Vermont to California Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 3,072 miles from Vermont to California ranges from $1,918 to $3,118 and takes 7–15 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Vermont car shipping guide.
Vermont to California auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Vermont and California. The average travel distance is about 3,072 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 7 to 15 days.
Cost to ship a car from Burlington, VT to California
| From Vermont to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, VT to Los Angeles, CA | 2,899 miles | $1,738–$2,771 | 7–15 days |
| Brattleboro, VT to San Diego, CA | 2,917 miles | $1,899–$2,841 | 7–15 days |
| Milton, VT to San Jose, CA | 3,047 miles | $1,975–$2,821 | 7–15 days |
| Hartford, VT to San Francisco, CA | 3,011 miles | $1,918–$3,088 | 7–15 days |
| Essex Junction, VT to Fresno, CA | 3,022 miles | $1,881–$3,029 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brattleboro, VT to California
| From Vermont to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, VT to Los Angeles, CA | 2,891 miles | $1,738–$2,799 | 7–15 days |
| Brattleboro, VT to San Diego, CA | 2,908 miles | $1,808–$2,783 | 7–15 days |
| Milton, VT to San Jose, CA | 3,035 miles | $1,843–$2,910 | 7–15 days |
| Hartford, VT to San Francisco, CA | 3,003 miles | $1,824–$2,880 | 7–15 days |
| Essex Junction, VT to Fresno, CA | 3,014 miles | $1,975–$2,969 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Milton, VT to California
| From Vermont to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, VT to Los Angeles, CA | 2,929 miles | $1,790–$2,928 | 7–15 days |
| Brattleboro, VT to San Diego, CA | 2,932 miles | $1,826–$2,812 | 7–15 days |
| Milton, VT to San Jose, CA | 3,073 miles | $1,975–$2,940 | 7–15 days |
| Hartford, VT to San Francisco, CA | 3,041 miles | $1,805–$2,969 | 7–15 days |
| Essex Junction, VT to Fresno, CA | 3,051 miles | $1,937–$2,821 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Hartford, VT to California
| From Vermont to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, VT to Los Angeles, CA | 2,925 miles | $1,790–$2,841 | 7–15 days |
| Brattleboro, VT to San Diego, CA | 2,943 miles | $1,826–$2,812 | 7–15 days |
| Milton, VT to San Jose, CA | 3,070 miles | $1,787–$3,058 | 7–15 days |
| Hartford, VT to San Francisco, CA | 3,038 miles | $1,824–$3,088 | 7–15 days |
| Essex Junction, VT to Fresno, CA | 3,048 miles | $1,824–$2,910 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Essex Junction, VT to California
| From Vermont to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, VT to Los Angeles, CA | 2,905 miles | $1,772–$2,899 | 7–15 days |
| Brattleboro, VT to San Diego, CA | 2,923 miles | $1,826–$2,841 | 7–15 days |
| Milton, VT to San Jose, CA | 3,050 miles | $1,918–$2,969 | 7–15 days |
| Hartford, VT to San Francisco, CA | 3,017 miles | $1,937–$2,851 | 7–15 days |
| Essex Junction, VT to Fresno, CA | 3,028 miles | $1,843–$2,910 | 7–15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Vermont to California
Since vehicles like SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Vermont to California you should expect to pay between $2,398 and $3,898.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from Vermont to California
When transporting your vehicle from the Green Mountain State to the Golden State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to California.
- Distance and route: The journey from Vermont to California spans approximately 3,072 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Vermont, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Vermont and California and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Vermont to California should take between 7 and 15 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best Vermont to California car shipping companies
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We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Vermont to California:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from Vermont to California
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 3,072 miles on your car going from Vermont to California. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from Vermont to California for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from Vermont to California?
- Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: 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: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Additional taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from Vermont
Over 39 million people call Vermont home. Nicknamed the Green Mountain State, Vermont has warm to hot summer and cold winters, with muddy springs, in general, a mild early summer, hot Augusts; it has colorful autumns. If you are moving in the winter be prepared for heavy snowfall.
Transporting your vehicle to California
About 22 million people are living in the Golden State of California. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in Vermont and when dropping off my car in California?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in Vermont and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Vermont to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Vermont to California, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, which you should verify before loading your car in Vermont.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Drivers in Vermont must possess liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for individual injuries or fatalities, $50,000 for injuries or fatalities involving two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage in a single accident. Adhering to these essential insurance requirements ensures legal compliance and optimal protection on the road.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. 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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Vermont to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Vermont to California is about 3072 miles, and that’s as fast as about 7 days. However, most car transport companies will take 7-15 days to travel from Vermont to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Vehicle safety and emission inspections are required annually in Vermont, as well as a one-time VIN inspection for any out-of-state vehicle being registered for the first time.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in Vermont, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in Vermont, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Vermont to California after purchasing it.
You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Vermont and California to avoid any hidden costs.
