Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from San Jose, California to Cary, North Carolina

Generally, driving is cheaper for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, the cost difference shrinks, and shipping can become comparable or even more economical when you factor in all driving expenses like gas, food, lodging, and significant vehicle wear-and-tear. Driving costs are lower initially, but shipping saves you time, reduces fatigue, and preserves your car's resale value, making it a strong contender for long hauls.

Generally, shipping a car by train is cheaper than by truck, especially for long distances (over 500 miles) and major routes, due to rail's higher capacity and lower cost-per-mile, but trucks offer door-to-door convenience and faster transit, while trains have limited routes and require station drop-off/pickup. For specific, popular corridors like the Amtrak Auto Train, it's very affordable and offers enclosed transport, but truck transport provides more flexibility for varied locations.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is by using an open car transport carrier, which hauls multiple vehicles on an open trailer, making it significantly cheaper than enclosed transport. To save even more, choose terminal-to-terminal service (dropping off/picking up at hubs), book in off-peak seasons, and be flexible with dates, using comparison sites to find the best rates from companies like Montway Auto Transport or uShip.