California to Texas
Car Shipping
Reliable door-to-door auto transport from California to Texas.
California to Texas Auto Transport Guide
Shipping a vehicle from California to Texas covers one of the country’s most active long-distance auto transport corridors. Orange Auto Transport coordinates open and enclosed transport from major California markets to destinations throughout Texas.
Because both states cover large geographic areas, statewide averages can be misleading. Pricing and transit time differ between Southern California, San Diego and Northern/Central California, and they also vary between the major Texas metros, Amarillo and El Paso. This hub gives you the statewide picture and links to city-specific routes for more precise mileage, pricing and transit guidance.
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Fully insured carriers
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from California to Texas?
California to Texas pricing varies by the California region and the Texas market. These are typical open and enclosed transport estimates for a standard operable sedan, not guaranteed quotes.
| California origin | Major Texas metros | Amarillo | El Paso |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California | $695–$1,195 open $1,095–$1,595 enclosed | $795–$1,295 open $1,195–$1,695 enclosed | $595–$1,095 open $995–$1,495 enclosed |
| San Diego | $795–$1,295 open $1,195–$1,695 enclosed | $995–$1,495 open $1,395–$1,895 enclosed | $695–$1,195 open $1,095–$1,595 enclosed |
| Northern/Central California | $895–$1,395 open $1,295–$1,795 enclosed | $1,095–$1,595 open $1,495–$1,995 enclosed | $795–$1,295 open $1,195–$1,695 enclosed |
Inoperable vehicles: a non-running standard sedan typically adds about $150, provided it can roll, brake and steer.
Actual pricing can vary with seasonal demand, fuel costs, vehicle size and condition, pickup and delivery accessibility, and pickup timing. Unusual market conditions may cause pricing to fall outside the ranges shown.
Distance and Transit Time
Typical distance: California to Texas shipments commonly cover roughly 800 to 1,800 miles, depending on the exact cities.
Typical pickup: Based on our experience, approximately 90% of vehicles are picked up on the customer’s preferred date or the following day.
Typical transport time: El Paso lanes are generally 2–3 days after pickup. Southern California and San Diego to Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Amarillo are generally 3–5 days after pickup. Northern/Central California to those Texas markets is generally 4–6 days after pickup.
California to Texas Market Guide
California and Texas are both large states, so the exact market matters. Southern California markets such as Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino share similar pricing patterns to the major Texas metros. San Diego is priced separately, while Fresno, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Fremont, Stockton and Modesto make up the Northern/Central California group.
Texas destinations also behave differently. Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio form the major Texas market group, while Amarillo and El Paso have their own lane profiles. Your quote is based on the actual pickup and delivery locations rather than one statewide flat rate.
Door-to-door service means pickup and delivery at your requested locations or as close as legally and safely possible. If a large carrier cannot safely access a residential street because of low trees, tight turns, cul-de-sacs, weight restrictions or similar limitations, the driver can coordinate a convenient nearby meeting point.
How Car Shipping Works
- Request a quote
- Place your order
- We assign a vetted, licensed & insured carrier
- Pickup at your location or as close as legally and safely possible
- Delivery at your destination or as close as legally and safely possible
Why Ship With Orange Auto Transport?
Serving customers nationwide since 2005, Orange Auto Transport combines more than two decades of experience with human-reviewed, lane-specific pricing. Auto transport markets can change throughout the day, so we don’t rely solely on static automated estimates. We evaluate current conditions on each shipping lane to establish competitive pricing that balances cost with timely pickup.
- No payment or credit card information required to place your order
- Human-reviewed pricing based on current shipping-lane conditions
- Advanced carrier verification and fraud safeguards
- Selective carrier standards designed to protect our customers and reputation
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
Pricing for this route can change based on current shipping-lane conditions, vehicle size and condition, seasonal demand, and pickup or delivery accessibility. Rural or less-traveled locations may sometimes cost more than major metro areas because fewer carriers regularly service those areas. Orange Auto Transport provides door-to-door service, with pickup and delivery at your requested locations or as close as legally and safely possible.
- Pickup and delivery location accessibility
- Vehicle size and condition
- Open or enclosed transport
- Seasonal and route demand
- Fuel and current market conditions
Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping
Open transport is the most common option for everyday vehicles moving from California to Texas. Your vehicle travels on an open carrier and is exposed to normal weather and road conditions.
Enclosed transport provides additional protection from weather and road debris and may be appropriate for classic, luxury, exotic or specialty vehicles. Tell us about low clearance or special handling requirements so we can quote the appropriate carrier option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Texas?
For a standard operable sedan, typical open-transport pricing depends on the exact markets. Southern California to the major Texas metros generally ranges from $695 to $1,195, San Diego from $795 to $1,295, and Northern/Central California from $895 to $1,395. Amarillo and El Paso use separate lane profiles. These are estimated ranges, not guaranteed quotes.
How much does enclosed car shipping from California to Texas cost?
Typical enclosed pricing from California to Texas also varies by market. Southern California to the major Texas metros generally ranges from $1,095 to $1,595, San Diego from $1,195 to $1,695, and Northern/Central California from $1,295 to $1,795. Amarillo and El Paso have separate enclosed ranges.
How much more does it cost to ship a non-running car from California to Texas?
Shipping a non-running standard sedan from California to Texas typically adds about $150, provided the vehicle can roll, brake and steer. Additional equipment or handling requirements may affect the final price.
How long does car shipping from California to Texas take?
Transit depends on the exact markets. El Paso routes are generally 2–3 days after pickup. Southern California and San Diego to the major Texas metros and Amarillo are generally 3–5 days after pickup, while Northern/Central California to those markets is generally 4–6 days after pickup. Based on our experience, approximately 90% of vehicles are picked up on the customer’s preferred date or the following day.
Can I put personal items in my car when shipping from California to Texas?
You may include up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or cargo area at no additional charge. Personal items must be disclosed when arranging transport. Additional weight requires advance approval and may involve an extra charge.
How does door-to-door pickup and delivery work between California and Texas?
Provide the exact California pickup address, Texas delivery address and preferred pickup date when requesting a quote. Door-to-door service means the carrier will pick up and deliver as close to your requested locations as legally and safely possible. If the truck cannot safely access a street, the driver can coordinate a convenient nearby meeting location.
Popular California to Texas City Routes
To Dallas: Los Angeles to Dallas • Orange County, CA to Dallas • San Diego to Dallas • Fresno to Dallas • Sacramento to Dallas
To Fort Worth: Los Angeles to Fort Worth • Orange County, CA to Fort Worth • San Diego to Fort Worth • Fresno to Fort Worth • Sacramento to Fort Worth
To Houston: Los Angeles to Houston • Orange County, CA to Houston • San Diego to Houston • Fresno to Houston • Sacramento to Houston
To Austin: Los Angeles to Austin • Orange County, CA to Austin • San Diego to Austin • Fresno to Austin • Sacramento to Austin
To San Antonio: Los Angeles to San Antonio • Orange County, CA to San Antonio • San Diego to San Antonio • Fresno to San Antonio • Sacramento to San Antonio
To Amarillo: Los Angeles to Amarillo • San Diego to Amarillo • Fresno to Amarillo • Sacramento to Amarillo
To El Paso: Los Angeles to El Paso • San Diego to El Paso • Fresno to El Paso • Sacramento to El Paso
Shipping from another California market? Orange Auto Transport serves communities throughout California and Texas. Request a quote using your exact pickup and delivery locations for current lane-specific pricing.
Ship With Confidence
Before booking any vehicle shipment, it is important to know who you are working with. Learn how to independently verify an auto transport company, recognize common warning signs, and protect your vehicle and payment information in our Auto Transport Scam & Fraud Prevention Guide.
Get a Quote for California to Texas Car Shipping
Get a personalized quote for car shipping from California to Texas. Share your vehicle details, exact pickup and delivery locations, and preferred pickup window to check current pricing. No payment or credit card information is required to place your order.
Questions? Call (800) 292-4588 and speak with a transport specialist
