Shipping a car from New York to Florida is one of the most popular seasonal transport routes in the U.S. Thousands of families, snowbirds, retirees, students, and relocating professionals make the north-to-south move every year, especially during fall and winter.
Whether you're planning a permanent move, heading south for the season, or purchasing a vehicle remotely, knowing the cost to ship a car from New York to Florida helps you budget accurately and avoid unnecessary surprises.
This comprehensive guide covers pricing, transport options, factors that affect cost, timelines, tips to save money, and answers to the most important FAQs.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car From New York to Florida?
On average, shipping a standard vehicle from New York to Florida costs between:
$800 – $1,300 (Open Carrier)
$1,200 – $1,900 (Enclosed Carrier)
These prices vary depending on:
Pickup/delivery cities
Time of year (peak snowbird season is higher)
Vehicle size and weight
Transport type
Current fuel rates
Carrier availability
New York to Florida is approximately 1,100–1,300 miles, making it a mid-distance route with high demand, especially between September and March.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?
Transit time typically ranges from:
3–6 days
Factors affecting delivery time include:
Weather and road conditions
Traffic patterns on I-95
Whether you choose standard or expedited shipping
Pickup location flexibility
Cost Breakdown by Transport Type
1. Open Auto Transport (Most Affordable)
Open carriers are the most common method and can haul up to 10 vehicles at once. This keeps prices low and transit times shorter.
Cost Range: $700 – $1,200
Best for: Daily-use cars, sedans, SUVs, and budget-friendly shipping.
2. Enclosed Auto Transport (Premium Protection)
Enclosed trailers protect your car from weather, road debris, and outside exposure.
Cost Range: $1,200 – $1,900
Best for: Luxury cars, exotic vehicles, classic cars, and high-value models.
What Affects the Cost of Shipping?
1. Vehicle Type & Size
Larger or heavier vehicles take up more carrier space and increase total weight.
For example:
Sedans → Lowest price
SUVs → +$75 to $150
Trucks → +$150 to $250
Oversized vehicles → Custom pricing
2. Distance & Route
Popular routes like New York to Florida cost less because carriers travel this corridor frequently, especially during peak snowbird season.
3. Seasonal Demand
Prices fluctuate throughout the year:
September–March: High demand → Higher prices
April–August: Lower demand → Cheaper
If you're flexible, shipping during the off-season can save money.
4. Delivery Preferences: Door-to-Door vs Terminal
Door-to-door is convenient but may cost slightly more.
Terminal shipping can be cheaper but takes longer and requires dropping off/picking up the car yourself.
5. Carrier Availability
When demand spikes, carrier space becomes limited—raising prices.
Popular New York to Florida Routes
Some of the busiest shipping paths include:
NYC to Miami
NYC to Orlando
Brooklyn to Tampa
Queens to Fort Lauderdale
Buffalo to Jacksonville
Albany to West Palm Beach
Prices vary slightly depending on exact pickup and drop-off locations.
Tips to Save Money on New York to Florida Car Shipping
1. Book Early (Especially September–March)
Booking 1–2 weeks in advance ensures better pricing and more carrier options.
2. Choose Open Transport
Save up to 40% compared to enclosed transport.
3. Be Flexible with Pickup Dates
Carriers can offer lower prices when they can match you with existing loads going the same direction.
4. Avoid Peak Weeks
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year rush drastically increase prices.
5. Compare Multiple Quotes
Always compare at least 2–3 offers from reputable brokers and carriers.
Do You Need Insurance When Shipping?
Licensed carriers are required to carry FMCSA-approved cargo insurance.
You should verify:
Damage coverage limits
Deductibles
Whether personal items are excluded (most are)
You can also request supplemental coverage for luxury vehicles.
Why So Many People Ship Cars on This Route?
1. Snowbirds Traveling South
A large portion of New Yorkers winter in Florida and prefer flying instead of driving.
2. College Students
Students relocating to Florida universities often ship their cars rather than drive long distances.
3. New Vehicle Purchases
Buying cars remotely online is becoming common, helped by safe and reliable state to state car shipping options.
4. Moving or Relocating
Families and professionals moving for job changes use transport services to avoid long drives.
Should You Drive or Ship Your Car?
Driving from New York to Florida is:
Around 19–22 hours of continuous driving
Approximately 1,200 miles
Requires gas, food, lodging, and potential vehicle wear
Shipping often ends up:
Safer
Cheaper
More convenient
If you ever need to tow a car long distance, auto transport usually costs less and is far safer than DIY towing.
Choosing the Right Auto Transport Company
You should work with a licensed, insured, FMCSA-registered auto transport company that offers:
Competitive pricing
Real carrier tracking
Door-to-door delivery
Flexible scheduling
Clear insurance details
Using the Right Services for Your Route
When comparing New York to Florida car shipping:
Use New York car shipping specialists who understand the northern pickup challenges
Use experienced Florida auto transport carriers skilled in navigating southern cities
These ensure smoother pickup and delivery.
How to Ship a Car From New York to Florida: Step-By-Step
Request quotes and compare services.
Choose a carrier type—open or enclosed.
Schedule pickup and provide flexibility.
Prepare your vehicle—clean, remove valuables, check tires/battery.
Meet the driver, complete inspection, and sign the Bill of Lading.
Track your vehicle throughout transit.
Inspect at delivery and sign the final paperwork.
FAQs: Cost to Ship a Car From New York to Florida
1. What is the cheapest way to ship a car from NY to FL?
Open carrier transport is the most affordable option and widely used for standard vehicles.
2. How long does it take to get a quote?
Most companies provide a detailed estimate within minutes when you request an auto transport quote online.
3. Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. All licensed carriers must provide cargo insurance. Always ask for proof of coverage before booking.
4. Can I ship a non-running car?
Yes, but it usually costs $100–$200 more because it requires special loading equipment.
5. Can I put personal items inside the car?
Most carriers discourage this, and anything inside is typically not covered by insurance.
6. Should I choose open or enclosed transport?
- Choose open transport for everyday vehicles.
- Choose enclosed transport for luxury, exotic, antique, or high-value cars.
7. Can I track my car during transport?
Many companies provide real-time tracking or driver contact information for regular updates.
8. Are door-to-door deliveries available?
Yes, most carriers offer door-to-door as long as the pickup or drop-off location is accessible for large trucks.
9. How early should I book?
Booking 7–10 days early ensures the best pricing and faster pickup.
10. Is this route available year-round?
Absolutely. New York to Florida is one of the busiest, most consistent transport routes in the country.
