Relocating to another state or across the country often raises an important question: Should you drive your car yourself or hire a professional shipping service? While both options come with unique costs and considerations, understanding the breakdown will help you make a smarter financial decision.
Driving Your Car: Costs to Consider
At first glance, driving your own vehicle might seem cheaper, but the expenses can add up quickly:
Fuel Costs – Depending on your car’s gas mileage and the distance, fuel can cost several hundred dollars.
Lodging and Meals – For long trips, you may need to book hotels and budget for meals along the way.
Time Investment – Your time has value. Multi-day trips can mean taking time off work or delaying other commitments.
Wear and Tear – Long-distance driving adds miles to your odometer, increasing depreciation and requiring more frequent maintenance (oil changes, tire replacements, etc.).
Unexpected Risks – Breakdowns, accidents, or emergencies may result in towing costs and other unplanned expenses.
When totaled, driving across several states can easily reach $1,000–$2,000 or more once all direct and indirect costs are factored in.
Shipping Your Car: Costs and Options
Hiring an auto transport company might sound more expensive initially, but in many cases, it’s the more cost-efficient choice, especially for long distances. Here’s why:
Flat Transport Rates – Your car shipping cost is typically based on distance, vehicle size, and transport type. Unlike driving, there are no hotel, food, or gas expenses.
Convenience – Professional transporters handle logistics, giving you peace of mind and saving time.
Insurance Coverage – A reputable auto transport company will provide some form of shipping insurance or cargo coverage during transit to protect your vehicle.
Reduced Wear and Tear – Your vehicle arrives with no additional mileage or road damage.
Different Transport Options:
Open Auto Transport – The most common and affordable method, where your car is shipped on an open carrier.
Enclosed Auto Transport – A premium option for luxury, classic, or high-value cars, offering full protection from weather and debris.
On average, car transportation between states ranges from $600 to $1,500, depending on distance and method. The final quote often depends on seasonality. The time of year will impact average rates due to demand from college students moving in, families relocating for the summer, or snowbirds heading south in the early winter.
Cross-country car shipping with brokers and carriers may cost between $1,000 and $2,500, but is often cheaper than the cumulative expenses of driving yourself.
Driving vs. Shipping: Which Is Cheaper?
For short distances (under 300 miles), driving yourself is usually cheaper since you avoid booking a carrier.
For medium to long distances (over 500–1,000 miles), shipping often becomes the more economical option once you factor in gas, lodging, food, maintenance, and time off work.
If your vehicle is high-value or rare, or if you want to avoid road risks, enclosed car shipping is worth the premium.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, timeline, and comfort level. But for long moves, many people find that shipping saves both money and hassle.
When to Drive vs. When to Ship a Car
Scenario | Better Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
Under 500 Miles | Drive | Usually the most affordable option with minimal travel expenses |
500–1,000 Miles | Depends on Budget & Time | Driving may cost less upfront, but shipping can save time, mileage, and overnight expenses |
1,000+ Miles | Ship | Often more cost-effective when fuel, hotels, food, vehicle wear, and time |
Tight Schedule | Ship | Allows you to fly to your destination while a professional carrier handles transport |
Road Trip Preferences | Drive | Ideal if you enjoy the journey, sightseeing, and flexibility of traveling |
For instance, a typical road trip from New York to Los Angeles will take about 40 hours and cover almost 3,000 miles. Most drivers will spend 8-10 hours a day on the road, so that is at least 4 days of food, gas, snacks, and entertainment, as well as 3 nights of hotel lodging somewhere safe that allows you, your passengers, and pets. When you compare the two, the cost of shipping a car vs. driving seems pretty clear, and you don’t have to coordinate anything on your own.
Driving vs. Shipping: Real-World Cost Breakdown
Expense Type | Driving | Shipping |
|---|---|---|
Fuel | $2.45 to $4.56 depending on region and geopolitical pressures | Included in quote |
Hotels | Average of $336/night | Not required |
Food | Average Big Mac Meal costs $11.50 plus tax | Not required |
Vehicle Wear & Tear | Adds mileage, depreciation, tire wear, oil change intervals, and maintenance costs | Minimal to none |
Transport Fee | None | One-time shipping charge |
Total Cost Variability | High; affected by fuel prices, lodging rates, route changes, weather, tolls, and unexpected repairs | More predictable; cost is generally known before booking with limited fluctuations |
FAQs About Car Shipping vs. Driving
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?
Brokers and carriers typically charge between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on distance, vehicle size, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
Is it cheaper to drive my car instead of shipping it?
For short moves, yes. But for long-distance relocations, the combined costs of gas, hotels, food, and wear-and-tear often make shipping more affordable.
What’s the difference between open and enclosed auto transport?
Open transport is cheaper with most brokers and carriers, but it exposes your vehicle to weather and road debris. Enclosed transport offers full protection at a higher price.
Can I put personal items in my car when shipping?
Some carriers allow limited belongings inside the vehicle, but weight restrictions apply. Always confirm with your chosen auto transport company.
How do I prepare my car for shipping?
Clean your car, remove personal items, check fluid levels, and take photos for documentation before handover.
Final Thoughts
If you’re moving short distances, driving may save you some money. However, for long relocations, hiring a car shipping service is often the smarter, safer, and surprisingly cost-effective choice. By weighing total expenses, not just upfront fuel, you can make the right decision for your situation.
