Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Portsmouth, Virginia to San Jose, California

Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,649 miles from Virginia to California usually costs between $1,326 and $2,244. Transit time is about seven–fifteen days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season.

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 gas, food, lodging, and wear-and-tear on your vehicle, making driving better for short trips and shipping often better for long, busy, or difficult trips. The decision balances cost, time, and convenience, as shipping saves you time and adds miles/wear, while driving costs less upfront but adds stress and expenses.

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.