Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Birmingham to San Francisco, California

The cost to ship a car from Alabama to California on a long-distance route usually lands between $1,318 and $1,972. Your total depends on distance, time of year, and transport options. See our full pricing breakdown. To get the best price, try to book in advance and compare multiple quotes.

Generally, driving is cheaper for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, the cost difference shrinks, and shipping can become comparable or even more economical when you factor in all driving expenses like gas, food, lodging, and significant vehicle wear-and-tear. Driving costs are lower initially, but shipping saves you time, reduces fatigue, and preserves your car's resale value, making it a strong contender for long hauls.

Generally, shipping a car by train is cheaper than by truck, especially for long distances (over 500 miles) and major routes, due to rail's higher capacity and lower cost-per-mile, but trucks offer door-to-door convenience and faster transit, while trains have limited routes and require station drop-off/pickup. For specific, popular corridors like the Amtrak Auto Train, it's very affordable and offers enclosed transport, but truck transport provides more flexibility for varied locations.