in the US to a Driver License Examiner.
  • San Francisco: 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 Tulsa to San Francisco?

The cost to ship a car from Tulsa, OK to San Francisco, 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 Tulsa to San Francisco will range from $1,459 to $2,016.

How long will it take to ship my car from Tulsa to San Francisco?

It will take approximately 3–9 days to ship your car the 1,732 miles from Tulsa to San Francisco. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tulsa to San Francisco?

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

Helpful Tulsa resources