How does car shipping to/from San Diego, CA work?
Why Should you Choose SGT Auto Transport for Car Shipping in San Diego?
At SGT Auto Transport, we’re a go-to resource for auto transport to San Diego, all centered around your schedule and your needs. We have a lengthy track record of success and experience in auto transport, and we’re proud to deliver that service at your convenience, making the process as seamless and streamlined as possible. Our sales team has the right connections to find the right San Diego auto transport service for your needs, and our dispatch, customer support and claims teams are here to help make sure that your shipment is flawless and everything is to your satisfaction.
SGT Auto Transport’s process puts flexibility as a top priority, along with safety and cost-effectiveness; we want to make sure that every customer is a happy customer. We take the necessary steps to make certain all these elements come together and make your experience a positive one.
Get your quote fast in simple steps, calculate your vehicle transportation cost, and ship your car to another state with SGT Auto Transport!
What flexible shipping options are available?
We realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for car shipping needs, which is why we’ve built a varied assortment of vehicle transport services; there’s bound to be one that will meet all your expectations and your needs. Whether you’re shipping an exotic car, a vintage ride, a SUV, motorcycle, family sedan or almost any other kind of vehicle, we give you the options to choose what’s going to suit you best. Our team of seasoned car shipping professionals is mindful of the time frame, the due date and the kind of protection that your vehicle needs, and we’ll custom-fit your booking around your needs and your preferences.
How Can you Ensure Safe, Reliable, and Affordable Car Shipping?
At SGT Auto Transport, we have a network of carriers we work with; all of them have undergone an exhaustive screening process to make sure that they live up to our very high expectations and standards. We have to set a high bar so that we can be certain that you and your vehicle will be treated with the care and respect that you need and deserve. SGT Auto Transport is fully insured and licensed, and has successfully handled and transported over 100,000 vehicles. That adds up to over 76,000 satisfied customers and an overall customer rating of 4.7 – that’s the kind of success that only comes from great care and attention to detail, and doing everything to make sure your vehicle gets white-glove treatment and is safe in our hands.
How long does it take to transport a car to and from San Diego, CA?
Not surprisingly, shipping times are all dependent on how far your vehicle has to be hauled. In most cases, a shipping distance of 200 miles or less takes no more than a couple of days’ time. For longer distances, such as a trip of 2000 miles or so, shipping times can be as long as nine days. Nine days might sound like a lot, but you can be assured that our advisers and dispatchers will do everything they can to provide auto transport service that’s on-time, on-point and as efficient and professional as possible.
Of course, there can be other factors that figure into the time it takes to ship a vehicle, many of which are out of our control and yours. Distance, of course, is a deciding factor but also traffic, weather and road conditions, road construction, detours, driver’s hours and even the time of year can all make a difference in this equation. If you’ve ever planned a long road trip for a vacation, you’ve no doubt experienced some of these factors yourself. Be assured, though, that we do everything we can to make sure that your vehicle is shipped as safely and quickly as possible, including taking the most direct route possible from point A to point B.
If you need to expedite your shipment to or from San Diego, SGT Auto Transport can give you the option of express car shipping or guaranteed pickup, both of which can shave some time off of shipping schedules.
Ship a car to San Diego in 3 easy steps
Learn how to ship your car in 3 quick, simple, and easy steps
Learn how to ship your car in 3 quick, simple, and easy steps
Car Transportation Areas We Serve in San Diego, CA
| 92101 | 92102 | 92103 | 92104 | 92105 |
| 92106 | 92107 | 92108 | 92109 | 92110 |
| 92111 | 92113 | 92114 | 92115 | 92116 |
| 92117 | 92119 | 92120 | 92121 | 92122 |
| 92123 | 92124 | 92126 | 92127 | 92128 |
| 92129 | 92130 | 92131 | 92139 | 92140 |
| 92145 | 92147 | 92154 | 92155 | 92161 |
| 92173 |
How much does auto transport to/from San Diego cost?
Auto transport companies in San Diego take a number of different factors into account when working out an auto transport quote. The make, model, and year of the car you want to ship is a primary consideration, along with the distance you want to ship it. However, these are the only factors that must be taken into account. The following car transport details are also considered when calculating the cost of car transport to/from San Diego:
Distance
Pick-up date
Route
Vehicle (Make and Model)
Vehicle condition
Transport method
Seasonality
Discount
Car Shipping Quote
- Get your quote fast and simple
- Instant car shipping cost calculator
- High accuracy in price estimation
- Check delivery time based on distance
Top 10 most popular routes for car shipping to/from San Diego
Check out the rates and time frames below for making a more informed decision
Check out the rates and time frames below for making a more informed decision
| FROM | TO | DELIVERY TIME | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, California | San Francisco, California | 0 - 1 day | $449-$649 |
| San Diego, California | Los Angeles, California | 0 - 1 day | $349-$549 |
| San Diego, California | New York, New York | 5 - 7 days | $1149-$1349 |
| San Diego, California | Miami, Florida | 5 - 7 days | $1099 - $1299 |
| San Diego, California | Chicago, Illinois | 4 - 5 days | $999 - $1199 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | San Diego, California | 5 - 7 days | $1049 - $1249 |
| Detroit, Michigan | San Diego, California | 4 - 5 days | $999 - $1199 |
| Dallas, Texas | San Diego, California | 2 - 3 days | $649-$849 |
| Newark, New Jersey | San Diego, California | 5 - 7 days | $1149 - $1349 |
| Portland, Oregon | San Diego, California | 2 - 3 days | $749 - $949 |
* The prices shown above are reflective of current market conditions as of 2025. The prices are subject to change due to seasonal fluctuations, price of gas, pick-up/delivery locations, etc.
Popular California Auto Transport Routes
| FROM | TO | DELIVERY TIME | PRICE* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Florida | 4 - 5 days | $1200 - $1500 | |
| California | New York | 6 - 8 days | $1200 - $1500 | |
| California | Illinois | 3 - 5 days | $1100 - $1200 | |
| California | Washington | 3 - 5 days | $900 - $1100 | |
| California | Georgia | 4 - 5 days | $1100 - $1300 | |
| Florida | California | 4 - 5 days | $1000 - $1250 | |
| New York | California | 6 - 8 days | $1200 - $1500 | |
| Illinois | California | 3 - 5 days | $1000 - $1100 | |
| Washington | California | 3 - 5 days | $700 - $900 | |
| Georgia | California | 4 - 5 days | $1100 - $1300 |
* The Prices shown up above are reflective of current market conditions as of 2025. The prices are subject to change due to seasonal fluctuations, price of gas, pick-up/delivery locations, etc.
SGT Auto Transport - Car Shipping Services in San Diego, CA. Our Ratings and Customers' Reviews.
Our ratings highlight the excellence of our car shipping services across the US
Our ratings highlight the excellence of our car shipping services across the US
Get your Instant Car Shipping Quote in San Diego, CA
Car Shipping Quote
- Get your quote fast and simple
- Instant car shipping cost calculator
- High accuracy in price estimation
- Check delivery time based on distance
The best ways and methods to ship a car to or from San Diego, CA
As far as actually setting up, managing and completing your car transport, SGT Auto Transport has a variety of choices at your disposal, all depending on your specific needs. One of the most popular options is open car shipping - it’s a simple and safe way to ship all types of vehicles, and it’s one of the most cost-effective. For vehicles that are more rare, valuable or delicate, enclosed auto transport can be an appropriate choice. In enclosed transport situations, the vehicle is securely hauled in a trailer that’s fully sealed and protects the vehicle from the elements on all four sides. Got a last-minute shipping job, or perhaps you need expedited shipping? It’s not a problem - we know these things come up, and we invite you to take advantage of our express auto transport or guaranteed pick-up service, both of which can fast-track your vehicle to its destination.
Types of Vehicle Transportation Services we provide in San Diego, CA
Make your choice for car transport
Make your choice for car transport
Service type:
Other, less popular Car Shipping Routes from and to San Diego, CA
How long does it take to transport a car to and from San Diego and how much does it cost?
When it comes to car transport, numerous factors can come into play while figuring the total cost of shipping a vehicle. One of the top considerations is the type of vehicle you need to ship, with the distance from pickup point to destination being the next big influence on shipping costs. In general, there is a number of aspects that can determine the cost of auto transport in each location.
Route Overview and Driving Distance
| Route | Distance (mi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego → Los Angeles, CA | ~120 | I-5 North |
| San Diego → Phoenix, AZ | ~355 | I-8 East |
| San Diego → Las Vegas, NV | ~330 | I-15 North |
| San Diego → San Francisco, CA | ~500 | I-5 North |
| San Diego → Sacramento, CA | ~510 | I-5 North |
| San Diego → Dallas, TX | ~1,350 | I-8 East → I-10 |
| San Diego → Denver, CO | ~1,050 | I-15 North → I-70 |
| San Diego → Seattle, WA | ~1,250 | I-5 North |
| San Diego → Chicago, IL | ~2,050 | I-15 → I-70 → I-80 |
| San Diego → New York, NY | ~2,750 | I-8 East → I-10 → I-95 |
I recently utilized SGT Auto Transport to ship my vehicle from Louisiana to San Diego, California, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From start to finish, their service was exceptional.
The team at SGT Auto Transport proved to be incredibly reliable, ensuring a seamless process from booking to delivery. The driver, Viktor, was a consummate professional, maintaining regular contact throughout the journey, keeping me informed of my vehicle's whereabouts and estimated arrival time.
I highly recommend SGT Auto Transport to anyone in need of vehicle shipping services. Their reliability, professionalism, and top-notch customer service make them the go-to choice for transporting vehicles across the country. If you're looking for peace of mind and a hassle-free experience, look no further than SGT Auto Transport. Thank you for your outstanding service!
SGT and that driver earned the 5 stars so we turned around a couple of weeks later and did it again. And that experience was at least equal to the first. We couldn’t be happier.
Some people may care that SGT Auto Transport is not the trucking company that moves your car. They handle the booking and communications with the trucking company. It didn't bother me because the hand-off to the trucking company was seamless. We met the driver and he seemed very trustworthy.
Neighboring Areas Served
| City / Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Chula Vista, CA | Major suburb south of SD |
| El Cajon, CA | East county shipping |
| La Mesa, CA | Residential pickups |
| Escondido, CA | North county inland |
| Oceanside, CA | Near Camp Pendleton |
| Carlsbad, CA | Affluent coastal community |
| Encinitas, CA | Coastal dropoff |
| National City, CA | Port and industrial hub |
| Tijuana, MX | Cross-border proximity |
| Poway, CA | Inland suburban hub |
Want to know the cost of shipping a car to and from San Diego, CA with SGT Auto Transport ?
There are a number of moving parts involved when auto transport companies in San Diego need to calculate an auto transport quote. One of the top factors, of course, is the year, make and model of the vehicle that needs to be shipped, along with the distance that needs to be covered during shipping. These are other details that can have an effect on determining the cost of car transport to or from San Diego
Common Pickup & Dropoff Zones
| Zone | Notes |
|---|---|
| Naval Base San Diego | Military relocations |
| Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton | High volume of military moves |
| San Diego International Airport | Air cargo & logistics |
| Port of San Diego | Import/export vehicles |
| Downtown San Diego | High-rise residential pickups |
| Mission Valley | Central logistics corridor |
| Otay Mesa | Border crossing truck hub |
| Miramar (MCAS) | Military transport demand |
| University City / La Jolla | Affluent residential area |
| South Bay (Chula Vista/National City) | Dense residential zones |
Advantages of working with SGT Auto Transport in San Diego, CA
SGT Auto Transport has been an important cog in the auto transport industry for many years. These years of experience mean we’ve got lots of tips to share.
There are a number of advantages to working with SGT Auto Transport for your vehicle shipping needs. We invite you to take a look at our customer reviews and hear from the satisfied clients who have used our services. We personalize your customer experience and offer 24/7 support and customized solutions that will give you the peace of mind of knowing your shipment is monitored continuously, and that we’ll always be available to help should you need us
Everyone’s needs are different and no two auto transport jobs are going to be the same - that’s why our services are all customizable to ensure they’re a good fit for your vehicle, your preferences and your budget.
All-inclusive insurance coverage is bundled into your shipping quote, an industry-standard level of protection that gives you the confidence of knowing that your vehicle is safe and secure through the shipping journey. Your vehicle is important and we take every precaution and make sure to go that extra mile to put your trust as a top priority; we want every shipping job to be a worry-free experience for our customers.
Gas Stations Along the Route
| Corridor | Stations per 10 mi | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| I-5 North (towards LA) | ~3–4 | Frequent coastal fueling |
| I-8 East (towards Arizona) | ~2–3 | Stations thin past El Centro |
| I-15 North (towards Vegas) | ~3 | Truck stops near Temecula |
| I-805 | ~2–3 | Urban corridor fueling |
| SR-163 | ~2 | Downtown freeway |
| SR-52 | ~2 | East–west commuter corridor |
| Otay Mesa area | ~3 | Truck fueling before border |
| Miramar Road | ~4 | Industrial fueling area |
| Pacific Hwy | ~3 | Near port and airport |
| El Cajon Blvd | ~3–4 | Central San Diego corridor |
Car Shipping Quote
- Get your quote fast and simple
- Instant car shipping cost calculator
- High accuracy in price estimation
- Check delivery time based on distance
Traffic Patterns & Timing
| Area / Time | Traffic Insight |
|---|---|
| I-5 Downtown SD | Peak congestion AM/PM |
| I-8 Mission Valley | Bottlenecks weekends & rush hour |
| I-15 North | Heavy commuter congestion |
| I-805 | Busy alternative to I-5 |
| SR-163 Downtown | Bottleneck into city core |
| Coronado Bridge | Tourist & Navy base delays |
| Beach traffic (summer) | Delays to Mission Beach, La Jolla |
| Otay Mesa border | Truck delays up to hours |
| Holiday weekends | Tourist surges from LA/Arizona |
| Sports events (Petco Park, Snapdragon Stadium) | Localized heavy traffic |
Tips for San Diego Car Shipping Services
SGT Auto Transport has been an important cog in the auto transport industry for many years. These years of experience mean we’ve got lots of tips to share.
Summer months tend to see a lot more traffic and congestion in San Diego, which can have an effect on shipping costs. Wintertime is a better season for shipping or moving to this city.
It’s a good idea to do a little research on the parking situation, if you plan on bringing your car with you to get around and explore the neighborhoods that San Diego has to offer. Parking in many neighborhoods can be limited or can be pretty expensive.
San Diego boasts a public transportation system that they can be proud of, but to make the most of what they have to offer it’s a good idea to get a PRONTO card or Compass card.
Do a little research on the neighborhoods in San Diego, according to your tastes, your needs and your budget. La Jolla, Hillcrest, Pacific Beach and North Park are all desirable and popular places to live in this city
One thing people love the most about San Diego is its weather; it’s sunny, warm and mild almost year-round, and even in the winter about the worst you’ll experience is rain and a little bit of a chill. That makes San Diego a great place for all kinds of outdoor fun.
Seasonal Road & Weather Impact
| Season | Impact |
|---|---|
| Summer tourist season | Beach traffic congestion |
| Winter rains (Dec–Feb) | Flooding on some roads |
| Santa Ana winds (Fall) | Visibility & wildfire risks |
| Wildfire season | Interstate closures inland |
| Holiday season | Airport & mall congestion |
| Spring Break | Beach-area congestion |
| Foggy mornings | Low visibility coastal zones |
| Extreme heat inland | Carrier stress east of SD |
| Cross-border delays | Heavier in summer & holidays |
| Year-round mild climate | Generally favorable overall |
Prepare Your Vehicle for Auto Transportation from San Diego, CA
If you want to ensure a smooth, safe, and cost-effective auto transport process, there are some things you can do to prepare your vehicle.
Give your vehicle a good wash inside and out before shipping, to make any potential damage en route easier to spot
Document any existing damage and take pictures, including scratches, dents, loose trim or general wear and tear
Inspect your vehicle for any coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid or oil leaks that could pose a safety or environmental risk during the trip
Remove or secure any bike racks, air dams/spoilers, cargo boxes or other taccessories
Disable any alarms
Make sure the toll tags or parking passes are disabled, to avoid any accidental charges during the transport
Ensure the battery is fully charged
Leave a quarter tank or less of fuel in the vehicle, which will cut shipping weight and reduce the risk of fuel leakage
Make sure the shipper has a spare key for the vehicle
Fold in side mirrors and remove or secure any emblems, antennas or other detachable parts
Leave any special instructions with the shipping contractor
Local Road Permits & Regulations
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Oversize load permits | Required from Caltrans |
| Weigh stations | I-5 & I-8 corridor checkpoints |
| Border inspections | Otay Mesa / San Ysidro |
| Hazmat restrictions | Certain bridges/tunnels restricted |
| Truck route restrictions | Downtown truck bans |
| Noise ordinances | Residential unloading limits |
| Environmental zones | Strict CA emissions compliance |
| Naval base access | Military permits required |
| Escorts for oversize | Mandatory for wide loads |
| Caltrans checkpoints | Agricultural inspection stations |
How to Save on Car Shipping in San Diego, CA
We should mention here that there are several options available that can help control the cost of shipping your car, while still offering the level of service you expect. Additionally, booking well in advance (a few weeks in advance, if possible) can help you see a significant savings, since last-minute hotshot bookings are going to come with extra expense. Rates vary by times of the year, so we recommend booking your transport during off-peak periods. Shipping along popular routes tends to be cheaper, as opposed to shipping to remote or out-of-the-way locations. Finally, we invite you to take advantage of the discounts that SGT Auto Transport offers, by visiting our dedicated page where you can grab a special deal.
Local Events Affecting Delivery
| Event | Impact |
|---|---|
| Comic-Con International | Massive downtown congestion |
| San Diego Pride Parade | Hillcrest closures |
| Padres MLB games (Petco Park) | Downtown delays |
| Chargers/State football at Snapdragon | Mission Valley traffic |
| Holiday Bowl | Downtown congestion |
| Fleet Week | Port & Naval Base closures |
| Fourth of July fireworks | Coastal congestion |
| Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon | Citywide street closures |
| Maritime festivals | Harbor congestion |
| Tourist season (summer) | General delays citywide |
Receiving Your Vehicle in San Diego
If possible, try to be present when the carrier shows up to deliver your vehicle. If you’ve got other commitments, however, you can make other arrangements such as appointing a third-party person to stand in for you. That could be a coworker, friend, family member, or neighbor, providing that person is at least 18 years of age.
When it’s time to unload the vehicle, the driver will ask you to perform an inspection and to make sure that it matches what’s documented on the Bill of Lading. If, when you made your initial booking, you opted for the discounted price payment, this is when you will hand the balance of what’s owed to the driver. Payments are accepted in the form of cash, with either a cashier’s check or money order.
Local Geographical & Terrain Factors
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Coastal bluffs | Limited road expansion |
| Mountains east (Cuyamacas) | I-8 steep grades |
| Desert eastward | Heat stress for carriers |
| Urban density | Narrow downtown streets |
| Port access roads | Truck staging bottlenecks |
| Border proximity | Extra inspections |
| Military zones | Restricted access roads |
| Highway interchanges | I-5/I-8/I-15 congestion |
| Wildfire-prone areas | Occasional closures |
| Valley floors | Flood-prone in winter rains |
Examples of Cars we Shipped to and from San Diego, CA
1970 Buick GSX Shipped to San Diego, CA ZIP: 92135
While Buick is usually perceived as an upper-end luxury brand, the GSX version of the Skylark was a high-performance edition with a 455 V8 and other go-fast goodies. The GSX was not a big seller and is a scarce vehicle today, and this owner was very pleased with the kid-glove treatment his rare ride received from SGT Auto Transport on its trip to San Diego.
2023 Lucid Air Touring Shipped to San Diego, CA ZIP: 92111
In the world of EV’s, the Lucid Air represents the next generation in electric vehicle technology. Loaded with cutting-edge features and design, the Lucid Air is a valuable vehicle that deserves special care and handling when it comes to auto transport. This Lucid Air’s owner was understandably picky about how his vehicle was treated on its journey; on delivery, he gave it a thorough going-over and was delighted with the outcome.
Chevrolet Cortvette C8 Shipped to San Diego, CA ZIP: 92181
The C8 is a late-generation heir to the Chevrolet Corvette legacy, with outstanding performance and world-class design and style. A car like the Corvette C8 deserves premium-level treatment from any auto transport service, and this Corvette’s owner wanted to make sure of that when he trusted his car to SGT Auto Transport. After he took delivery of the Corvette in San Diego, he was more than pleased with the careful handling and painstaking attention to detail that his car received on its journey.
Honda Civic Type R Shipped to San Diego, CA ZIP: 98104
The Civic Type R is no ordinary Honda - it’s a high-performance iteration of the commonplace Civic model, with a high-output engine, ground effects and a sport suspension, among other features. This Type R made its way to San Diego without a hitch and on time, and its owner was pleased as punch when it made it to its destination…it’s just one more success story for the team at SGT Auto Transport.
Car Shipping Quote
- Get your quote fast and simple
- Instant car shipping cost calculator
- High accuracy in price estimation
- Check delivery time based on distance
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Shipping Services in San Diego, CA
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to Michigan?
While final costs can vary due to a number of factors, the usual shipping costs to get a car from San Diego to Michigan is in the range of $1100 - $1200.
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to Illinois?
While it’s a pretty straight shot from San Diego to Illinois, costs can vary; a ballpark estimate would be $1100 - $1200.
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to New York?
Even under the best circumstances, the coast-to-coast trip from San Diego to New York would be a time-consuming one; our shipping costs for this run would be in the range of $1200 - $1500.
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to Hawaii?
Shipment of a car from San Diego to Hawaii requires a lot more on the logistics side (not surprisingly) and can be in the range of $1899-$2099, depending on several variables.
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to Boston?
While final costs can vary according to your needs and the specifics of the service you request, in most cases shipping a car from San Diego to Boston is around $1049-$1249.
How much does it cost to transfer a car from Michigan to San Diego?
In most cases, shipment of a car from Michigan to San Diego will range around $1100 - $1300. Costs can vary depending on shipment method, the vehicle itself and other factors.
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to Atlanta?
Need to get your car from San Diego to Atlanta? You can calculate a shipping cost of around $1000 - $1300, depending on a few other factors that can come into play.
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to Oklahoma
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to Oklahoma