Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Dallas, Texas to San Francisco, California

Car shipping from Texas to California — a 1,406-mile trip — generally costs $1,109 to $1,634. Factors like distance, timing, and fuel all influence the quote. See our pricing resource for details. To get the best price, try to book in advance and compare multiple quotes.

Driving is usually cheaper for short distances, but for long cross-country moves, shipping can become more cost-effective when you factor in hidden driving costs like fuel, lodging, food, tolls, and vehicle wear-and-tear. While driving costs less upfront, the total expenses (gas, hotels, meals, wear/depreciation) for long trips often approach or exceed the price of professional auto transport, making shipping a potentially better value for saving time and avoiding hassle.

It's generally cheaper to ship a car by train, especially for long distances (500+ miles), due to lower cost-per-mile and high freight capacity, making it more economical than trucks, though trucks offer more flexibility and door-to-door service but at a higher price for the convenience and enclosed options.