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California to Texas Car Shipping
Ship your car from California to Texas in 3–6 days—your price appears on screen in seconds, not in a callback.
Over 1.5 million vehicles safely delivered BBB A+ Accredited Business Licensed & insured carriers in all 50 states Real-time tracking & dedicated support
Instant California to Texas Quote
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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from California to Texas?
As of October 2026, the average cost to ship a car from California to Texas is about $1,006, with shipments typically running $650–$1,500 depending on the exact city pair, vehicle, and season. Open auto transport is the standard choice on this corridor; enclosed transport adds weather and debris protection for about 50% more.
What Factors Affect the Cost to Ship a Car?
Distance sets the baseline: the average driving distance on this route is about 1,510 miles, and longer city pairs cost more in total while costing less per mile. From there, vehicle size and weight, open versus enclosed carrier, exact pickup and delivery locations, fuel prices, and above all season and timing move the number—demand runs busiest from spring into midsummer, though the seasonal swing on this corridor is modest. For the full breakdown, see our car shipping cost calculator.
California to Texas Car Shipping Pricing & Time to Ship Your Car Examples
| From California to Texas | Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed | Transit Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CAHouston, TXMost Popular | 1,570 mi | $725–$1,175 | $1,100–$1,750 | 4–6 days | Get Quote |
| San Francisco, CADallas, TX | 1,730 mi | $725–$1,175 | $1,100–$1,750 | 4–6 days | Get Quote |
| San Diego, CASan Antonio, TX | 1,271 mi | $700–$1,125 | $1,075–$1,700 | 3–5 days | Get Quote |
| Sacramento, CAAustin, TX | 1,783 mi | $750–$1,200 | $1,125–$1,775 | 4–6 days | Get Quote |
| Fresno, CAFort Worth, TX | 1,624 mi | $800–$1,300 | $1,225–$1,950 | 4–6 days | Get Quote |
| San Jose, CAEl Paso, TX | 1,160 mi | $650–$1,050 | $975–$1,550 | 3–5 days | Get Quote |
| Long Beach, CAArlington, TX | 1,437 mi | $700–$1,100 | $1,050–$1,650 | 3–5 days | Get Quote |
Ranges reflect recent shipments for a standard sedan; SUVs and trucks typically add $100–$200. Enclosed figures are estimated at about 1.5× the open auto transport rate.
Licensed & bonded (DOT/MC). Every carrier is verified with active cargo insurance before accepting your shipment."Roadrunner did a fine job in brokering the transport of our vehicles from CA to Texas! Arrived in day and a half. No damage and the driver was great!"
California to Texas
June 2026
"I had a great experience with RoadRunner Auto Transport from start to finish. The company was able to secure a carrier for the exact date I needed, which made my move from California to Texas much less stressful."
California to Texas
March 2026
"Had them ship my 9 yr old 4runner from CA to my 16 year old great nephew in Texas. Sorin, the driver, treated my 9 year old 4runner like the brand new Porsche on the truck he was also delivering g to Texas. Nice, considerate guy, professional. Kept me informed on arrival time."
California to Texas
July 2025
"I had my car picked up from CA and dropped off to Texas. The picked up was delayed a day but it was able to be dropped off on time. The staff was very friendly and kept me up to date, Alex the delivery carrier was very nice and kept me up to date for pick up point."
California to Texas
July 2023
Open or Enclosed Transport for California to Texas?
Open car transport is the right choice for the vast majority of California to Texas shipments. This corridor carries some of the highest open-carrier volume in the country, with trailers leaving the LA metro and the Bay Area for Texas every week, which makes open auto transport both the most available and the most economical way to ship a daily driver, SUV, or truck. Your car rides with 8–10 others on a multi-vehicle trailer, driven on via built-in ramps and secured to the deck for the trip east.
Enclosed car shipping earns its premium of roughly 50% when the vehicle itself calls for it: luxury, classic, and exotic cars, a vehicle fresh off the dealer lot with no road miles, or anything you would not want exposed to weather and road debris. If you're weighing the two, our guide to the difference between enclosed and open auto transport covers it in detail.
One corridor-specific note: the I-10 desert stretch sees intense summer sun. Transport itself is unaffected, but for classic cars with original paint or delicate interiors, enclosed transport adds a layer of protection many collectors consider worth the premium.
Expedited shipping is also available on this route when the calendar is not negotiable: guaranteed pickup windows and direct driver routes that get your vehicle to Texas faster. It is the option time-sensitive moves lean on, from corporate relocations to students starting a new semester.
The California to Texas Route
One of the busiest east–west corridors in the country: Southern California pickups run I-10 east through Phoenix and El Paso into Texas, while Bay Area and Sacramento origins cross on I-40 before dropping south to the Texas metros. Carriers run the lane in both directions year-round, which keeps space open and pricing competitive.
California to Texas Shipping Prices by Season
Demand on this corridor runs busiest from spring into midsummer and softest from late summer into fall. The seasonal swing is modest, so timing helps at the margins.
Monthly booking demand on the California to Texas corridor
Spring & Early Summer
Moving season: families, corporate relocations, and dealer traffic keep spring and early summer the firmest window for carrier space.
Late Summer & Fall
The softest stretch of the year: good availability and the friendliest pricing on the corridor.
Holidays
Demand firms up briefly around the holidays, then settles; winter weather is the only wildcard on mountain stretches.
Late Winter
Demand builds steadily toward the spring moving season; standard booking windows apply.
How Long Does California to Texas Car Shipping Take?
Transit begins at pickup, not booking. Plan on 1–3 extra days for carrier dispatch, more during the spring–summer moving season.
- 1
Request your quote
Enter your ZIP codes, vehicle details, and preferred dates. Your price appears on screen right away.
- 2
Book the lane
Reserve your pickup window, 7–14 days ahead is the sweet spot. No upfront deposit.
- 3
Carrier dispatch
We match your shipment with a vetted carrier and coordinate pickup, typically within 1–3 days.
- 4
Transit to Texas
Your vehicle runs the corridor, trackable in real time, arriving 3–6 days after pickup.
- 5
Texas delivery
The driver calls ahead to confirm timing and access, then you inspect your vehicle together and sign at delivery.
Booking 7–14 days ahead gets the best rates on this corridor, 2–3 weeks during the spring–summer moving season. Flexible pickup windows price lower than fixed dates.
See Your CA to TX PriceShipping from the State of California
RoadRunner picks up vehicles across California every week, from Los Angeles and San Diego to San Jose, San Francisco, and everywhere in between.
Pickup happens at your home, office, or the nearest spot a full-size auto transport carrier can legally and safely reach, with real-time tracking from the moment your vehicle is loaded.
Shipping to the State of Texas
We deliver to every major Texas metro, from Houston and San Antonio to Dallas and Austin, plus the smaller towns between them.
With open and enclosed equipment across a 30,000+ auto transport network, the driver calls ahead to confirm timing and access, then delivers as close to your door as the truck can legally and safely get.
Pickup and Delivery Notes for the California to Texas Route
Most handoffs on this corridor are straightforward door-to-door pickups. The exceptions, we handle routinely.
LA & Bay Area street access
Dense blocks and hillside streets are serviceable. Carriers get as close to your door as they can legally and safely get; on tight streets the driver may meet you at a wider spot nearby.
Gated & HOA communities
Common on both ends of this corridor. Provide a gate code or arrange a guest pass at booking and the driver coordinates the rest.
Condos & high-rises
Drivers meet at the loading zone, ground-floor entrance, or an adjacent lot with room for the truck.
Dealers, auctions & ports
Dealer and auction lots, port areas, and storage facilities across both states work as handoff points where truck access allows.
Suburban deliveries
The Texas metros are built for trucks: wide streets and driveways make door-to-door delivery straightforward across Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
Desert & mountain weather
The corridor runs year-round. Summer heat rarely affects schedules; winter storms over the mountain passes can add a day, and we communicate any delay proactively.
Other Texas Car Shipping Routes
Texas is a massive state with many popular car shipping routes from California. Here are some other common routes:
Los Angeles to Houston
Houston is the largest city in Texas and a major shipping hub. Los Angeles to Houston is a frequent route for those moving their vehicles. Houston is located in southeast Texas along the Gulf Coast.
San Francisco to Dallas/Fort Worth
The Dallas/Fort Worth metro area is another huge destination. Shipping cars from San Francisco to Dallas/Forth Worth is common for those relocating to north Texas.
San Diego to Austin
Austin is the capital of Texas and its thriving tech scene makes it a popular destination. Shipping cars from San Diego to Austin allows you to bring your vehicle as you relocate.
Sacramento to San Antonio
San Antonio is known for its history, culture, and cuisine. Shipping your car from Sacramento to San Antonio helps make your move easier.
California Shipping Terminals
Major terminals and ports in California include Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco. Be sure to check available pickup and drop-off locations when booking.
Shipping a Car from California, Made Simple
See how RoadRunner moves vehicles out of California: instant pricing, door-to-door pickup, and real-time tracking the whole way to Texas.
- Door-to-door pickup across California
- Open and enclosed auto transport on this corridor
- No upfront deposit
Before the carrier arrives
Three things to handle between booking and pickup day. They take an hour in total and make both handoffs smooth.
Schedule in advance
Book 7–14 days ahead for the best rates, and 2–3 weeks during the spring–summer moving season (April–July), when carrier space on this corridor is tightest.
Prep and empty the vehicle
Wash the car, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, and remove personal items. Anything left inside is not protected against loss or damage in transit.
Inspect at pickup and delivery
Walk around the vehicle with the driver at both ends, photograph its condition, and note anything new on the Bill of Lading before signing.
RoadRunner Auto Transport: The California to Texas Car Shipping Experts
RoadRunner Auto Transport runs the California to Texas corridor, dispatching vehicles between Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento and every major Texas metro including Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Our auto transport services cover open and enclosed shipping, door-to-door delivery, and expedited options.
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes with some basic vehicle details, and your price appears on screen in seconds. A shipping coordinator then confirms the details and matches your shipment with a vetted carrier. Learn more about what sets RoadRunner apart.
Does Your Shipment Need a Specialized Service?
Most CA to TX vehicles ride standard open auto transport, but this corridor carries everything. If yours fits one of these, the dedicated service is the better starting point.
Texas to California Car Shipping
Heading back west? RoadRunner runs the Texas to California corridor year-round with the same door-to-door service and the same carrier network.
Get a Texas to California QuotePopular Related Shipping Routes
More routes from California
Popular routes to Texas
I recently relocated from Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX. I found RoadRunner from Google and received excellent services from the quote to the service of picking my car and transporting across country. The driver Milan, was very thorough in communicating and providing accurate updates of where my car was located. If I ever needed my car transported again I would use RoadRunner!!!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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