Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Bakersfield, California

Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,730 miles from Pennsylvania to California ranges from $1,407 to $2,208. Expect the trip to take around seven–fifteen days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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.

It's often cheaper to ship a car by train, especially for long distances on specific routes like Amtrak's Auto Train (DC to Florida), offering enclosed protection for potentially less than an open truck carrier; however, for general cross-country moves not on Amtrak routes, truck (open carrier) is usually the most economical, though trains offer better protection and environmental benefits if available.