Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Panama City to Bakersfield, California

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,703 miles from Florida to California ranges from $1,323 to $2,164 and takes seven–fifteen days depending on factors like the transport type and season.

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.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is by using an open car transport carrier, which hauls multiple vehicles on an open trailer, making it significantly cheaper than enclosed transport. To save even more, choose terminal-to-terminal service (dropping off/picking up at hubs), book in off-peak seasons, and be flexible with dates, using comparison sites to find the best rates from companies like Montway Auto Transport or uShip.