Shipping a Car from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA
Moving a car from Los Angeles to Seattle means about 1,142 miles northbound, through California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. A carrier needs about three days on the road at the usual 500 miles a day, and we estimate 2–3 days in transit once the car is loaded. This is a high-volume lane for us, so quotes tend to arrive quickly.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Los Angeles. The nearest major airport, Los Angeles International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. The West Coast's largest auto-import and relocation market, with I-5, I-10 and I-405 and very deep carrier supply. Los Angeles has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time.
Delivery in Seattle. Puget Sound port city on I-5/I-90; Cascade passes and rain affect winter timing. A working port in the Seattle area means customs and terminal release can affect timing for some vehicles. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Expect wet winters and snow on the Siskiyou and Cascade passes in Oregon. California: I-5 and Highway 99 run the length of the Central Valley, and I-15 and I-10 cross the desert. Nevada: I-15 and I-80 span big gaps between services. Metros near that straight-line path include Reno (NV), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them.
What Los Angeles to Seattle Costs
Over 1,142 miles, a standard sedan on open transport runs $685–$970 ($0.72 per mile). For a larger vehicle plan on $765–$1,085, and for enclosed carriage of a sedan plan on $995–$1,405 (about 45% above open). Going the other way, Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA prices the same. Delivery to Tacoma, 34 miles from Seattle, would be $670–$950. If you can start from San Diego (91 mi away) the estimate is $735–$1,040, $50 more.
| Transport Type | Vehicle | Estimated Cost | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $685–$970 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $765–$1,085 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $765–$1,085 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $995–$1,405 | Luxury, classic and low-clearance cars |
Figures assume a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
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. For a 1,142-mile trip, request quotes about three weeks before pickup. Across California expect mild coastal weather but snow on the Sierra passes in winter; across Washington, rain and snow on Snoqualmie Pass and the Cascades.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Remove loose items. Personal belongings are usually not insured in transit; clear the cabin before pickup in Los Angeles.
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.
- Be flexible on the date. A four-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading north.