Shipping a Car from Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA is a 413-mile heading northwest run that runs entirely within California. Allow 1–2 days after pickup, in line with roughly 8 hours of highway time. This is a high-volume lane for us, so quotes tend to arrive quickly.
What Los Angeles to San Francisco Costs
We estimate open transport for a standard sedan at $350–$455, which is about $0.97 per mile over 413 miles. Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($510–$660), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $390–$510. If you can start from San Diego (91 mi away) the estimate is $410–$605, $60 more. Delivery to San Jose, 70 miles from San Francisco, would be $350–$400. Going the other way, San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA is estimated at $350–$485.
| Trailer | Car Type | Price Range | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $350–$455 | Lowest cost, most common |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $390–$510 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $390–$510 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $510–$660 | Luxury, classic and low-clearance cars |
Prices shown are for a typical sedan; actual quotes vary with exact addresses, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
Both cities are in California, so there are no state lines to plan around. California: I-5 and Highway 99 run the length of the Central Valley, and I-15 and I-10 cross the desert. Metros near that straight-line path include San Jose (CA), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them.
Timing and Seasonality
Mountain passes along the way can close in winter storms, adding a day or two between December and March. Two weeks of lead time works well for 413 miles. Across California expect mild coastal weather but snow on the Sierra passes in winter.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Los Angeles. Los Angeles International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area. The West Coast's largest auto-import and relocation market, with I-5, I-10 and I-405 and very deep carrier supply. Trucks working Los Angeles lean on I-10, I-405 and I-5.
Delivery in San Francisco. Carriers typically arrive around I-280 and I-80. A working port in the San Francisco area means customs and terminal release can affect timing for some vehicles. San Francisco International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area. Large rigs often cannot reach residential blocks here, so a parking-lot handoff is typical.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Mention port status. If the car arrives from or leaves through a port near Los Angeles, say so when you request quotes.
- Compare nearby pickup points. Moving the handoff a short drive from Los Angeles can change the price on a 413-mile lane.
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $350–$455 fits most cars; enclosed at $510–$660 suits luxury, classic or low cars.