SGT Auto Transport ships cars door-to-door to and from Houston. Open-carrier prices on our most common Houston routes ran $375 to $1,600 over the last 6 months, and most cars arrive 1 to 5 days after pickup.
Key Facts
Houston is one of the busiest car shipping hubs in Texas. Carriers pass through every day on I-10, I-45, and I-69, so most cars are picked up within 1 to 3 business days.
- Pickup window: 1 to 3 business days from your first available date
- Transit after pickup: up to 1 day on most Texas routes, 4 to 5 days to the Pacific Northwest
- Open-carrier prices: $375 to $1,600 on the routes in the tables below
- In-state prices: $375 to $900 within Texas
- Most-shipped Houston lane: Dallas to Houston
- Area served: Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston and Brazoria counties, ZIP codes 770xx to 775xx
Houston is home to 2,397,315 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's July 2025 estimate, and the city covers about 640 square miles. A city that large creates steady demand in both directions. That keeps carrier supply strong and pickup windows short on most routes.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car To or From Houston?
Shipping a car to or from Houston costs $775 to $1,600 on an open carrier for out-of-state routes, and $375 to $900 within Texas. Distance sets most of the price.
Atlanta to Houston sits at the low end, and Seattle to Houston tops the range at $1,600. On most long lanes, shipping into Houston costs more than shipping out. These prices come from SGT shipments over the last 6 months. They cover running vehicles of all body types on an open carrier, the standard two-level truck you see on the highway. An open carrier leaves the cars exposed to the air, while an enclosed carrier covers them with a trailer.
Houston Car Shipping Prices by Route
The tables below show open-carrier prices and transit times for common routes from Houston, to Houston and within Texas. Transit is counted from the day the driver picks up your car.
Shipping a car from Houston
| Origin | Destination | Price range | Distance (mi) | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, Texas | Chicago, Illinois | $650 - $1050 | 1,090 | 2-3 days |
| Houston, Texas | Los Angeles, California | $650 - $1075 | 1,550 | 3-4 days |
| Houston, Texas | San Diego, California | $199 - $399 | 1,480 | 2-3 days |
| Houston, Texas | Las Vegas, Nevada | $599 - $799 | 1,450 | 2-3 days |
| Houston, Texas | Seattle, Washington | $799 - $999 | 2,340 | 4-5 days |
| Houston, Texas | Denver, Colorado | $650 - $1050 | 1,020 | 2-3 days |
| Houston, Texas | Brooklyn, New York | $650 - $1075 | 1,650 | 3-4 days |
| Houston, Texas | Long Beach, California | $149 - $349 | 1,570 | 3-4 days |
| Houston, Texas | Charlotte, North Carolina | $1149 - $1349 | 1,050 | 2-3 days |
| Houston, Texas | Columbus, Ohio | $949 - $1149 | 1,180 | 2-3 days |
Prices are open-carrier ranges from SGT bookings from Houston from the last 6 months from the date of last modification, and include door-to-door service, carrier insurance, and fuel.
Shipping a car to Houston
| Origin | Destination | Price range | Distance (mi) | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, Illinois | Houston, Texas | $900 - $1,050 | 1,080 | 2-3 days |
| Los Angeles, California | Houston, Texas | $1,150 - $1,375 | 1,560 | 3-4 days |
| Atlanta, Georgia | Houston, Texas | $775 - $1,125 | 810 | 1-2 days |
| Las Vegas, Nevada | Houston, Texas | $1,100 - $1,400 | 1,420 | 2-3 days |
| Phoenix, Arizona | Houston, Texas | $900 - $1,150 | 1,180 | 2-3 days |
| Seattle, Washington | Houston, Texas | $1,200 - $1,600 | 2,330 | 4-5 days |
| Brooklyn, New York | Houston, Texas | $1,150 - $1,400 | 1,650 | 3-4 days |
| Miami, Florida | Houston, Texas | $850 - $1,275 | 1,190 | 2-3 days |
| Tampa, Florida | Houston, Texas | $875 - $1,325 | 990 | 1-2 days |
| Edison, New Jersey | Houston, Texas | $1,000 - $1,250 | 1,630 | 3-4 days |
Prices are open-carrier ranges for SGT bookings to Houston from the last 6 months from the date of last modification, and include door-to-door service, carrier insurance, and fuel.
Shipping a car within Texas
| Route | Distance | Open | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston to El Paso | 750 mi | $725 - $825 | 1-2 days |
| Dallas to Houston | 250 mi | $375 - $600 | Up to 1 day |
| El Paso to Houston | 740 mi | $650 - $825 | 1-2 days |
| Houston to Port Aransas | 250 mi | $500 - $700 | Up to 1 day |
| Houston to Plano | 260 mi | $375 - $450 | Up to 1 day |
| Houston to Lubbock | 520 mi | $550 - $775 | 1 day |
| Houston to Elmendorf | 200 mi | $475 - $575 | Up to 1 day |
| Houston to Arlington | 260 mi | $400 - $475 | Up to 1 day |
| Lubbock to Houston | 530 mi | $700 - $900 | 1 day |
| Houston to Mission | 350 mi | $525 - $600 | Up to 1 day |
Prices are open-carrier ranges from SGT bookings within Texas from the last 6 months from the date of last modification, and include door-to-door service, carrier insurance, and fuel.
Direction changes the price on many routes. Los Angeles to Houston runs $1,150 to $1,375, while Houston to Los Angeles runs $875 to $1,075. Carriers price the round trip, so the gap reflects how easily they find a load for the return leg.
Car Shipping Quote
- Get your quote fast and simple
- Instant car shipping cost calculator
- High accuracy in price estimation
- Ship a Car to Another State Easy
How Much More Is Enclosed Transport?
Enclosed transport costs 21.3% to 38.9% more than open, depending on distance. The gap grows on longer routes because enclosed trailers carry fewer cars and cost more to run.
| Distance | Enclosed premium |
|---|---|
| 100-499 mi | 21.3% |
| 500-999 mi | 28.0% |
| 1,000-1,499 mi | 34.1% |
| 1,500-1,999 mi | 38.9% |
| 2,000+ mi | 37.3% |
For example, Houston to Los Angeles runs $875 to $1,075 on an open carrier, while enclosed has a premium of 38.9%. Find your route's miles in the tables above, then match them to a band.
What Changes Your Houston Price
Distance and direction set the base price, and five other factors move it within the range. Most of them are in your control if your dates have some give.
For an exact figure on your dates and vehicle, use the car shipping calculator.
Vehicle size: a full-size pickup or large SUV takes more space and weight on the trailer than a sedan, so it costs more.
Running condition: these prices are for running vehicles. A car that doesn't run needs a winch, a cable that pulls the car onto the trailer, and costs 15% more.
Season: summer moving season fills trucks, and a named storm in hurricane season can pause pickups for a few days.
Pickup access: narrow streets inside the Loop or a gated subdivision may mean meeting the driver at a nearby lot.
Date flexibility: a wider pickup window lets us place your car on a truck already passing through. Guaranteed pickup and express transport cost more because they lock in or speed up your pickup.
How Long Does Car Shipping To or From Houston Take?
Most Houston shipments are picked up within 1 to 3 business days of your first available date, then spend up to 1 day in transit on most Texas routes and 1 to 5 days to other states.
Dispatch is the step where we assign a carrier to your order. Once the car is loaded, transit depends mostly on miles. Federal rules limit drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour workday, so a loaded carrier covers about 500 to 700 miles a day. Stops for the other cars on the trailer add time.
| Distance | Transit after pickup | Example Houston route |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 mi | Up to 1 day | Houston to Dallas |
| 500-699 mi | 1 day | Houston to Lubbock |
| 700-999 mi | 1-2 days | Houston to El Paso |
| 1,000-1,499 mi | 2-3 days | Houston to Chicago |
| 1,500-1,999 mi | 3-4 days | Houston to Los Angeles |
| 2,000+ mi | 4-5 days | Houston to Seattle |
Weather can add a day or two, especially when a Gulf storm or flooding closes roads around Houston. If your date is fixed, Guaranteed Pick-up commits the carrier to a 24-hour pickup window, and Express transport cuts dispatch to 1 to 2 business days. Neither shortens the drive itself.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping in Houston
Open transport fits most daily drivers and costs less. Enclosed transport costs 21.3% to 38.9% more and suits classic, exotic, luxury and brand-new cars that need full protection.
Open carriers move most cars on Houston routes, and they book faster because there are more of them on the road. Your car rides on the same kind of trailer that delivers new cars to dealers, and it arrives with the same road dust it would collect on a drive.
Enclosed carriers matter more on the Gulf Coast than in many places. Spring hail, storm debris and strong summer sun can all mark fresh paint or a ceramic coating. Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars, often 1 to 6, so plan on 2 to 4 weeks of notice. Many also use a hydraulic lift gate, which raises a low car level instead of driving it up a steep ramp.
Choose enclosed if a single paint or body repair would cost more than the premium. For a modern car with factory paint, open transport is the practical choice. See the premium table above for your distance.
How Houston Car Shipping Works with SGT
Shipping a car with SGT takes five steps, from quote to delivery. You pay no deposit to book, and nothing is charged until a carrier is assigned to your order.
Get a quote.
Book your shipment.
Carrier assigned.
Pickup.
Delivery.
Pickup Day
At pickup, you and the driver walk around the car together and record every existing mark. Both of you then sign the bill of lading, the signed condition report and receipt for your shipment. Take your own dated photos of every side, the roof and the odometer, and keep your copy of the bill of lading. In summer, plan a morning handoff, because afternoon heat makes a long inspection hard on everyone.
Delivery Day
At delivery, inspect the car before you sign anything. Compare it against the bill of lading, and write any new damage on it before you sign. If you can't be there, any adult 18 or older you name can stand in for you. Any remaining balance is paid to the driver by cash, money order or cashier's check. You can follow your shipment at any time on Track My Car.
Shipping a Car To vs. From Houston
Most Houston shipments are relocations, but the steps differ by direction. Moving to Houston adds Texas registration, while shipping out often involves a job move, a college move or an online sale.
Shipping a Car to Houston
People move to Houston for jobs in energy, at the Texas Medical Center, at NASA Johnson Space Center and at the city's universities. New residents have 30 days to register their car in Texas. Buy Texas liability insurance first, with at least $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage. Then register at the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector, or the tax office in your county. Bring a driver's license or photo ID, your out-of-state title or registration, proof of Texas insurance and Form 130-U.
Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston and Brazoria counties are among the 17 Texas counties that require an emissions test before registration. The test applies to gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old. Texas ended safety inspections for most non-commercial vehicles on January 1, 2025, under House Bill 3297, and you pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee instead. See our Texas car shipping page for the full registration steps.
Shipping a Car from Houston
Cars leave Houston for job transfers, college moves and online sales. Dealers and buyers also ship cars from auction yards such as Copart, IAA and Manheim. If you're shipping overseas, Port Houston, the Port of Galveston and Port Freeport handle vehicle exports. SGT can truck the car to the port. For Hawaii, the car travels by truck to a West Coast port and sails from there. See ship a car to another state and Hawaii car shipping.
Houston Car Shipping Services
SGT offers a full range of car shipping services in Houston, from standard open transport to enclosed, express and specialty moves. Each one fits a common Houston need.
Open car transport is a practical and budget-friendly choice for vehicle shipping. With fast transit times, flexible scheduling, and trusted service, it's no surprise that it's the preferred option for many of our customers.
Our cross-country car transport service offers a simple and convenient way to relocate your vehicle. From short interstate moves to coast-to-coast deliveries, we ensure your car reaches its destination safely and efficiently.
Choose our enclosed auto transport service when your vehicle deserves the highest level of protection. Enclosed trailers shield your car from weather, road debris, dust, and dirt, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition.
Whether you're relocating, buying, or selling a motorcycle, our reliable shipping service makes the process simple. We offer convenient door-to-door transport to ensure your bike arrives safely at its destination.
Need your vehicle picked up on a specific date? Our guaranteed car transport service is designed for customers with strict timelines, ensuring your vehicle is collected as scheduled and delivered with care.
Our college student car transport service makes it easy to bring your vehicle to campus. We pick up your car from your home and deliver it directly to your college, giving you the freedom and convenience of having your own transportation while you study.
Need to ship your vehicle on short notice? Our expedited car shipping service is designed for urgent situations, with vehicle pick-up available in as little as 1-2 business days, helping you stay on schedule.
Military relocations often happen with little notice, making dependable vehicle transport essential. Our military auto transport service supports active and retired military members by providing fast, secure shipping for PCS moves and other assignments.
Should You Ship or Drive Your Car To or From Houston?
For short Texas trips, driving usually makes more sense. For long trips, shipping often wins once you count fuel, hotels, meals, time off work and wear on the car.
Houston to Austin is about 165 miles, an easy half-day drive. Driving it yourself usually costs less than shipping, unless you're moving two cars at once. Houston to Los Angeles is a different trip at about 1,550 miles, which means two or three long days behind the wheel. You pay for fuel, hotels and meals along the way. You also add miles and wear to the car, which lowers its resale value, and you take days off work. Shipping lets you fly in on your own schedule while the car travels separately.
Car Shipping Quote
- Get your quote fast and simple
- Instant car shipping cost calculator
- High accuracy in price estimation
- Ship a Car to Another State Easy
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping in Houston
Clean it, photograph it, empty it, and leave about a quarter tank of fuel. Most people can get a car ready in about an hour.
See how to prepare your car for pickup for the full checklist.
Wash the car and take dated photos of every side, the roof and the odometer.
Remove personal items and loose parts. Up to 100 lbs can stay in the trunk or on the back seat below the window line, and the front seats must be empty.
Leave about a quarter tank of fuel, enough to drive on and off the trailer.
Remove your EZ TAG from the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA), or any other toll tag, so tolls from the carrier's trip are not billed to you.
Turn off or disarm the alarm.
Hand the driver a spare key.
Check the battery and tire pressure, because Houston heat is hard on both.
Note any fluid leaks and tell us about them.
Fold the mirrors and remove roof racks, bike racks and loose accessories.
Is My Car Insured During Transport?
Yes. Every carrier SGT books carries cargo insurance, and that limit covers all the cars on the truck together, not each car on its own.
Cargo insurance is the carrier's policy for the cars it hauls, and it is already part of your quote. Coverage runs $100,000 to $150,000 per load on open trailers and $250,000 to $3,000,000 per load on enclosed trailers, and you pay no deductible. Ask for the carrier's certificate of insurance once it is assigned, and check whether your own auto policy adds coverage during shipping. Personal items left in the car are not covered. Note any damage on the bill of lading before you sign at delivery.
See our quick guide on car insurance during car shipping, and what is usually covered.
How to Save on Houston Car Shipping
The biggest savings come from flexible dates and open transport. Small choices about timing and pickup spot also help.
Military members, students and dealers can find current offers on our deals page.
Give a pickup window of 3 to 5 days, so we can place your car on a truck already heading your way.
Book 1 to 2 weeks ahead, rather than at the last minute.
Choose open transport unless your car needs enclosed protection.
Meet the driver at an easy-access spot off Beltway 8 if your street is tight.
Avoid peak summer weeks and the days around a named storm.
Why Houston Drivers Choose SGT
Houston drivers choose SGT for clear prices, no upfront payment and a large carrier network. SGT is a licensed broker, MC 873392 and USDOT 2521690, and you can check both on the FMCSA SAFER website.
A broker arranges your shipment, and a licensed carrier owns the truck that moves your car. SGT Auto Transport has moved cars for 128,940+ customers through a network of 26,000+ vetted carriers. Every carrier's operating authority and insurance are checked before your car is dispatched.
We're rated 4.6 out of 5 from 16,877 reviews: 4.7 on Google, 4.44 with the BBB, 4.1 on Trustpilot and 3.8 on ConsumerAffairs. If you find a lower legitimate quote for the same service, our Price Match Guarantee covers the difference. Your quote holds for 7 business days, and nothing is charged until a carrier is assigned to your order.
Recent Houston Shipments
| Vehicle | Route | Month | Open or Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 BMW 3.0CSi | Houston, Texas - Buda, Texas | November | Enclosed |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz E300, 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 | Chandler, Arizona - Houston, Texas | November | Open |
| 2025 Harley-Davidson | Hollywood, Florida - Houston, Texas | November | Enclosed |
| 2007 Saab 9-5 | Houston, Texas - Buffalo, New York | November | Open |
Popular Car Shipping Routes From Houston and Texas
These are SGT's most-booked routes to and from Houston, plus our Texas city pages. Each route page shows prices and transit times for that lane.
Other, less popular Car Shipping Routes from and to Houston, TX
Car Shipping Quote
- Get your quote fast and simple
- Instant car shipping cost calculator
- High accuracy in price estimation
- Ship a Car to Another State Easy
Houston Car Shipping FAQs
How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Houston?
Shipping a car to or from Houston costs $775 to $1,600 on an open carrier for out-of-state routes, and $375 to $900 within Texas. Distance sets most of the price. Enclosed transport adds 21.3% to 38.9%, depending on distance. See the route tables for your lane.
How long does it take to ship a car from Houston?
Pickup takes 1 to 3 business days from your first available date. Transit then takes up to 1 day on most Texas routes, 1 to 3 days to the Southeast and Midwest, and 2 to 5 days to the West Coast, the Northeast and the Pacific Northwest.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Houston?
Choose an open carrier, give a pickup window of 3 to 5 days, and book 1 to 2 weeks ahead. Meeting the driver at an easy-access lot off Beltway 8 can also help. Avoid peak summer weeks and the days around a named storm.
How does hurricane season affect car shipping in Houston?
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. When a named storm approaches, carriers pause pickups and deliveries until roads are safe, usually for a few days. Flooded underpasses can add delays too. Book early from August to October, and keep your dates flexible.
Can you pick up my car inside the Loop or in a gated community?
Yes, though often not at your door. Narrow streets inside Loop 610 and many gated subdivisions limit a full-size carrier, so the driver meets you at a nearby lot or the subdivision entrance. Have your gate code ready, or register the driver with security in advance.
How far in advance should I book?
Book 1 to 2 weeks ahead for most Houston routes. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for enclosed transport, and book earlier for summer moves and hurricane season. If your date is fixed, Guaranteed Pick-up commits the carrier to a 24-hour pickup window.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. The carrier's cargo insurance covers your car from pickup to delivery, at $100,000 to $150,000 per load on open trailers and $250,000 to $3,000,000 on enclosed. The limit covers all the cars on the truck together, and you pay no deductible.
Can I put personal items in my car?
Yes, up to 100 lbs in the trunk or on the back seat below the window line. The front seats must stay empty. Cargo insurance doesn't cover personal items, so remove anything valuable, along with your EZ TAG and garage door openers.
Does someone need to be there at pickup and delivery?
Yes. You or an adult 18 or older you name must be present at both ends. That person inspects the car with the driver and signs the bill of lading. Name your contact when you book, because the driver releases the car only to the person on the paperwork.
What documents do I need to ship a car from Houston?
You don't need your title or registration to ship the car. You need the pickup and delivery addresses, a contact at each end and the keys. Dealers and auctions may ask for a gate pass, a lot number or a release form before the driver can collect the car.
Do I need to register my car in Texas after shipping it to Houston?
Yes, if you're moving to Texas. New residents have 30 days to register at their county tax assessor-collector office. Buy Texas insurance first, and pass an emissions test if you live in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston or Brazoria County.
Can you ship a car that doesn't run?
Yes. Tell us when you book, and we assign a carrier with a winch to load it. A non-running car costs 15% more than a running one. Let us know whether it rolls, brakes and steers, so we can send the right truck.
External Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, โQuickFacts: Houston city, Texasโ: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/houstoncitytexas/PST045225
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, โNew to Texasโ: https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/new-to-texas
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, โVehicle Emissions Inspections in Texasโ: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/im.html/vim/overview.html
- Texas Department of Public Safety, โVehicle Safety Inspection Changes Take Effect January 2025โ: https://www.dps.texas.gov/news/icymi-vehicle-safety-inspection-changes-take-effect-january-2025
- NOAA National Hurricane Center, โTropical Cyclone Climatologyโ: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/
- FMCSA, โSummary of Hours of Service Regulationsโ: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations
- FMCSA, โSAFER Company Snapshot, SGT Auto Transport (USDOT 2521690)โ: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/query.asp?searchtype=ANY&query_type=queryCarrierSnapshot&query_param=USDOT&query_string=2521690
- Port Houston: https://porthouston.com/
- Harris County Toll Road Authority, โEZ TAGโ: https://www.hctra.org/
