Looking for a Vehicle Transport Company Between California and Illinois?
From Point A in California to Point B in Illinois
Driving from California to Illinois would take 30+ hours of non-stop driving in perfect conditions, without stopping, and with no traffic. The reality is that it would probably take 5-6 days of actual travel, with rests, fueling stops, sleeping, and eating.
That’s a long time, especially if you don’t have the free space in your schedule. Luckily, SGT Auto Transport works in every state, and we will help you ship your car anywhere in the U.S. We are a professional car shipping company that specializes in both short and long-distance auto transport in California and car shipping in Illinois.
We provide a full hands-on experience of every aspect of the shipping process, including additional convenience and safety services. We vet each carrier that we contract, so we can guarantee that the job gets done on time, safely, and without any hiccups.
What to Expect from California to Illinois Vehicle Shipping with SGT Auto Transport
As a veteran Illinois auto transport company, we handle the administrative and logistical side of car shipping, looking for the most qualified, effective, and accountable carrier for the job. Once you’ve decided to book with us, you can reach us either by phone or via email.
Our team will help you set up the services that you need for your vehicle, including express shipping, door-to-door transportation, enclosed transport, and anything else that your booking might require. Once we’ve finalized the service, we use our knowledge and database of carriers to find the ones that fit you the best.
We rate each carrier on multiple points, from reliability, history in the industry, reputation, and insurance coverage, and that’s how we know that they can be relied on. Our team bids for the lowest possible price for current market conditions and provides you with an option - it's really that simple.
As far as reach goes, we cover the entirety of California and Illinois, so regardless of where you are or where you want to ship the car to, we’ve got you covered. What to ship from Fresno, CA, to Chicago, IL, from 94102 to 60007, or from Anza Vista, San Francisco, CA, to Avondale Gardens, Chicago, IL - it can be easily done - just give us a call.
Our Most Popular Vehicle Transport Routes from and to California: Table With Prices and Delivery Time
| 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 | $700 - $900 |
* The Prices shown up above are reflective of current market conditions as of 2026. The prices are subject to change due to seasonal fluctuations, price of gas, pick-up/delivery locations, etc.
Excellent excellent
I will definitely use SGT Auto Transport again.
Highly recommend for first time shippers.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from California to Illinois?
Shipping a car from California to Illinois typically costs about $850 to $1,199 for a standard vehicle using open transport, though quotes can vary based on route, vehicle size, and carrier type.
If you choose enclosed transport or ship a larger SUV/truck, prices can be higher, often up to around $2,000+
Our Most Popular Vehicle Transport Routes from and to Illinois: Table With Prices and Delivery Time
| FROM | TO | DELIVERY TIME | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Florida | 2-3 days | $749 - $949 |
| Illinois | California | 4-5 days | $799 - $999 |
| Illinois | Georgia | 1 day | $699 - $899 |
| Illinois | Texas | 1-2 days | $649 - $849 |
| Illinois | New York | 1-2 days | $699 - $899 |
| Florida | Illinois | 2-3 days | $699 - $899 |
| California | Illinois | 4-5 days | $899 - $1099 |
| Georgia | Illinois | 1 day | $599 - $799 |
| Texas | Illinois | 1-2 days | $599 - $799 |
| New York | Illinois | 1-2 days | $499 - $699 |
* The Prices shown above are reflective of current market conditions as of 2026. The prices are subject to change due to seasonal fluctuations, price of gas, pick-up/delivery locations, etc.
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
Auto Transport Costs & Delivery Time оn Car Shipping to and from California to Illinois?
ROUTE: FROM CALIFORNIA TO ILLINOIS
PRICE: $850 - $1199
DISTANCE: 2030 MILES
ESTIMATED DELIVERY TIME: 4 - 5 DAYS
"All prices and estimated delivery times provided on this site are approximations based on current market conditions as of 2026. These estimates are subject to change due to factors such as seasonal demand, fuel prices, and specific pick-up and delivery locations."
What Factors Affect the Cost to Ship a Car From California to Illinois?
| Factor | Impact on Pricing | Typical Numeric Range | California - Illinois Data | Cost Impact Level (1–5) | Est. Price Change ($) | Market Benchmark / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | Long cross-country distance increases fuel & transit time. | 2,000–2,300 miles | LA, CA - Chicago, IL ≈ 2,050 miles | 5 | +$700–$1,200 | Long-haul average: ~$0.60–$1.05 per mile |
| California Pickup Location | Metro pickups cost less than rural. | 0–150 miles from major highway hub | LA, SF, San Diego lowest; Fresno & rural CA higher | 4 | +$50–$250 | Remote pickups raise labor & deadhead miles |
| Illinois Delivery Location | Urban delivery cheaper than rural areas. | 0–100 miles from major metro | Chicago, Aurora lowest; rural Northern IL higher | 3 | +$50–$200 | Major I-55 & I-80 corridors have strong carrier flow |
| Vehicle Size | Larger vehicles take more trailer space. | 14–22 ft vehicle length | Full-size trucks & SUVs common in both states | 4 | +$100–$400 | Oversize fees above ~16 ft length |
| Vehicle Weight | Heavier vehicles increase fuel usage. | 3,000–6,500 lbs | Heavy EVs & lifted trucks more common on CA coast | 3 | +$75–$250 | Carriers limit total trailer weight ~40,000 lbs |
| Transport Type | Enclosed transport costs more than open carriers. | Open vs Enclosed | Luxury & classic vehicles often choose enclosed | 5 | +$400–$900 | Enclosed typically 30%–60% premium |
| Vehicle Condition | Non-operable vehicles need special handling. | Winch / Forklift Required | Project cars shipped to IL hobby market | 4 | +$150–$350 | Most carriers add fee for inoperable cars |
| Season | Peak season increases rates. | May–Sept peak | Moving season & Midwest storms | 4 | +$200–$500 | Summer prices ~20% higher nationally |
| Route Demand | High-volume routes can lower cost. | High vs Low volume | CA - Midwest sees strong carrier flow | 2 | -$50 to -$150 | Competition helps pricing on frequent lanes |
| Delivery Speed | Expedited shipping adds priority costs. | 2–5 days vs 7–10 days | Metro pickup/delivery fastest | 5 | +$300–$700 | Expedited service typically adds 25%–50% |
| Fuel Prices | Diesel price affects carrier costs. | $3.80–$5.80 per gallon | CA diesel among highest, Midwest lower | 4 | +$100–$300 | Fuel surcharges common |
| Toll Roads | Tolls add route expenses. | $20–$90 per route | Interstate tolls near Chicago & Indiana | 2 | +$25–$75 | Often billed to customers |
| Weather Risk | Severe weather can delay shipments. | Winter storms / inclement weather | Rockies & Midwest winter risk | 3 | +$50–$200 | Insurance & schedule buffers add cost |
| Carrier Availability | More carriers usually lower pricing. | 15–60 carriers/day | High carrier counts in major cities | 4 | -$100 to +$300 | Urban hubs offer pricing leverage |
| Insurance Coverage | Declared value affects coverage cost. | $50k–$250k+ value | Higher values common with CA EV market | 3 | +$50–$200 | Standard coverage typically $100k–$250k |
How long does it take to Ship a Car from California to Illinois?
| Pickup (CA) | Delivery (IL) | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Transit Time (Days) | Avg Daily Miles | Estimated Cost Range ($) | Route Type | Carrier Availability | Seasonal Risk Level | Fuel Cost Impact | Best Booking Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Chicago | 2,000 | 5–7 | 300–400 | $950–$1,650 | I-15 - I-70 - I-80 | Very High | Medium | High (CA fuel premium) | 7–10 days ahead |
| San Francisco | Aurora | 2,150 | 6–8 | 300–390 | $1,050–$1,750 | I-80 - I-80 | High | Medium–High | High | 10–14 days ahead |
| San Diego | Springfield | 1,900 | 5–7 | 290–380 | $1,000–$1,700 | I-8 - I-40 - I-55 | High | Medium | High | 10–14 days ahead |
| Sacramento | Rockford | 2,100 | 6–8 | 300–410 | $1,050–$1,800 | I-80 - I-90 | High | Medium–High | Medium–High | 7–10 days ahead |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
The price ranges for California auto transport to Illinois’ major cities or minor settlements depend on the current market. Due to the tidal travel distance of 2,100 miles, the price ranges can be from $1,200 to $2,000 +, with consideration to the specifics of your job, the current demand for this route, and any additional booked services.
You can get an early quote before booking by using our simple price calculator. It works by taking recent historical data and adding it to the information about your vehicle, the starting and ending locations, as well as any additionally booked service, and then gives you the average rates based on what you’ve chosen.
To get a more accurate reading and fine-tune the details of your booking, we suggest getting in contact with us so our team can give you a hand. Regardless of your starting ZIP code and the shipment address, we always do our best to find the best deals and negotiate on your behalf - so get started today
Our ratings make us one of the best auto transport companies shipping in the California to Illinois
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
How Does Vehicle Transport from California to Illinois Work?
| 1 | Get a Quote | Enter pickup in California, delivery in Illinois, and vehicle details. |
| 2 | Book Transport | Choose open or enclosed transport and confirm your dates. |
| 3 | Vehicle Pickup | Carrier inspects and loads the vehicle at the pickup location. |
| 4 | In Transit | Vehicle is transported from California to Illinois. |
| 5 | Delivery | Vehicle is delivered and inspected upon arrival in Illinois. |
From California to Illinois Auto Transport Routes, Transit Times & Fuel Costs
| From California & Nearby Areas | To Illinois & Nearby Areas | Distance (miles) | Avg Delivery Time | Estimated Fuel Prices* | Key Interstate Corridors Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | Chicago, IL | ~2,015 | 4–6 days | $3.80–$4.60/gal | I-15 N - I-70 E - I-80 E |
| San Diego, CA | Aurora, IL | ~2,080 | 5–7 days | $3.85–$4.65/gal | I-8 E - I-15 N - I-70 E - I-80 E |
| San Francisco, CA | Springfield, IL | ~2,130 | 5–7 days | $3.90–$4.70/gal | I-80 E - I-74 E |
| Sacramento, CA | Peoria, IL | ~2,050 | 5–7 days | $3.85–$4.65/gal | I-80 E - I-74 E |
| Fresno, CA | Rockford, IL | ~2,100 | 5–7 days | $3.85–$4.65/gal | CA-99 - I-80 E - I-90 E |
Advantages of Shipping Your Vehicle between California to Illinois with SGT Auto Transport
| High-Demand Eastbound Route | California to Illinois is a well-served cross-country auto transport lane. |
| Efficient Long-Haul Transit | Strategically optimized routes ensure reliable and timely delivery. |
| Competitive Pricing | Strong carrier availability helps maintain affordable transport rates. |
| Door-to-Door Service | Direct pickup in California with delivery to your location in Illinois. |
| Open & Enclosed Transport | Flexible options for standard, luxury, and classic vehicles. |
| Fully Insured Shipping | Carrier insurance included with every shipment for peace of mind. |
| Experienced Route Carriers | Drivers familiar with long-distance West-to-Midwest transport corridors. |
| No Mileage or Wear | Avoid added miles, wear, and stress from a long personal drive. |
Types of Vehicle Transportation Services we provide from California to Illinois
Here are some of the services we offer for vehicle transport:
Here are some of the services we offer for vehicle transport:
Door-To-Door Transport
Door-to-door transport in California is a staple service for car shipping from San Diego, CA, to Rockford, IL, and other major cities in California and Illinois. It's super convenient for shipping a car from a dealership to a mechanic or straight to your door - the choice is yours.
Open Car Transport
Open car transport Illinois is the ideal choice for budget-conscious customers who want to get the most out of auto transport to Illinois. This is the largest-volume option available, allowing you to ship one or more vehicles at once, to one or more addresses.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed auto transport California is the most suitable choice when shipping a valuable car long distance, and since San Jose, CA to Joliet, IL is about 2,200 miles of travel, this is the perfect service. If you want to ship a car that you want to protect, this is the best choice for you.
Guaranteed Pick-Up Service
The guaranteed pick-up service is a must-have if you plan on shipping on a short schedule, as it reduces the waiting time for pickup. It gives you the power to choose exactly when the carrier arrives for vehicle collection, avoiding the 2-3 day wait that regular services get.
Motorcycle Shipping
Motorcycle shipping in California is a specialized service that uses purpose-built trailers for motorcycles, which allow the shipping of multiple bikes over long distances. It's the ideal service regardless if you want to ship a singular bike or more than one - it gets you where you need to be, and it does it fast and secure.
Classic & Luxury Car Transport
Classic & Luxury car transport in Illinois is the go-to service when you want to ship a very special vehicle over a long distance. It provides the best that the auto transport industry can provide, and it does it fast. This service is more tailored to expensive cars that require a larger investment in equipment and insurance coverage.
Transport Cars For Dealerships
We regularly transport cars for dealerships to Illinois from California, to any address, in large quantities, allthroughout the year. For jobs like these, we contract the most reliable carriers we work with, who we know we can trust to get the job done properly, without any hiccups - because we know that time is money.
Military Car Shipping
Military car shipping California is a service that helps active military members and veterans relocate their vehicles to a new PCS assignment. We help with port access and provide quick-reaction relocation to any state of your choice, including California to Illinois.
College Students Car Transport
Getting to go to college is an exciting time in a person’s life, especially if it's for the first year. We also know how important independence is and how vital a car may be for that, so we provide a specialized, personalized, and tailored service for college student car transport in California.
Express Auto Transport
Get express auto transport in Illinois if you are in a hurry and need to get a vehicle from California to Illinois ASAP. This service cuts the waiting time up to 65% when compared to regular shipping, and makes your booking a priority both for us and the carrier we select for you.
Route Local Factors Influencing Vehicle Transport from California to Illinois
| Route Segment | Transport-Specific Factor | Operational Impact | Avg Delay Risk (Days) | Avg Speed (MPH) | Fuel Cost Impact (%) | Carrier Density | Weather Risk Level | Est. Cost Impact ($) | Best Transit Window | Operational Notes / Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California (LA / Inland Empire) | High outbound auto volume | Pickup congestion and queueing | 0.5–1.5 | 25–45 | +3%–6% | Very High | Low | $50–$150 | Late night / Early morning | Use terminals, flexible pickup windows, appointment scheduling |
| I-15 (CA–NV) | Mountain grades and desert heat | Fuel inefficiency, brake stress | 0–0.5 | 45–60 | +4%–7% | High | Medium | $25–$100 | Early morning | Avoid midday heat; inspect brakes and cooling systems |
| Las Vegas Metro, NV | Tourism-driven congestion | Variable transit times | 0.5–1 | 20–40 | +2%–4% | High | Low | $25–$75 | Overnight | Avoid weekends and major event periods |
| I-70 (UT–CO) | Steep grades and elevation changes | Reduced speeds, weather exposure | 0.5–2 | 35–55 | +3%–6% | Medium | High | $50–$200 | Midday | Weather routing tools and chain readiness in winter |
| Denver Metro, CO | Urban congestion and freight density | Interchange delays | 0.5–1 | 30–50 | +1%–3% | High | Medium | $25–$100 | Late night | Bypass rush hours and schedule off-peak transfers |
| Great Plains (KS–NE) | High crosswinds | Load stability and speed reductions | 0–1 | 55–65 | +1%–3% | Medium | Medium | $25–$100 | Morning | Reduce speed during wind advisories |
| I-80 (IA) | Seasonal weather variability | Snow and storm-related delays | 0.5–1.5 | 45–60 | +2%–4% | Medium | High | $50–$150 | Midday | Monitor DOT alerts and winter storm forecasts |
| Northern Illinois (Chicago Metro) | Heavy traffic density and strict delivery windows | Precision scheduling required | 1–2 | 15–35 | +2%–5% | Very High | Medium | $75–$300 | Mid-morning | Secure delivery appointments and avoid peak congestion hours |
We provide car shipping services between California to Illinois, and across the country
Coast to coast, north to south, and anywhere else you need to ship your car
Coast to coast, north to south, and anywhere else you need to ship your car
Car transport to or from 48 other states
Types of Vehicle Transportation Services we provide in California to Illinois
Make your choice for car transport
Make your choice for car transport
Service type:
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 California to Illinois:
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to California?
Getting a car from Florida to California means covering a lot of ground. We estimate 4 to 5 days for this job, and costs of $1200 to $1500.
How much does it cost to ship a car from New York to California?
Auto transit from New York to California means literally traversing the width of the US. Figure on 6 to 8 days, and costs of $1200 to $1500.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Illinois to California?
In our experience, getting a vehicle from Illinois to California should take 3 to 5 days, and cost in the neighborhood of $1100 to $1200.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Washington to California?
From our experience, auto transport from Washington to California is a 3 to 5 day job and should cost $900 to $1100.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Illinois?
Getting a vehicle from Florida to Illinois should be a 2 to 3 day process, and you can expect to spend $749 to $949.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Illinois?
In our experience, getting a car from California to Illinois is a lot of driving; expect this to take 4 to 5 days at a cost of $799 to $999.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Georgia to Illinois?
Georgia to Illinois is a fairly direct and straightforward job; this will usually take 1 day (barring delays) and shipping costs should be $699 to $899.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Texas to Illinois?
There are a lot of miles to cover from Texas to Illinois; depending on the departure point and destination, expect this to take 1 to 2 days and total costs should be $649 to $849
How much does it cost to ship a car from New York to Illinois?
Our drivers have made the run from New York to Illinois before; this should be 1 to 2 days, and shipping costs will be in the neighborhood of $699 to $899.