Shipping a car from Georgia to California represents one of America’s most popular cross-country auto transport routes. Whether you’re relocating from Atlanta to Los Angeles for a new job, moving from Savannah to San Francisco for school, or simply purchasing a vehicle across state lines, understanding the complete cost picture is essential for planning your Georgia to California car shipping.
At Rapid Auto Shipping, we’ve successfully transported thousands of vehicles along this 2,200-mile journey from the Peach State to the Golden State. Here’s your comprehensive guide to understanding what you’ll pay for Georgia to California car shipping in 2026.
Average Cost for Georgia to California Car Shipping
The typical cost to ship a car from Georgia to California ranges between $1,100 and $1,600 for standard open transport. This price reflects the approximately 2,200 to 2,500-mile journey, depending on your specific pickup and delivery locations within each state.
For enclosed transport, which provides premium protection inside a covered trailer, expect to pay $1,800 to $2,600. This option is particularly popular for luxury vehicles, classic cars, and high-value automobiles making this extensive cross-country trek.
These prices represent real-world 2026 market rates for one of the longest and most frequently traveled domestic auto transport routes in the continental United States.
Key Factors That Affect Your Georgia to California Shipping Cost
Distance and Specific Route
The exact mileage between your Georgia origin and California destination significantly impacts pricing. Shipping from Atlanta to Los Angeles (approximately 2,200 miles) typically costs less than transporting from Savannah to San Francisco (over 2,500 miles).
The I-20 West to I-10 corridor through the southern states represents the most direct and frequently traveled route, often offering the most competitive pricing due to higher carrier availability. This route passes through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before reaching California.
Transport Type: Open vs. Enclosed
Open transport remains the most economical and popular choice for Georgia to California car shipping. Your vehicle travels on an open-air carrier with other vehicles, fully insured but exposed to weather elements during the multi-day journey across the country. With costs ranging from $1,100-$1,600, open transport delivers excellent value for everyday vehicles.
Enclosed transport provides complete protection from weather, dust, desert sand, and road debris inside a fully covered trailer. While significantly more expensive at $1,800-$2,600, this premium service offers peace of mind for owners of Mercedes, BMWs, Corvettes, classic cars, or any vehicle requiring maximum protection during the 2,200-mile cross-country journey.
Vehicle Size and Condition
Standard sedans and compact cars fall at the lower end of the pricing spectrum. However, larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship because they occupy more space on the carrier and add significant weight.
Mid-size SUVs typically add $150-$250 to the base sedan rate. Full-size trucks and large SUVs can increase costs by $200-$350. Oversized vehicles like lifted trucks or large vans may require special handling, adding even more to your quote.
Non-running vehicles require specialized loading equipment, typically adding $200-$300 to your Georgia to California car shipping cost. If your vehicle doesn’t start, roll, brake, or steer properly, inform your carrier upfront to receive accurate pricing.
Seasonal Demand Fluctuations
Timing your shipment strategically can save significant money on this cross-country route.
Summer months (June through August) represent peak moving season, with families relocating, students heading to West Coast universities, and favorable weather conditions. Increased demand can push prices 20-30% higher than winter rates.
Winter months (December through February) often offer the lowest rates, with potential savings of 15-25% compared to peak season. The southern I-10 route remains accessible year-round, though occasional winter storms in mountain passes can cause minor delays.
Spring and fall provide moderate pricing with good availability, offering an excellent balance for Georgia to California car shipping.
City-to-City Pricing Examples
To help you budget accurately, here are typical 2026 rates for popular Georgia to California routes:
- Atlanta to Los Angeles: $1,200-$1,500 (open transport)
- Savannah to San Diego: $1,250-$1,550 (open transport)
- Atlanta to San Francisco: $1,300-$1,600 (open transport)
- Augusta to Sacramento: $1,350-$1,650 (open transport)
- Columbus GA to San Jose: $1,300-$1,600 (open transport)
Enclosed transport for these routes typically runs $1,800-$2,600, depending on the specific vehicle and exact locations.
Transit Time Expectations
Beyond cost considerations, understanding delivery timelines helps you plan effectively. Shipping a car from Georgia to California typically takes 6-9 days for standard service, covering the approximately 2,200-mile journey across seven states.
Expedited service can reduce transit time to 4-6 days but adds $400-$600 to your cost. This premium option works well when you need your vehicle for a specific job start date or major life event in California.
Route conditions, weather, carrier schedules, and California traffic can all affect timing, but most Georgia to California shipments arrive within the standard 6-9 day window.
Additional Costs to Consider
While the base shipping rate covers the primary service, several factors can add to your total cost:
Door-to-door service is typically included in most quotes for accessible locations. However, if you live in a remote Georgia area or a restricted California location, terminal service may be required, potentially adding $100-$200 to your cost.
Insurance upgrades may be necessary for high-value vehicles. Standard carrier insurance covers $100,000-$250,000, but vehicles valued above these limits can purchase supplemental coverage for approximately $150-$250 on cross-country routes.
California-specific fees may apply for certain delivery areas. Urban California destinations with traffic restrictions or parking limitations can incur additional charges.
Driving vs. Shipping: The Real Cost Comparison
When comparing the $1,100-$1,600 shipping cost to driving yourself from Georgia to California, consider the complete picture:
- Fuel costs for 2,200 miles: $350-$550 (depending on vehicle)
- Hotel accommodations (3-4 nights): $300-$600
- Meals during the journey: $150-$250
- Vehicle wear and tear: $450-$700 (at $0.30 per mile)
- Your time and effort: Invaluable
The total cost of driving approaches $1,250-$2,100, remarkably similar to professional shipping costs, but without adding 2,200 miles to your odometer or requiring several days of your time crossing the country.
How to Get the Best Georgia to California Rate
At Rapid Auto Shipping, we recommend these strategies to secure competitive rates:
Book 3-4 weeks in advance. Cross-country routes require more planning than shorter distances. Early booking provides better carrier selection and pricing.
Be flexible with dates. Providing a 3-5 day pickup window allows carriers to optimize their cross-country routes efficiently, potentially saving you $150-$300.
Choose open transport unless necessary. Unless you’re shipping a high-value vehicle, open transport provides excellent protection at significantly lower cost.
Ship during off-peak seasons. If your timeline allows, fall and winter shipping can save hundreds of dollars compared to peak summer rates.
What’s Included with Rapid Auto Shipping
When you choose Rapid Auto Shipping for Georgia to California car shipping, your quote includes full insurance protection during the entire journey, comprehensive vehicle inspection with photo documentation, experienced, licensed, and fully insured carriers, door-to-door service where accessible, real-time GPS tracking and regular updates, and dedicated customer support from booking through California delivery.
We’ve perfected the Georgia to California route through years of experience, working exclusively with trusted carriers who service this cross-country corridor regularly.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Understanding the cost to ship a car from Georgia to California empowers you to budget effectively and make informed decisions. Whether you need economical open transport or premium enclosed service, Rapid Auto Shipping offers competitive rates and exceptional cross-country service.
Contact us today for a free, personalized quote for your Georgia to California car shipping. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its West Coast destination.