California to Texas Auto Transport
Reliable & Affordable California to Texas Auto Transport Services
Ship your vehicle between California and Texas with confidence. With over 12,000+ delivered vehicles between California and Texas since 2010, Unlimited Auto Trans is the trusted choice for secure, affordable auto transport.
Car Shipping From California To Texas
Whether you’re moving for work, buying a vehicle online, or relocating your family, we make it easy to transport car from California to Texas or back. Our streamlined process, flexible pricing, and professional drivers ensure your vehicle is delivered safely—on time and within budget.
Types of Transport Services:
- Open Car Transport – The most popular and budget-friendly choice.
- Enclosed Car Transport – Extra protection for luxury, classic, and high-value vehicles.
- Door-to-Door Shipping – We pick up and drop off as close to your location as possible.
How It Works (3 Simple Steps):
- Get a Free Quote – Use our online calculator or call to get an instant price.
- We Pick Up Your Vehicle – From your location in California, on your schedule.
- Vehicle Delivery – Your car is delivered to your Texas destination on time
Popular California to Texas Routes, Costs and Transit Time
Every week, we help drivers ship car from California to Texas across major cities and highways. Whether you’re shipping from Los Angeles to Houston or from a smaller rural town to East Texas, our network ensures fast, reliable delivery with upfront pricing and full insurance.
Common Routes Between California and Texas
| From (CA ZIPs) | To (TX ZIPs) | Distance | Transit Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (90001–90089) | Houston (77001–77598) | ~1,550 mi | 4–6 days | $950 – $1,300 |
| San Diego (92101–92199) | Dallas (75201–75398) | ~1,360 mi | 3–5 days | $900 – $1,250 |
| Sacramento (94203–95899) | Austin (73301–78799) | ~1,730 mi | 4–6 days | $1,000 – $1,400 |
| San Jose (95101–95196) | San Antonio (78006–78299) | ~1,670 mi | 4–6 days | $950 – $1,350 |
| Fresno (93701–93792) | El Paso (79901–88599) | ~1,030 mi | 3–5 days | $850 – $1,200 |
Common Interstate Shipping Routes from California to Texas
- Los Angeles, CA → Houston, TX
- San Diego, CA → Dallas, TX
- Sacramento, CA → Austin, TX
- San Jose, CA → San Antonio, TX
- Fresno, CA → El Paso, TX
- Oakland, CA → Fort Worth, TX
- Long Beach, CA → Plano, TX
- Anaheim, CA → Laredo, TX
- Bakersfield, CA → Arlington, TX
City-Specific Shipping Information and Challenges
Shipping between major cities in California and Texas comes with unique logistical considerations. Here’s what to expect in key metro areas:
- Los Angeles, CA: High demand and dense traffic mean frequent pickups, but narrow streets and parking restrictions in some neighborhoods can limit direct truck access. We may coordinate nearby meeting points for loading/unloading.
- San Diego, CA: Efficient and well-connected for carriers, but construction zones and military bases near residential areas can cause minor delays or require alternate access points.
- San Jose, CA: Suburban areas are easily accessible, but urban locations near downtown tech campuses may require scheduling during off-peak hours due to congestion.
- Sacramento, CA: Generally smooth for pickups, though deliveries in surrounding rural towns may need additional coordination.
- Fresno, CA: Located in California’s Central Valley, Fresno is carrier-friendly but often part of less frequent transport routes, which can affect pickup timing.
- Houston, TX: One of the busiest hubs in the country. Fast scheduling is common, but traffic on I-10 and I-610 can impact delivery times.
- Dallas, TX: Reliable carrier access, but construction zones and frequent route detours may affect exact timing.
- Austin, TX: Limited road access in some fast-growing residential areas can require flexible pickup windows or designated meeting locations.
- San Antonio, TX: Typically a smooth process, but military base regulations may apply for pickups/drop-offs near Fort Sam Houston or Lackland AFB.
Largest Cities and Zip Codes:
California:
- Los Angeles: 90001-90089
- San Diego: 92101-92199
- San Jose: 95101-95196
- San Francisco: 94102-94188
- Fresno: 93701-93792
- Sacramento: 94203-95899
- Long Beach: 90745-90899
- Oakland: 94601-94666
- Bakersfield: 93301-93390
- Anaheim: 92801-92899
Texas
- Houston: 77001-77598
- San Antonio: 78006-78299
- Dallas: 75201-75398
- Austin: 73301-78799
- Fort Worth: 76101-76199
- El Paso: 79901-88599
- Arlington: 76001-76019
- Corpus Christi: 78401-78480
- Plano: 75023-75094
- Laredo: 78040-78076
Major Highways Used
- I-10: Connects California to Texas (west to east)
- I-40: Crosses northern Texas and California
- I-20: Starts in west Texas, connects to I-10
- US 101: Runs along the coast of California
- I-35: Major north-south route in Texas
- I-5: Runs north-south in California
- I-45: Runs north-south in Texas, connecting Dallas to Houston
Shipping Challenges: Urban vs. Rural
- Urban Areas: Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose are heavily trafficked but offer faster pickups due to high carrier availability.
- Rural Areas: Less frequent routes can lead to longer wait times and slightly higher pricing due to added mileage or empty-return trips.
Why choose Unlimited Auto Trans?
When you’re looking to ship a car from California to Texas, you need a transport company that delivers more than just your vehicle—you need one that delivers confidence.
At Unlimited Auto Trans, we combine nationwide logistics with local expertise, offering a smooth, professional experience from quote to delivery.
Our Core Advantages
Flat Rates,
No Hidden Fees
What we quote is what you pay. Our pricing is transparent and competitive.
Fully Licensed
& Insured
We’re registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT: 3250475, MC: 1022833).
Door-to-Door
Service
No terminals. We pick up and drop off at the location that works best for you.
Flat Rates,
No Hidden Fees
What we quote is what you pay. Our pricing is transparent and competitive.
Door-to-Door
Service
No terminals. We pick up and drop off at the location that works best for you.
Fully Licensed
& Insured
We’re registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT: 3250475, MC: 1022833).
Personal Shipping
Coordinator
You get a real person, not a robot. Your dedicated coordinator will guide you through the entire process.
Zero Upfront
Payment
You don’t pay until a carrier is assigned and your vehicle is scheduled for pickup.
Types of Vehicles We Ship from California to Texas
From family SUVs and daily drivers to motorcycles, exotic cars, and even military vehicles—we handle it all. Popular vehicle types include:
- Sedans, coupes, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks
- Motorcycles and ATVs
- Classic and luxury vehicles
- Sports cars and electric vehicles
Car Brands We Ship from California to Texas
We safely transport vehicles from top automotive brands, including:
- Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan
- BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Audi, Porsche
- Jeep, Dodge, Lexus, Subaru, and more
Whether it’s a new purchase, a collector’s car, or a company fleet, we know how to handle your vehicle with care.
Our Clients in California and Texas
We’ve helped thousands of Californians—from individuals and snowbirds to dealerships and corporate relocations—move vehicles to and from The Lone Star State.
Fun Fact: Did you know California hosts dozens of car shows each year? Events like the Los Angeles Auto Show, San Diego International Auto Show, and Sacramento Autorama often require secure enclosed shipping for high-end vehicles—and we’ve got the experience to handle it all.
Top 5 Reasons People Ship Cars from California to Texas:
- Job relocation
- College students moving to TX
- Online vehicle purchases
- Snowbirds heading east
- Military deployment or PCS orders
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it—see what other Californians have said:
We’re proud to be one of the highest-rated car shipping companies on Google, BBB, and Trustpilot.
Get an Instant California Car Shipping Quote
Shipping a vehicle from California to Texas typically costs between $900 and $1,400, depending on factors like vehicle size, transport type, and exact pickup and delivery locations.
- Estimated Transit Time: 4–6 business days
- Transport Options: Open or enclosed carrier
- Includes: Door-to-door service & full insurance coverage
📞 Call us at (888) 278-9855
✅ Trusted by thousands nationwide | Fully Licensed & Insured
Factors Affecting Price
- Vehicle Type: Larger or modified vehicles may require special handling.
- Transport Type: Open transport is more affordable; enclosed is ideal for luxury and classic cars.
- Pickup & Delivery Distance: Costs vary based on mileage, access to major highways (like I-10, I-5, or I-35), and how remote the location is.
- Time of Year: High-demand seasons (summer, holidays, snowbird travel times) often increase prices. Booking early can help you lock in better rates.
Expert Seasonal Tips for Auto Transport in California
Planning ahead can make a big difference when shipping your car between California and Texas. Seasonal factors like weather, traffic, and major events often affect pricing and delivery times. Here’s what to consider:
Wildfire Season
- Between June and October, wildfires can delay or reroute transports—especially in Northern or inland California. We monitor all major routes to avoid delays.
Heavy Traffic & Event Congestion
- Urban areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Austin experience regular congestion, but traffic spikes during large events:
- Coachella (April) – Palm Springs area
- SF Pride (June) – San Francisco
- ACL Festival (October) – Austin
- Formula 1 in Austin (Fall)
Best Times to Ship
- January to April: Lower demand = better rates and faster service
- Late August to October: Ideal for snowbirds and students
- Avoid: Holiday seasons and summer rush (June–August), when pricing peaks
What Slows Things Down
- Remote pickup or delivery locations
- Bad weather (e.g., wildfires, flooding, or icy roads in higher elevations)
- High traffic zones or complex urban access
- Last-minute bookings during peak demand
Car Shipping Laws & Regulations in California and Texas
Before you ship your car from California to Texas, it’s important to understand key legal and logistical requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
DMV Considerations
If you’re relocating to California, you’ll need to register your vehicle with the California DMV within 20 days of establishing residency. Be prepared to provide proof of insurance and complete a smog inspection, if applicable.
Emissions & Registration Laws
California has some of the strictest emissions laws in the country. Vehicles must meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards. If your car is coming from out-of-state, make sure it complies—especially if it’s a used vehicle.
- Diesel vehicles over 14,000 lbs. must pass a periodic smoke inspection.
- Some non-CARB-compliant vehicles may not be eligible for registration.
Insurance & Legal Requirements
All vehicles shipped from California to Texas must be:
- Fully insured during transport (included in your quote)
- Registered for road use if driven during pickup or drop-off
Unlimited Auto Trans ensures every shipment complies with state and federal laws, so you don’t have to worry.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for California Car Shipping
Vehicle Shipping Prep Checklist
- Wash the exterior so condition can be clearly inspected
- Remove all personal items from inside the vehicle
- Check for fluid leaks, tire pressure, and battery charge
- Take photos of the car’s current condition
- Disable alarm systems
- Leave only ¼ tank of gas
California-Specific Notes
- If shipping from Long Beach or San Francisco ports, extra documentation may be required for access and inspection.
- Vehicles with expired registration must be loaded on a trailer (they cannot be driven).
Download our Vehicle Prep PDF
This guide applies to all state-to-state shipping routes, ensuring you’re prepared no matter your destination.
Click here to download →
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Guide to California-To-Texas Car Shipping
What is the best way to ship a car to Texas?
The best way to ship a car to Texas from California is through open carrier auto transport—a safe, affordable option used by over 90% of customers. It’s ideal for most vehicles and offers quicker carrier availability. If you own a luxury, exotic, or collector vehicle, enclosed transport is recommended for extra protection from weather and road debris.
How much does it cost to ship my car from California to Texas?
On average, it costs between $900 and $1,300 for open transport and $1,100 to $2,000 for enclosed. The price depends on the size of your vehicle, exact pickup and delivery ZIP codes, time of year, and whether your location is urban or rural.
Example: Shipping a sedan from Los Angeles to Dallas in spring typically costs around $1,050 with open transport.
How much is California to Texas by car?
If you choose to drive your car from California to Texas, the cost varies by fuel type and driving habits. For a gas-powered vehicle averaging 25 mpg:
- Distance: ~1,500 miles
- Fuel cost (at ~$4.50/gal in CA): $270–$320
- Add lodging, food, and tolls: $400–$800 total
While driving may seem cheaper upfront, it adds mileage, wear and tear, and personal time commitment—something car shipping avoids.
How much does it cost to tow a car from California to Texas?
Traditional towing over long distances is not common due to high costs and time limits. Most providers won’t tow across multiple states.
If you find a towing company willing to haul a vehicle from CA to TX:
- Expect prices of $1,500 to $3,000+, depending on the truck, distance, and urgency.
- Towing is typically slower and less secure than auto transport services.
For long-distance moves, car shipping with a licensed carrier is faster, safer, and more cost-effective.
At Unlimited Auto Trans, we provide safe and on-time car transport at competitive prices. Ship your car stress-free, knowing we’re licensed, bonded, and insured.
From passenger cars to SUVs, motorcycles, and even luxury cars, we can ship nationwide.
Use our calculator for a free instant quote today.
Book online or call us toll-free at
(888) 278-9855.
Unlimited Auto Trans Specializes
In Car Shipping Services
We Offer Fast, Reliable, And Professional Vehicle Shipping
At Highly Competitive Prices
Nationwide Car Transportation Services
For Individuals & Corporate
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