($895) Cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to Long Beach, CA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,158 miles from Seattle, Washington, to Long Beach, California, ranges from $895 to $1,318. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Services all 50 states
  • Ships most vehicles

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Long Beach to Seattle car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Seattle to Long Beach car shipping companies

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

Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
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Check prices (833) 775-1461
Best cross-country shipper
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (224) 206-5633
At A Glance
  • No upfront payment
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Competitive pricing
  • Door-to-door shipping
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Check prices (224) 206-5633
Best for discounts
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices (770) 501-9057
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing
  • Last-minute car shipments
  • Guaranteed & expedited shipments
  • Gap insurance coverage
  • Multiple discounts
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Check prices (770) 501-9057
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Check prices (864) 492-1221
Best for quick pickup
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (888) 259-6046
At A Glance
  • No upfront deposit
  • Expedited shipping
  • No hidden fees
  • Ships motorcycles & RVs
  • Discount for cash payments
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Check prices (888) 259-6046
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  • Instant pricing from multiple providers
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
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  • All vehicle types
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Top local car shippers in Seattle

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Seattle, WA:

Carworx Auto Transport Inc

3020 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd SE #544, Sammamish, WA 98075 US

starstarstarstarstar4.48 / 5.0

Customers consistently highlight the excellent service provided by Carworx, particularly noting the professionalism and responsiveness of John and his team. The timely delivery and willingness to go the extra mile for customer satisfaction also stand out. However, some reviews did not mention any significant concerns, reflecting overall positive experiences with no major issues reported.

Get a Quote (800) 772-1875

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2237515

Seattle Auto Shipping Group

1546 NW 56th St #5209, Seattle, WA 98107 US

starstarstarstarstar4.14 / 5.0
Get a Quote (206) 679-4113

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Ceva Logistics

3102 W Valley Hwy N, Auburn, WA 98001 US

starstarstarstarstar3.9 / 5.0
Get a Quote (253) 288-4000

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Storage solutions
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

Interbay Transport Logistics

2253 Gilman Dr W, Seattle, WA 98119 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0

Customers generally praise Interbay Transport for their smooth and professional vehicle transport service. They appreciate the responsive staff, competitive pricing, and their ability to handle payment processes directly. Several reviews mention positive experiences with Nate and Lisa, highlighting their personal care in coordinating services.

Get a Quote (206) 510-8296

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior

Additional Information

How we chose the best car shipping companies

We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.

Here’s what we considered:

  • Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
  • Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
  • Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
  • Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
  • Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.

Car shipping alternatives from WA to CA

  • Coordinate with your movers. If you are relocating from Seattle to Long Beach, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide, and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s pick for car shipper and their pricing.
  • Drive your car. There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,158-mile drive from Seattle to Long Beach into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
  • Use a driving service. Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Washington to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Seattle to Long Beach. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
  • Ship your car via train. Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Long Beach, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting Seattle to Long Beach car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Seattle to Long Beach, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

There are different options for shipping your car from Seattle to Long Beach, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you choose will depend on your specific needs.

When leaving Seattle, 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 Long Beach, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Seattle will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Long Beach than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply — the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as adjacent costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,158 miles from Emerald City to Aquatic Capital of America will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Washington.

Where you’re shipping your car matters here, too. Rates are usually lower for routes that are along major highways and will be higher for areas that are more remote.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Seattle and Long Beach can impact car shipping prices.

The season and weather in both Seattle and Long Beach can impact car shipping prices.

Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.

Long Beach has hot summers and mild to warm winters with occasional rainfall.

During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Seattle to Long 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 1,158-mile distance between Seattle and Long 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 Seattle to Long Beach typically takes between two and eight days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Seattle and Long Beach vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Seattle: You may apply for a temporary no parking permit if you need to use a public parking space for your move. This permit will cost $16 for 2 days of use plus an extra fee of lost revenue if you're occupying a parking meter space. This extra fee can go from $16-$27.
  • Long Beach: THE APPLICANT AGREES THAT THE PERMIT(S) APPLIED FOR MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN ANY MANNER, EXCEPT AS A TEMPORARY PERMIT FOR USE BY VARIOUS VISITORS AND SERVICE PEOPLE TO THE APPLICANTS RESIDENCE. THE SALE OR TRANSFER OF A PERMIT IS IN VIOLATION OF LBMC SECTION 10.32.040 AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A FINE IN THE AMOUNT OF $100.00 AND ANY MISUSE OF A PERMIT IS GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION OF SAID PERMIT. NO MORE THAN 20 PERMITS MAY BE ISSUED PER CALENDAR YEAR. TWENTY-FOUR HOUR PERIOD MUST ELAPSE BETWEEN TWO CONSECUTIVE PERMITS.

Car insurance requirements

  • Seattle: 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.
  • Long Beach: 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

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

  • Seattle: 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.
  • Long Beach: 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 Seattle to Long Beach?

The cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to Long Beach, CA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Seattle to Long Beach will range from $895 to $1,318.

How long will it take to ship my car from Seattle to Long Beach?

It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,158 miles from Seattle to Long Beach. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Seattle to Long Beach?

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

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Seattle to Long Beach?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Seattle to Long Beach than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,158-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Seattle resources