Shipping a Car from Philadelphia, PA to Richmond, VA
Moving a car from Philadelphia to Richmond means about 246 miles heading southwest, through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Transit after dispatch is about 1–2 days (5 hours of driving, plus stops). This lane sees steady, moderate demand.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Virginia: I-95, I-81 and I-64 are busy, and Hampton Roads tunnels bottleneck. In New Jersey, the tolled New Jersey Turnpike and the Newark port area create heavy truck traffic. In Delaware, the I-95 stretch is short and tolled at the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Toll roads in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are built into carrier pricing.
Timing and Seasonality
With only 246 miles between Philadelphia and Richmond, weather matters less than carrier availability; a local operator or single-car trailer can sometimes be quicker and cheaper. For a 246-mile trip, request quotes about two weeks before pickup. Across Pennsylvania expect snow on the Allegheny mountain grades; across Virginia, snow in the mountains and coastal storms.
What Philadelphia to Richmond Costs
Current estimates put open transport for a standard sedan at $350–$395, which is about $1.51 per mile over 246 miles. Short hauls hit a minimum charge, so the per-mile number looks high. For a larger vehicle plan on $390–$440, and for enclosed carriage of a sedan plan on $510–$575 (about 46% above open). Delivery to Norfolk, 81 miles from Richmond, would be $350–$425. Loading in New York City, about 81 miles from Philadelphia, is within a few dollars at $350–$375. A comparable-length trip, Tampa, FL to Miami, FL (239 mi), is priced at $350–$380.
| Trailer | Vehicle | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $350–$395 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $390–$440 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $390–$440 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $510–$575 | High-value or low cars |
Prices shown are for a typical sedan; actual quotes vary with exact addresses, condition and season.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Philadelphia. Philadelphia has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time. Trucks working Philadelphia lean on I-676, I-76 and I-95. Delaware River port city with I-76, I-95 and I-676 and tight rowhouse streets. Truck restrictions here usually push the handoff to a nearby wide street or lot.
Delivery in Richmond. The nearest major airport, Richmond International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. Carriers typically arrive around I-64 and I-95. Richmond sits on busy trucking corridors, which helps with availability.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Remove loose items. Personal belongings are usually not insured in transit; clear the cabin before pickup in Philadelphia.
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Philadelphia and again in Richmond, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Ask about local operators. At 246 miles a smaller single-car hauler can beat a long-haul rig.