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Texas to California Car Shipping
Ship your car from Texas to California in 3–6 days—your price appears on screen in seconds, not in a callback.
Over 1.5 million vehicles safely delivered Licensed & insured carriers in all 50 states Real-time tracking & dedicated support
Instant Texas to California Quote
Complete the form below to get your instant car transport quote
- 1Route & Date
- 2Vehicle
- 3Shipper
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from Texas to California?
As of September 2026, the average cost to ship a car from Texas to California is about $884, with shipments typically running $550–$1,450 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 1,530 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.
Texas to California Car Shipping Pricing & Time to Ship Your Car Examples
| From Texas to California | Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed | Transit Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TXLos Angeles, CAMost Popular | 1,568 mi | $600–$950 | $900–$1,425 | 4–6 days | Get Quote |
| Dallas, TXSan Francisco, CA | 1,730 mi | $650–$1,050 | $975–$1,575 | 4–6 days | Get Quote |
| San Antonio, TXSan Diego, CA | 1,270 mi | $550–$900 | $825–$1,325 | 3–5 days | Get Quote |
| Austin, TXSacramento, CA | 1,782 mi | $675–$1,100 | $1,025–$1,650 | 4–6 days | Get Quote |
| Fort Worth, TXFresno, CA | 1,534 mi | $775–$1,250 | $1,175–$1,850 | 4–6 days | Get Quote |
| El Paso, TXSan Jose, CA | 1,162 mi | $625–$1,000 | $950–$1,500 | 3–5 days | Get Quote |
| Arlington, TXLong Beach, CA | 1,436 mi | $550–$900 | $850–$1,350 | 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."Well, to booking online was so easy, the service was really good, and the delivery of my car was fast and good, even when it was from Texas to California. Mark was very kind, and professional. Thank you!"
Texas to California
August 2025
"Excellent company to transport my beloved Gran Marquis from Texas to California. Price was fair, and driver Peter was more than accommodating. My car was delivered right where I could pick it up since escrow had not yet closed on my new home. I highly recommend Roadrunner Auto Transport."
Texas to California
March 2025
"It was an easy and smooth process. Setup online and was given a call once the date I set approached. Everyone involved was professional and well-mannered. I was told when my driver, Kevin, will show up, and surprisingly he did on time (which was a stark difference from the last time I shipped my…"
Texas to California
July 2024
"I shipped my car from Forth Worth TX to Sacramento CA. I was able to instantly request a quote online, book a pickup, and set a delivery all without any hassle. Driver showed up on time for pick up and was extremely professional. My car got to the destination a day early without incident."
Texas to California
July 2022
Open or Enclosed Transport for Texas to California?
Open car transport is the right choice for the vast majority of Texas to California shipments. Carriers run the I-10 lane between the Texas metros and Southern California 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 west.
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 California faster. It is the option time-sensitive moves lean on, from corporate relocations to students starting a new semester.
The Texas to California Route
Most Texas to California shipments run I-10 and I-20, with door-to-door pickup and delivery on both ends. When direct routing isn't practical, carriers relay through hubs like Phoenix to keep trucks full.
Texas to California 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 Texas to California 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 Texas to California 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 California
Your vehicle runs the corridor, trackable in real time, arriving 3–6 days after pickup.
- 5
California 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 TX to CA PriceShipping from the State of Texas
RoadRunner picks up vehicles across Texas every week, from Houston and San Antonio to Dallas, Austin, 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 California
We deliver to every major California metro, from Los Angeles and San Diego to San Jose and San Francisco, 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 Texas to California Route
Most handoffs on this corridor are straightforward door-to-door pickups. The exceptions, we handle routinely.
Texas metro pickups
The Texas metros are built for trucks: wide streets and driveways make pickup straightforward across Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
Dealers, auctions & Gulf ports
Dealer and auction lots, storage facilities, and the Gulf port areas all work as handoff points where truck access allows.
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.
LA & Bay Area streets
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.
California deliveries
From San Diego to Sacramento, drivers coordinate delivery at your home, office, or the nearest spot with room for a full-size carrier.
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.
What Is Included When You Ship Texas to California
Every Texas to California shipment includes the full service, not a bare truck ride. When you book, the price covers:
Paperwork, handled. The driver prepares the Bill of Lading — the combined shipping contract and condition report — at pickup, and your coordinator takes care of any carrier paperwork behind the scenes. You sign at pickup and again at delivery; that is the extent of it.
Inspections at both ends. The driver documents the vehicle's condition before it is loaded in Texas and again at the California curb, so any question about transit damage has a clean before-and-after record.
Door-to-door pickup and delivery. The carrier meets you at your home, office, dealer, or auction lot — as close to the address as a full-size truck can legally and safely work — on both ends of the run.
Tracking and updates. Text and email updates follow the vehicle across the corridor, with online shipment tracking and a support team you can reach the whole way.
Options when timing is tight. Enclosed equipment for high-value vehicles and expedited pickup windows for hard deadlines are available on this lane at booking.
Shipping a Car from Texas, Made Simple
See how RoadRunner moves vehicles out of Texas: instant pricing, door-to-door pickup, and real-time tracking the whole way to California.
- Door-to-door pickup across Texas
- 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 Texas to California Car Shipping Experts
RoadRunner Auto Transport has run the Texas to California corridor for over 30 years, dispatching vehicles between Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio and every major California metro including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento. 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 TX to CA 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.
California to Texas Car Shipping
Heading back east? RoadRunner runs the California to Texas corridor year-round with the same door-to-door service and the same carrier network.
Get a California to Texas QuotePopular Related Shipping Routes
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A pickup was scheduled just 2 days from when I called and delivered from Dallas to CA in just 2 days. Driver was great and also very good value. Have used RoadRunner on 2 occasions and both very good.
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- Cancel anytime before pickup
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation process.
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