Shipping a Car from Houston, TX to Dallas, TX
Ship from Houston and the car covers about 268 miles heading north to Dallas, entirely within Texas. Allow 1–2 days after pickup, in line with roughly 5 hours of highway time. This is a high-volume lane for us, so quotes tend to arrive quickly.
The Route and Corridor
Both cities are in Texas, so there are no state lines to plan around. In Texas, I-35, I-10, I-45, I-20 and I-40 cross a state where El Paso to Houston is about 750 miles.
What Houston to Dallas Costs
We estimate open transport for a standard sedan at $350–$430, which is about $1.46 per mile over 268 miles. Because the trip is short, fixed costs dominate and the per-mile rate climbs. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($390–$480); enclosed sedan transport is $510–$625, roughly 46% more than open. For scale, Orlando, FL to Savannah, GA is a similar 293-mile move at $350–$470. The reverse haul, Dallas, TX to Houston, TX, comes in at $350–$415. Delivery to Fort Worth, 30 miles from Dallas, would be $350–$450.
| Transport Type | Car Type | Estimated Cost | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $350–$430 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $390–$480 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $390–$480 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $510–$625 | High-value or low cars |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
High Plains winter storms and spring thunderstorms are the main weather risks, so late spring and early fall are calmest. Two weeks of lead time works well for 268 miles. Across Texas expect severe spring storms, Gulf hurricanes and desert heat in the west.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Houston. Trucks working Houston lean on I-10, I-45 and I-69. A working port in the Houston area means customs and terminal release can affect timing for some vehicles. Houston is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through.
Delivery in Dallas. One of the country's biggest vehicle-transport hubs, with I-30, I-35E and I-45 and heavy carrier supply. The nearest major airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. Dallas sits on busy trucking corridors, which helps with availability.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $350–$430 fits most cars; enclosed at $510–$625 suits luxury, classic or low cars.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up the evening before the truck reaches Dallas.
- Be flexible on the date. A five-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading north.