California to Texas Car Shipping: Cost, Time & Tips
Ship a car from California to Texas. Average cost $800-$1,100. Transit time 3-5 days. High carrier availability on this popular route. Get a free instant quote.
California to Texas Auto Transport at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Average distance | ~1,400-1,700 miles |
| Estimated cost (open transport) | $800-$1,100 |
| Estimated cost (enclosed transport) | $1,200-$1,600 |
| Typical transit time | 3-5 days |
| Route popularity | Very high |
| Carrier availability | Excellent |
| Best time to book | 7-10 days in advance |
About This Route
California to Texas is one of the busiest domestic migration corridors in the United States. With hundreds of thousands of people relocating between these two states annually, carrier availability is consistently strong and prices are competitive.
Major cities served: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento → Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso.
The route typically runs along I-10 or I-20 through Arizona, New Mexico, and into West Texas.
Pricing Breakdown
Open Transport
- Los Angeles → Dallas: $850-$1,100
- San Diego → Houston: $800-$1,050
- San Francisco → Austin: $900-$1,150
- Los Angeles → San Antonio: $850-$1,100
Enclosed Transport
- Los Angeles → Dallas: $1,250-$1,600
Transit Time
- Standard: 3-5 days after pickup
- Expedited: 2-4 days
- The route passes through desert terrain. Enclosed transport recommended during summer months for vehicles with sensitive finishes.
Route Notes
- Desert heat: August temperatures along I-10 can exceed 110°F. This is more relevant for EVs (battery sensitivity) and classic cars with vinyl tops.
- West Texas: Some rural addresses near El Paso or Midland may add $100-$200 to quotes due to carrier detour requirements.
- Dallas vs. Houston: Both are well-served, but Dallas tends to have slightly faster pickup windows due to its central location in the carrier network.
Tips
- Los Angeles to Dallas is the single most competitive sub-route. Book here for best pricing
- If shipping an EV, mention it at booking so the carrier can plan for any charging needs
- Enclosed transport is strongly recommended during summer for any luxury or classic vehicle
- Be flexible on pickup by 3-5 days for the best rate
Q&A
Q: Does this route run year-round?
Yes, with no major seasonal disruptions. Summer heat is a consideration for certain vehicle types, but it doesn't affect carrier availability.
Q: Can I ship from smaller California cities (Fresno, Bakersfield, Riverside)?
Yes, but expect a slightly wider pickup window. Carriers most frequently service LA, San Diego, San Jose, and Sacramento.
Get your California to Texas car shipping quote in seconds. Visit webautotransport.com, call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, or use LiveChat. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded. Email. info@webautotransport.com