West Coast to East Coast Car Shipping: The Complete Guide
Shipping a car from the West Coast to the East Coast? Average cost $1,200-$1,600. Transit time 7-10 days. Complete guide with pricing, tips, and top routes.
West to East Coast at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Typical distance | 2,500–3,000+ miles |
| Estimated cost (open transport) | $1,200–$1,600 |
| Estimated cost (enclosed transport) | $1,700–$2,400 |
| Typical transit time | 7–10 days |
| Most popular routes | LA→NY, LA→FL, Seattle→NYC, SF→Boston |
Top West-to-East Routes
| Route | Distance | Open Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to New York | ~2,800 mi | $1,250–$1,550 |
| Los Angeles to Miami | ~2,750 mi | $1,200–$1,500 |
| San Francisco to New York | ~2,900 mi | $1,300–$1,600 |
| Seattle to Miami | ~3,300 mi | $1,400–$1,700 |
| San Diego to Boston | ~3,000 mi | $1,300–$1,600 |
| Los Angeles to Chicago | ~2,000 mi | $1,000–$1,300 |
Route Options
Carriers choose from three main transcontinental corridors:
- I-10 (Southern): LA → Phoenix → El Paso → San Antonio → Houston → Florida/East Coast. Preferred in winter — avoids mountain snow.
- I-40 (Central): LA → Albuquerque → Oklahoma City → Memphis → East Coast. Year-round option.
- I-80 (Northern): San Francisco → Salt Lake City → Denver → Chicago → East Coast. Preferred in summer, more scenic, heavier in winter.
Transit: What to Expect
With carriers averaging 350–500 miles per day under federal HOS rules, a 2,800-mile route typically takes 6–8 driving days. Add 1–2 days of scheduling buffer and other stops on the trailer: typical elapsed transit is 7-10 days.
Expedited service can reduce to 5-8 days.
Tips
- Book 10-14 days in advance for best pricing
- Be flexible with pickup by 3-5 days for lowest rate
- Los Angeles pickups are well-served; rural California addresses may take longer
- East Coast deliveries to NYC require meeting at an accessible parking area in most neighborhoods
- Consider enclosed transport for high-value vehicles traveling through desert summer heat (I-10 in July/August)
Q&A
Q: Is the west-to-east direction more or less expensive than east-to-west?
Generally comparable on most routes. Directional pricing differences are small and seasonal. Get a quote for both directions to compare.
Q: Can I ship an EV or Tesla coast to coast?
Yes. EVs are shipped coast to coast regularly. Mention it at booking so we can match you with an EV-experienced carrier.
Also Popular
- East Coast to West Coast Car Shipping Guide
- California to Florida Car Shipping
- New York to California Car Shipping
Ship coast to coast. Get a free quote at webautotransport.com, call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, or use LiveChat. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded. Email: info@webautotransport.com