Shipping a Car from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving a car from San Francisco to Phoenix means about 777 miles heading southeast, through California and Arizona. Allow 1–2 days after pickup, in line with roughly 16 hours of highway time. Plenty of trucks run this lane, which helps availability.
What San Francisco to Phoenix Costs
Current estimates put open transport for a standard sedan at $465–$660, which is about $0.72 per mile over 777 miles. Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($675–$955), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $520–$740. Delivery to Scottsdale, 18 miles from Phoenix, would be $470–$665. A comparable-length trip, San Jose, CA to Tacoma, WA (816 mi), is priced at $490–$695. If you can start from San Jose (70 mi away) the estimate is $535–$785, $70 more.
| Service | Vehicle | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $465–$660 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $520–$740 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $520–$740 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $675–$955 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
Along the way the route touches California and Arizona. Expect desert heat above 110°F in summer and snow near Flagstaff on I-40 in Arizona. In California, I-5 and Highway 99 run the length of the Central Valley, and I-15 and I-10 cross the desert. San Jose (CA) and Fresno (CA) sit close to the corridor, which is why trucks often add or drop vehicles there. Pickup is on Pacific time and delivery on Mountain time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in San Francisco. The main approaches to San Francisco are I-280 and I-80. Drivers often use the San Francisco International Airport area as a staging reference. A working port in the San Francisco area means customs and terminal release can affect timing for some vehicles. Truck restrictions here usually push the handoff to a nearby wide street or lot.
Delivery in Phoenix. The main approaches to Phoenix are I-10 and I-17. Sun Belt hub on I-10/I-17 and the nation's top snowbird destination in winter. Winter residents arriving or leaving Phoenix drive seasonal demand.
Timing and Seasonality
Southbound traffic into Phoenix peaks from October to December, so book earlier in the fall and expect firmer prices. Mountain passes along the way can close in winter storms, adding a day or two between December and March. Desert heat rarely stops trucks, but midday loading can be hard, so early-morning pickups are common. Start getting quotes roughly three weeks ahead for a move of 777 miles. Across California expect mild coastal weather but snow on the Sierra passes in winter; across Arizona, desert heat above 110°F in summer and snow near Flagstaff on I-40.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Be flexible on the date. A three-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading southeast.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up several hours before the truck reaches Phoenix.
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $465–$660 fits most cars; enclosed at $675–$955 suits luxury, classic or low cars.