Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach to Tacoma

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,973 miles from Virginia Beach to Tacoma ranges from $1,497 to $2,450. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Tacoma, WA in 7–15 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 Tacoma to Virginia Beach car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Virginia Beach to Tacoma car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Neptune City to the America’s #1 Wired City — approximately 2,973 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 Virginia Beach and Tacoma can impact car shipping prices.

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.

Tacoma has one of the best weather in the state of Washington which is a desirable feature for residence. Humidity in Tacoma is generally tolerable. The most humid months are August, July and September which are the best months to schedule a move to avoid rainfall and snow.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Virginia Beach to Tacoma 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 2,973-mile distance between Virginia Beach and Tacoma 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 Virginia Beach to Tacoma typically takes between 7 and 15 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Virginia Beach to Tacoma car shipping companies

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

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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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 Virginia Beach and Tacoma vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • 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.
  • Tacoma: Some neighborhoods have competition for a limited number of on-street parking spaces. Growing demand for parking is attributable to several factors such as increased vehicle ownership, increased residential occupancy, and increases in nearby employment and commercial/retail activity. The Residential Parking Program (RPP) is a management tool used to mitigate adverse and chronic levels of commuter or non-resident parking along streets with adjacent residential properties. All vehicles parked in a designated Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) must adhere to the posted regulations or risk being issued a corrective action. A fee based parking permit is required to park for more than two-hours in an RPZ. To contact the Residential Parking Program (RPP), please email [email protected] or call at (253) 591-5371.

Car insurance requirements

  • 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.
  • Tacoma: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.

Vehicle inspections

  • 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.
  • Tacoma: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.

Driver’s 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.
  • Tacoma: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to Tacoma, WA 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 Virginia Beach to Tacoma will range from $1,497 to $2,450.

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

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,973 miles from Virginia Beach to Tacoma. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Virginia Beach resources