Texas to California Car Shipping: Dallas, Houston, Austin to LA and the Bay Area
Ship a car from Texas to California door-to-door. Typical transit times from Dallas, Houston and Austin, open vs. enclosed, and how to book. Free quote.
Moving from Texas to California for a new job, school or family? The drive is long, with miles of desert in between. Shipping your car door-to-door lets you fly in and have your car arrive ready to go.
Route overview
- Distance: about 1,200 to 1,900 miles, depending on your Texas origin and California destination
- Typical transit: about 4 to 7 days after pickup
- Service: door-to-door, open or enclosed
Interstate corridors like I-10 and I-40 carry a lot of carrier traffic, which helps keep dispatch moving on this lane.
Pickup across Texas
- Dallas–Fort Worth: a major carrier hub with frequent westbound trucks
- Houston: busy port city with lots of carrier traffic
- Austin and San Antonio: central Texas pickups are common on this route
- El Paso and West Texas: already partway west, which can shorten transit
Rural pickups are fine. Just allow a slightly wider pickup window.
Delivery in Southern vs. Northern California
Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Inland Empire) is usually the faster destination from Texas, because it's closer and on the main corridors.
Northern California (Bay Area, Sacramento) adds distance and a few extra days of transit.
In dense neighborhoods, the driver may meet you at a nearby accessible spot if a large carrier can't reach your street.
Desert heat and your car
Carriers run this route year-round. Before pickup:
- Check tire pressure and fluid levels
- Make sure the battery is in good shape
- Report any leaks so the driver can load the car safely
What affects your price
- Vehicle size and running condition
- Open vs. enclosed carrier
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Time of year and how flexible your dates are
Most Texas to California moves use open auto transport, the most economical option.
How it works
- Get your free quote with both ZIP codes.
- We assign an FMCSA-verified carrier and verify their insurance.
- Inspect your car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading.
- Track your car on the way west.
- Inspect it again at delivery before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can ship the car first and handle registration after you arrive.
Yes. Many families ship both vehicles at once.
Yes, we ship both directions.
Ready to ship your car?
Get a free quote, call now, or leave your number and we'll call you back.