How to Ship Your Car from California to New York
Are you relocating, heading to school, or purchasing a vehicle on the West Coast that needs to get to the East Coast? Shipping a car from California to New York is a major move—but with the right car transport company, it doesn’t have to be stressful. At Lightning Car Transport, we specialize in long-distance auto shipping and make the coast-to-coast journey simple, safe, and seamless.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to ship your car from California to New York.
Why Choose Lightning Car Transport?
At Lightning Car Transport, we’re one of the most trusted names in nationwide auto transport. We’ve helped thousands of customers move their vehicles safely between California and New York. Whether you’re moving a family vehicle, a luxury car, or a college student’s ride, we handle it all with care, professionalism, and speed.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Car from California to New York
1. Get a Free Quote
Start by requesting a free, no-obligation quote on our website or by phone. We’ll give you an accurate price based on the vehicle type, shipping method, pick-up and delivery addresses, and timing.
2. Choose Your Transport Type: Open or Enclosed
We offer both open and enclosed auto transport options:
- Open transport is the most popular and cost-effective method. Your car is safely loaded on a carrier with other vehicles.
- Enclosed transport provides extra protection, ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
Our team can help you decide which is right for your needs and budget.
3. Schedule Pick-Up and Delivery
Once you confirm your shipment, we’ll schedule a convenient pick-up from anywhere in California—Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, or anywhere in between. We then coordinate delivery to your destination in New York, whether it’s New York City, Buffalo, Albany, or the surrounding areas.
4. Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport
Before we arrive, here are a few things to do:
- Clean your car and remove personal belongings
- Take photos of the current condition for your records
- Make sure your gas tank is no more than a quarter full
- Disable alarms and remove toll tags
5. Track Your Shipment
We provide regular updates throughout the journey. Our customer service team is available to answer your questions at any time during the transport process.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car from California to New York?
The journey typically takes 7 to 10 days, depending on exact pick-up and drop-off locations, weather, and traffic conditions. Our carriers travel over 2,800 miles across the country, and we do everything we can to keep you informed and on schedule.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from California to New York?
Pricing varies depending on several factors:
- Distance and route
- Vehicle size and weight
- Transport type (open vs. enclosed)
- Time of year
- Fuel prices and carrier availability
For transparent, accurate pricing tailored to your exact needs, reach out to our team today for a free quote.
Why People Trust Lightning Car Transport
- Nationwide coverage: We serve all lower 48 states, including door-to-door service from California to New York.
- Licensed and insured: We’re fully DOT-registered and FMCSA-compliant.
- Top-rated service: Our team is known for clear communication, honest pricing, and dependable delivery.
- Experience matters: We’ve successfully transported thousands of vehicles across long distances.
Ship with Confidence from California to New York
Whether you’re relocating for work, shipping a car to a college student, or buying a vehicle from across the country, Lightning Car Transport has your back. Our goal is to make long-distance car shipping easy, affordable, and stress-free.
Let us handle the logistics—so you can focus on what comes next.