Shipping a Car from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA
San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA is a 808-mile heading north haul that runs through California, Oregon and Washington. A carrier needs about two days on the road at the usual 500 miles a day, and we estimate 1–2 days in transit once the car is loaded. It is among the busier lanes we price, so carrier availability is usually good.
Timing and Seasonality
There is no strong seasonal swing here, and carriers are most available from late spring through early fall. For a 808-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.
The Route and Corridor
The direct line between the two cities crosses California, Oregon and Washington. Oregon: I-5 runs north-south and I-84 follows the Columbia Gorge. In Washington, I-5 runs the Puget Sound corridor and I-90 crosses the Cascades. Portland (OR) sit close to the corridor, which is why trucks often add or drop vehicles there.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in San Francisco. San Francisco International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area. Peninsula city with steep, narrow streets where large trucks often meet customers at a nearby lot. A working port in the San Francisco area means customs and terminal release can affect timing for some vehicles. Truck restrictions here usually push the handoff to a nearby wide street or lot.
Delivery in Seattle. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area. 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.
What San Francisco to Seattle Costs
A sedan on an open trailer is priced at roughly $485–$685 on this route, or $0.72 for each of the 808 miles. For a larger vehicle plan on $545–$765, and for enclosed carriage of a sedan plan on $705–$995 (about 45% above open). Loading in San Jose, about 70 miles from San Francisco, is $20 more at $505–$715. For scale, New York City, NY to Louisville, KY is a similar 772-mile move at $465–$655. The reverse route, Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA, comes in at $475–$675.
| Transport Type | Vehicle | Price Range | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $485–$685 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $545–$765 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $545–$765 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $705–$995 | Luxury, classic and low-clearance cars |
Figures assume a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Be flexible on the date. A three-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading north.
- Keep the tank low. About a quarter tank keeps weight down for the trip to Seattle.
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in San Francisco and again in Seattle, and note anything on the bill of lading.