Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from San Jose, California to St. Paul, Minnesota

It's usually cheaper to drive for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, shipping can become competitive or even cheaper when you factor in the "hidden" costs of driving (gas, hotels, food, wear-and-tear) versus the upfront shipping fee, especially if you're moving with others or have an unreliable car.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is usually open transport on a multi-car carrier, exposing your vehicle to the elements but costing significantly less than enclosed shipping. To save more, choose terminal-to-terminal service, be flexible with dates, book in advance, and compare quotes from multiple carriers like Montway Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, or Ship a Car Direct.

Shipping a car by train is generally cheaper, especially for long distances (500+ miles), due to higher capacity and lower cost-per-mile, but trucks offer door-to-door convenience, while trains require drop-off/pickup at terminals, adding costs and time, making trucks better for flexibility and short hauls, and trains better for budget and long cross-country trips.