Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Mobile, Alabama to San Jose, California

The cost to ship a car from Alabama to California on a long-distance route usually lands between $1,348 and $2,098. 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.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances (under 500 miles), but for long cross-country moves (over 1,000 miles), shipping can become comparable or even cheaper when factoring in your time, food, lodging, and significant vehicle wear-and-tear, making driving less cost-effective despite lower upfront gas costs. The decision balances direct fuel savings against the hidden costs and time commitment of a long drive, with shipping offering convenience and preserving your car's mileage and condition.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is by using an open transport carrier, which hauls multiple vehicles on an exposed trailer, significantly lowering costs compared to enclosed options. To save even more, choose terminal-to-terminal service (dropping off/picking up at transport hubs), be flexible with pickup/delivery dates, book in advance, and use reputable carriers to compare quotes.