Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Oakland, California to Alexandria

Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,647 miles from California to Virginia ranges from $1,389 to $2,083. Expect the trip to take around seven–fifteen days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand.

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.

Shipping a car 3000 miles typically costs $1,200 to over $2,000, varying widely by carrier, time of year, and transport type, with open transport being cheaper ($1,250-$1,800) than enclosed ($1,600-$2,000+), but always get specific quotes as prices decrease per mile for longer hauls.