Shipping a Car from Houston, TX to Tulsa, OK
Moving a car from Houston to Tulsa means about 527 miles northbound, through Texas and Oklahoma. A carrier needs about two days on the road at the usual 500 miles a day, and we estimate 1–2 days in transit once the car is loaded. Demand is moderate, so pickup windows are usually easy to fill.
The Route and Corridor
Along the way the route touches Texas and Oklahoma. Expect severe spring storms, Gulf hurricanes and desert heat in the west in Texas. Oklahoma: I-35, I-40 and I-44 cross, and turnpikes are tolled. Toll roads in Texas and Oklahoma are built into carrier pricing.
Timing and Seasonality
High Plains winter storms and spring thunderstorms are the main weather risks, so late spring and early fall are calmest. Start getting quotes roughly two weeks ahead for a move of 527 miles. Across Texas expect severe spring storms, Gulf hurricanes and desert heat in the west; across Oklahoma, tornado-season storms in spring.
What Houston to Tulsa Costs
We estimate open transport for a standard sedan at $395–$580, which is about $0.93 per mile over 527 miles. Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($575–$840), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $440–$650. For scale, San Francisco, CA to Eugene, OR is a similar 518-mile move at $390–$570. Delivery to Oklahoma City, 90 miles from Tulsa, would be $370–$540.
| Trailer | Vehicle | Estimated Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $395–$580 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $440–$650 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $440–$650 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $575–$840 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with exact addresses, condition and season.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Houston. Houston has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time. Trucks working Houston lean on I-10, I-45 and I-69. Giant Gulf Coast metro and port with deep carrier supply, but exposed to hurricane-season delays.
Delivery in Tulsa. Oklahoma's second city on I-44/I-244, with spring severe weather. Tulsa is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through. Trucks serving Tulsa lean on I-244 and I-44.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Be flexible on the date. A four-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading north.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up the evening before the truck reaches Tulsa.
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.