California to New York Auto Transport
Coast-to-Coast Car Shipping Made Easy
Since 2010, we’ve successfully shipped thousands of vehicles from California to New York—safely, on time, and fully insured. Whether you’re relocating to NYC, buying a car in LA, or heading to college in Buffalo, we make your coast-to-coast move hassle-free with trusted auto transport solutions tailored to your needs.
Car Shipping From California to New York
Shipping a car from California to New York is simple with Unlimited Auto Trans. We offer multiple service options to fit your needs, schedule, and budget:
- Open Car Transport: Most affordable and commonly used. Ideal for standard vehicles.
- Enclosed Auto Transport: Offers full protection from weather and road debris. Best for luxury, classic, or electric vehicles.
- Expedited Shipping: For urgent relocations when time is critical.
Whether you’re shipping from Los Angeles (90001–90089) or San Diego (92101–92199) to NYC (10001–10292) or Buffalo (14201–14280), we ensure secure and timely delivery.
How It Works – Simple 3-Step Process
1. Get a Quote
Use our simple form or speak with a specialist to get a personalized rate
2. Schedule Your Pickup
We’ll arrange a licensed and insured carrier near your Arkansas location
3. Track & Receive
Your car is delivered to your New York destination. Final inspection ensures everything arrived as expected.
Popular California to New York Routes, Costs and Transit Time
Transporting a car between California and New York typically covers 2,800–3,000 miles, depending on your pickup and drop-off locations. The route may follow Interstate 80 (I-80) or I-40 combined with I-81 or I-95, depending on traffic, delivery urgency, and vehicle type.
Real Shipping Examples
City-Specific Considerations
- California Pickup Areas: LA, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, and surrounding cities often have greater carrier availability, reducing wait times and lowering costs.
- New York Delivery Zones: Deliveries to NYC may have restricted loading zones or require coordination due to traffic. Upstate NY (like Buffalo or Syracuse) is easier for direct unloading.
Rural Areas & Remote Access
If your pickup or delivery is in a remote area of California (like rural Northern CA) or Upstate NY without easy interstate access, additional time or fees may apply. In such cases, we can recommend meeting at a nearby city hub or safe, accessible location.
Major Highways Used for Transport
- Interstate 80 (I-80): Main coast-to-coast route used for direct transport between The Golden State and The Empire State.
- Interstate 40 (I-40): Frequently used with transitions to I-81 or I-95 depending on final delivery area in NY.
- Historic Route 66: Occasionally parallels I-40 routes and connects to other viable interstate options.
Why choose Unlimited Auto Trans?
What Sets Us Apart
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinators
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Nationwide Carrier Network
Thousands of vetted, licensed, and bonded carriers.
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup Options
We cover everything from Little Rock to Buffalo
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinator
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup Options
We cover everything from Little Rock to Buffalo
Nationwide Carrier Network
Thousands of vetted, licensed, and bonded carriers.
Types of Vehicles We Ship from California to New York
From compact sedans to heavy-duty trucks, we ship a wide variety of vehicles:
- Standard Cars & SUVs
- Motorcycles
- Classic Cars
- Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Oversized or Modified Vehicles
Car Brands We Ship from California to New York
Some of the most commonly transported brands on this route include:
- Tesla, Ford, Toyota, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Chevrolet, and more.
Whether it’s a brand-new luxury car or a family SUV, we treat every vehicle with care.
Our Clients in California and New York
We proudly serve a wide range of clients across both states:
- Relocating Families
- College Students (USC, NYU, UC Berkeley, Columbia)
- Military Personnel
- Snowbirds & Seasonal Travelers
- Dealerships & Online Car Buyers
California’s high car sales volume and New York’s population density create strong demand for reliable auto transport services year-round.
Popular Events Driving Car Shipping Demand
- California: Monterey Car Week, Los Angeles Auto Show, Pebble Beach Concours
- New York: New York International Auto Show, Empire State Car Show
Top 5 Reasons People Ship Cars from California to New York
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Get an Instant California to New York Car Shipping Quote
Shipping a car from California to New York? Rates typically range from $1,300 to $1,600, depending on your vehicle type, transport method, ZIP codes, and the time of year.
Our quotes are upfront, all-inclusive, and customized to your route—no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
Estimated Price & Time Frame
- Cost Range: $1,300 – $1,600
- Transit Time: 6–9 business days
Prices vary based on vehicle size, route complexity, enclosed vs. open trailer, and seasonal demand.
Whether you’re shipping a compact sedan from Los Angeles (90001) to Manhattan (10001) or a luxury vehicle from San Diego (92101) to Buffalo (14201), we’ll match you with the most trusted and efficient carrier for the job.
Factors Affecting Price
- Vehicle Type – Oversized, luxury, or inoperable vehicles may require special equipment
- Transport Method –
- Open Transport: Budget-friendly, suitable for most vehicles
- Enclosed Transport: Ideal for high-end, classic, or exotic cars needing extra protection
- Pickup & Delivery ZIPs –
- Metropolitan areas like San Jose (95112) or NYC (10001) are typically lower cost than rural ZIPs
- Seasonal Demand –
- Summer, holidays, and auto show season in both states may raise costs—booking early is recommended
Expert Seasonal Tips for Auto Transport from California to New York
Shipping a vehicle across the country comes with seasonal patterns that can affect timing, availability, and pricing. Understanding these can help you plan better and avoid common delays.
Best Times of Year to Ship
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are the most efficient times to schedule California to New York car shipping. The weather is milder in both states, and transport demand is steady but manageable.
- Summer (June–August) sees a sharp increase in demand—especially with families relocating, college move-ins, and car sales peaking. Expect tighter schedules and slightly higher pricing, particularly around Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City.
- Winter (December–February) presents challenges in Upstate New York cities like Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester, where snowstorms and icy roads can delay delivery. California weather remains stable, but delays may occur once your vehicle enters the Northeast.
Events That May Impact Your Schedule
- New York International Auto Show (April): Significant spike in enclosed transport demand for luxury and collectible vehicles to NYC.
- University Move-In Season (August): High-volume student moves to NYU, Columbia, Cornell, and UC campuses increase carrier demand and congestion.
- Holiday Season (Late November–Early January): Limited carrier availability and weather delays are common in New York.
- Monterey Car Week & LA Auto Show (Summer/Fall): Major California events that increase enclosed trailer bookings and create temporary carrier shortages.
What Slows Things Down?
- Severe Weather: Snowstorms in New York or wildfires in California may cause rerouting or delays.
- Metro Area Congestion: Deliveries in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bay Area often require tight coordination due to traffic and access restrictions.
- Carrier Demand: During peak season or major events, enclosed carriers and expedited services may have limited availability.
- Remote Pickup/Drop-Off Locations: Cities like Bakersfield, CA or Utica, NY may require more lead time for truck scheduling.
Tips for Avoiding Delays and Peak Rates
- Book Early: For best pricing and guaranteed pickup, schedule 2–3 weeks in advance—especially in summer or near major holidays.
- Stay Flexible: Offering a 2–3 day pickup/delivery window helps dispatchers find the fastest available option.
- Meet in Metro Hubs: If you live in a remote ZIP code, consider meeting your carrier in cities like Sacramento, CA or Yonkers, NY to reduce cost and wait time.
Car Shipping Laws & Regulations in California and New York
Vehicle Registration & Title Requirements
- California: Before shipping your vehicle out of state, confirm that your registration is valid and that there are no unresolved liens on the title. If you’re selling the vehicle and having it shipped to New York, the title must be properly signed over to the buyer, ideally with a bill of sale.
- New York: If you are relocating permanently to New York, you must register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. Registration requires:
- A valid out-of-state title, signed appropriately
- Proof of identity and New York residential address
- Completed Form MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application)
- Auto insurance from a New York-licensed provider
- VIN inspection, required for many out-of-state vehicles
Emission Standards
- California: Known for its strict emission laws, California requires all vehicles sold or registered in-state to meet CARB (California Air Resources Board) standards. However, if you are transporting your car out of California, these standards do not apply unless you’re returning or reselling in CA.
- New York: Enforces emissions testing—especially in metro areas like New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County. Most vehicles from 1996 and newer must pass an OBD-II emissions test to be registered. Make sure your vehicle is in compliance before scheduling final delivery and registration.
Transport Regulations
- Insurance: Every vehicle shipped through Unlimited Auto Trans is covered by a USDOT-licensed and fully insured carrier. There’s no need for you to purchase additional coverage—insurance is included in your quote.
- Truck Access & Drop-Off:
- California: Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco typically allow for residential pickup, though limited-access streets may require planning.
- New York: Densely populated areas such as Manhattan or Brooklyn may restrict access for large transport trucks. Our team will coordinate a safe transfer point nearby, whether at a public lot or local business with ample space.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for California to New York Car Shipping
Vehicle Shipping Checklist
- Clean Your Car (Inside & Out)
- Remove Personal Items
- Check for Leaks or Mechanical Issues
- Disable Alarms
- Check Tire Pressure & Battery
- Document the Condition
- Keep Fuel Tank 1/4 Full
Stet-Specific Notes
- California: There are no special documents required for shipping a vehicle out of state, but ensure that your registration and insurance are up to date if returning to CA. If using a port like Long Beach or San Francisco, confirm port access regulations in advance.
- New York: If you’re relocating permanently and plan to register the vehicle in NY, prepare the following:
- A valid out-of-state title, properly signed over
- New York auto insurance from a licensed in-state provider
- VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles
- Completed Form MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application)
- Proof of New York residency
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Arkansas to New York Auto Transport
How much does it cost to ship from California to NY?
The average cost to ship a car from California to New York ranges from $1,300 to $1,600, depending on your vehicle type, transport method (open or enclosed), time of year, and pickup/delivery ZIP codes. Get an exact price with our instant quote tool.
How much is it to ship a car from CA to NY?
Costs fluctuate, but most standard cars shipped from CA to NY fall within the $1,300–$1,600 range. Larger vehicles or enclosed trailers may cost more.
How much is transport from California to New York?
The total cost of transport includes mileage, vehicle size, trailer type, and seasonal demand. Expect between 6–9 business days for delivery and a cost between $1,300 and $1,600, depending on service preferences.
How long does it take to ship a car from NY to CA?
Whether shipping from California to New York or in reverse, transit time typically ranges from 6 to 9 business days. Delays may occur during winter storms or peak summer months.
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.