Cost to ship a car from Seattle to Albany

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,863 miles from Seattle to Albany ranges from $1,431 to $2,235. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Albany, NY 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 Albany to Seattle car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Seattle to Albany car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Emerald City to the Smallbany — approximately 2,863 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 Seattle and Albany can impact car shipping prices.

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

August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Seattle to Albany 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 2,863-mile distance between Seattle and Albany 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 Albany 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.

Seattle to Albany car shipping companies

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

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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 Seattle and Albany 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.
  • Albany: Check with the City of Albany for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Albany.

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.
  • Albany: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.

Vehicle inspections

  • Seattle: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
  • Albany: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.

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.
  • Albany: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Seattle to Albany?

The cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to Albany, NY 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 Seattle to Albany will range from $1,431 to $2,235.

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

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,863 miles from Seattle to Albany. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Seattle resources