Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from San Diego, California to Huntsville, Alabama

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,165 miles from California to Alabama typically falls between $1,219 and $2,057. The process usually takes four–twelve days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, the cost difference shrinks, and shipping often becomes more cost-effective when factoring in gas, food, lodging, wear-and-tear, and time, making it worth paying a carrier to avoid the hassle and expense of a long solo trip, though driving saves on carrier fees but adds travel time and costs.

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.