Cost to ship a car from Seattle to New York City

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,858 miles from Seattle to New York City ranges from $1,668 to $2,712. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in New York City, 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 New York City to Seattle car shipping guide.

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Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.

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 Seattle to New York City car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Seattle to New York City, 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 New York City, 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 New York City 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 Big Apple — approximately 2,858 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 New York City can impact car shipping prices.

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

New York City tends to have chilly and damp winters and rather hot summers. New York City tends to have warm and humid summers with mixes of rain, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The city is generally cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically vary from 26°F to 87°F. Temps are rarely below 10°F or above 95°F.

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 New York City 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 2,858-mile distance between Seattle and New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City car shipping companies

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

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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 Seattle and New York City 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.
  • New York City: When moving in New York City with a commercial truck, remember these key regulations to avoid tickets and parking issues: You have a maximum of three hours for loading or unloading on both ends of your move. Ensure someone stays with the truck at all times to comply with the rules and protect your belongings. Also, don't block the bike lane. These regulations typically apply from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but outside of these hours, you'll have more flexibility. Specific areas like Midtown, the Garment District, and the Lower Manhattan Blue zone have stricter rules, so check them out. Finally, familiarize yourself with basic parking rules provided by the DOT for a smoother moving experience.

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.
  • New York City: 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.
  • New York City: 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.
  • New York City: 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 New York City?

The cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to New York City, 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 New York City will range from $1,668 to $2,712.

How long will it take to ship my car from Seattle to New York City?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,858 miles from Seattle to New York City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Seattle to New York City?

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

Helpful Seattle resources