Shipping Cost from San Jose, California to Annapolis, Maryland

Cost of Shipping a Car from California to Maryland Expect to pay somewhere between $1,431 and $2,138 to ship your car cross-country from California to Maryland.

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 gas, food, lodging, and wear-and-tear on your vehicle, making driving better for short trips and shipping often better for long, busy, or difficult trips. The decision balances cost, time, and convenience, as shipping saves you time and adds miles/wear, while driving costs less upfront but adds stress and expenses.

Shipping a car by train is generally cheaper, especially for long distances (500+ miles), because trains move large volumes more efficiently, lowering the cost per ton-mile compared to trucks. While trucks offer more flexibility and speed, rail is often significantly more affordable and eco-friendly, making it ideal for budget-conscious, long-haul moves on major routes, though it involves less convenient pickup points and slower transit.