Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Phoenix, Arizona to Riverside, California

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, the cost difference shrinks, and shipping can become comparable or even cheaper once you factor in gas, lodging, food, wear-and-tear, and your time, making the decision depend on distance, vehicle, your schedule, and budget. Driving saves money on carrier fees but adds wear on your car, while shipping costs more upfront but saves time, fuel, and stress.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is usually open transport on a multi-car carrier, which is significantly cheaper than enclosed transport, especially if you book in advance, are flexible with dates, and choose terminal-to-terminal service over door-to-door. Driving it yourself or hiring a driver are also low-cost alternatives for shorter distances or if you prefer.

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.