Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Washington, District of Columbia to Bakersfield, California

Washington to California car shipping typically costs between $725-$1175, depending on factors like vehicle size, transport type, and specific locations.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances, but shipping can become comparable or even better for very long trips when factoring in hidden driving costs like hotels, food, tolls, and significant wear & tear/depreciation, especially if you value your time or have an unreliable car. The cost-benefit ratio shifts with distance, so compare actual quotes for shipping versus estimated expenses for gas, lodging, tolls, food, and lost time/value if driving yourself.

Shipping a car by train is generally cheaper and more eco-friendly, especially for long distances on specific routes (like Amtrak's VA-FL Auto Train), but trucks offer nationwide coverage, faster service, door-to-door convenience, and are often the only option for most cross-country routes, balancing cost with flexibility. For most situations, trucks win on convenience, but trains are the cost-saver if you fit their limited routes and schedules, according to Ship a Car Direct and AmeriFreight Auto Transport.