Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Saint Paul, Minnesota to Alexandria

Shipping your car from Minnesota to Virginia — a mid-range route of about 1,309 miles — generally costs $1,018 to $1,507 and takes 3-8 days.

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.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is by using an open transport carrier, which hauls multiple vehicles on an exposed trailer, significantly lowering costs compared to enclosed options. To save even more, choose terminal-to-terminal service (dropping off/picking up at transport hubs), be flexible with pickup/delivery dates, book in advance, and use reputable carriers to compare quotes.