Cost to ship a car from San Antonio to San Jose

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,689 miles from San Antonio to San Jose ranges from $1,423 to $2,010. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in San Jose, 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 Jose to San Antonio 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 San Antonio to San Jose car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Alamo City to the Man Jose — approximately 1,689 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 San Antonio and San Jose can impact car shipping prices.

San Antonio has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.

San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from San Antonio to San Jose 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 1,689-mile distance between San Antonio and San Jose 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 San Antonio to San Jose 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.

San Antonio to San Jose car shipping companies

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

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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 San Antonio and San Jose vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • San Antonio: Parking permits are only required for the downtown area. Be sure to purchase your permit at least 7 days before your move to avoid any issues.
  • San Jose: Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones began to reactivate at the end of 2021. We are currently in the process of reactivating remaining RPP zones. If you live in one of these zones, please register for and purchase your virtual parking permit at sanjose.getapermit.net. Instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit were mailed to all eligible addresses within some of these zones on Monday, February 28, 2022.

Car insurance requirements

  • San Antonio: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
  • San Jose: 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

  • San Antonio: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
  • San Jose: 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

  • San Antonio: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
  • San Jose: 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 San Antonio to San Jose?

The cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to San Jose, 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 San Antonio to San Jose will range from $1,423 to $2,010.

How long will it take to ship my car from San Antonio to San Jose?

It will take approximately 3–9 days to ship your car the 1,689 miles from San Antonio to San Jose. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Antonio to San Jose?

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

Helpful San Antonio resources