Cost to ship a car from Philadelphia to Virginia Beach

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 276 miles from Philadelphia to Virginia Beach ranges from $518 to $672. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia Beach to Philadelphia car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Philadelphia to Virginia Beach car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Philly to the Neptune City — approximately 276 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 Philadelphia and Virginia Beach can impact car shipping prices.

Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,

Virginia Beach has winters that are cool with light snowfall. Summers are hot and humid. The wettest season is summer, specifically July to early September, with August being the single wettest month.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Philadelphia to Virginia Beach 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 276-mile distance between Philadelphia and Virginia Beach 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 Philadelphia to Virginia Beach 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.

Philadelphia to Virginia Beach car shipping companies

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

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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 Philadelphia and Virginia Beach vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Philadelphia: Moving Truck = $50.00 (Center City and University City) and $25.00 (All other areas), per 40 feet of space, per day (40 feet of space is the equivalent of two (2) parking spaces) Moving/Portable Storage Container = $50.00, per container (maximum of 5 calendar days). Temporary Dumpster = $40.00, per dumpster (maximum of 7 calendar days).
  • Virginia Beach: All permits can be purchased online via our Registration Portal. Every car must have a permit or decal registered to it to park in the Residential Parking Permit Zone after 8PM at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Car insurance requirements

  • Philadelphia: 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.
  • Virginia Beach: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.

Vehicle inspections

  • Philadelphia: 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.
  • Virginia Beach: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.

Driver’s license

  • Philadelphia: 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.
  • Virginia Beach: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Philadelphia to Virginia Beach?

The cost to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA to Virginia Beach, VA 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 Philadelphia to Virginia Beach will range from $518 to $672.

How long will it take to ship my car from Philadelphia to Virginia Beach?

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 276 miles from Philadelphia to Virginia Beach. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Philadelphia to Virginia Beach?

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

Helpful Philadelphia resources