Shipping a Car from Houston, TX to Miami, FL
Houston, TX to Miami, FL is a 1,151-mile eastbound route that runs through Texas, Louisiana and Florida. That is around 23 hours of driving at car-hauler speeds; our transit estimate is 2–3 days after dispatch. This is a high-volume lane for us, so quotes tend to arrive quickly.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Houston. Drivers often use the George Bush Intercontinental Airport area as a staging reference. Giant Gulf Coast metro and port with deep carrier supply, but exposed to hurricane-season delays. Houston is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through.
Delivery in Miami. The nearest major airport, Miami International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. Winter residents arriving or leaving Miami drive seasonal demand. A working port in the Miami area means customs and terminal release can affect timing for some vehicles. Large rigs often cannot reach residential blocks here, so a parking-lot handoff is typical.
Timing and Seasonality
Southbound traffic into Miami peaks from October to December, so book earlier in the fall and expect firmer prices. From June to November, tropical weather can force carriers to reroute near the coast, so leave a few spare days. Start getting quotes roughly three weeks ahead for a move of 1,151 miles. Across Texas expect severe spring storms, Gulf hurricanes and desert heat in the west; across Florida, afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season from June to November.
What Houston to Miami Costs
Expect open transport for a standard sedan at $690–$980, which is about $0.73 per mile over 1,151 miles. Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($1,000–$1,420), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $775–$1,100. Going the other way, Miami, FL to Houston, TX is estimated at $685–$970. For scale, Tampa, FL to San Antonio, TX is a similar 1,162-mile move at $700–$990. Delivery to Fort Lauderdale, 42 miles from Miami, would be $685–$975.
| Trailer | Car Type | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $690–$980 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $775–$1,100 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Open | Minivan | $775–$1,100 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,000–$1,420 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with exact addresses, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through Texas, Louisiana and Florida. 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. Florida: I-95, I-75 and the tolled Florida's Turnpike carry most traffic. Pickup is on Central time and delivery on Eastern time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock. Toll roads in Texas and Florida are built into carrier pricing.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Have a storm plan. For coastal legs from June to November, agree on a backup date up front.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up the evening before the truck reaches Miami.
- Mention port status. If the car arrives from or leaves through a port near Houston, say so when you request quotes.