Shipping a Car from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Moving a car from San Diego to Los Angeles means about 109 miles northwestbound, entirely within California. That is around 2 hours of driving at car-hauler speeds; our transit estimate is 1–2 days after dispatch. It is among the busier lanes we price, so carrier availability is usually good.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in San Diego. Trucks working San Diego lean on I-15, I-5 and I-8. Drivers often use the San Diego International Airport area as a staging reference. San Diego has a sizeable service-member population, so permanent-change-of-station season matters.
Delivery in Los Angeles. 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 International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area. A working port in the Los Angeles area means customs and terminal release can affect timing for some vehicles.
What San Diego to Los Angeles Costs
Over 109 miles, a standard sedan on open transport runs $350–$370 ($3.30 per mile). Short hauls hit a minimum charge, so the per-mile number looks high. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($390–$415); enclosed sedan transport is $510–$535, roughly 45% more than open. Going the other way, Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA prices the same. For scale, Tampa, FL to Orlando, FL is a similar 92-mile move at $350–$370.
| Trailer | Car Type | Estimated Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $350–$370 | Lowest cost, most common |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $390–$415 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $390–$415 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $510–$535 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
Both cities are in California, so there are no state lines to plan around. In California, I-5 and Highway 99 run the length of the Central Valley, and I-15 and I-10 cross the desert.
Timing and Seasonality
San Diego has a large military community, so summer permanent-change-of-station season (about May to August) tightens carrier space. With only 109 miles between San Diego and Los Angeles, weather matters less than carrier availability; a local operator or single-car trailer can sometimes be quicker and cheaper. For a 109-mile trip, request quotes about two weeks before pickup. Across California expect mild coastal weather but snow on the Sierra passes in winter.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in San Diego and again in Los Angeles, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up the evening before the truck reaches Los Angeles.
- Compare nearby pickup points. Moving the handoff a short drive from San Diego can change the price on a 109-mile lane.