Shipping a Car from Seattle, WA to Phoenix, AZ
A 1,308-mile trip southeastbound, through Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Arizona: that is Seattle to Phoenix. Allow 2–4 days after pickup, in line with roughly 26 hours of highway time. This lane sees steady, moderate demand.
What Seattle to Phoenix Costs
A sedan on an open trailer is priced at roughly $785–$1,110 on this lane, or $0.72 for each of the 1,308 miles. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($880–$1,245); enclosed sedan transport is $1,140–$1,610, roughly 45% more than open. Delivery to Scottsdale, 18 miles from Phoenix, would be $795–$1,130. For scale, Austin, TX to Miami, FL is a similar 1,316-mile move at $790–$1,120. Going the other way, Phoenix, AZ to Seattle, WA is estimated at $795–$1,125.
| Transport Type | Car Type | Estimated Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $785–$1,110 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $880–$1,245 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $880–$1,245 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,140–$1,610 | High-value or low cars |
Prices shown are for a typical sedan; actual quotes vary with exact addresses, condition and season.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Seattle. Carriers usually load around I-5 and I-90. Seattle has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time. The nearest major airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver.
Delivery in Phoenix. Sun Belt hub on I-10/I-17 and the nation's top snowbird destination in winter. Phoenix is a seasonal-resident destination, so fall and spring bring surges of traffic. The main approaches to Phoenix are I-10 and I-17.
Timing and Seasonality
Winter residents heading to Phoenix fill southbound trucks from October through December; reserve early. 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. Three weeks of lead time works well for 1,308 miles. Across Washington expect rain and snow on Snoqualmie Pass and the Cascades; across Arizona, desert heat above 110°F in summer and snow near Flagstaff on I-40.
The Route and Corridor
The direct line between the two cities crosses Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Arizona. Oregon: I-5 runs north-south and I-84 follows the Columbia Gorge. In Nevada, I-15 and I-80 span big gaps between services. In Washington, I-5 runs the Puget Sound corridor and I-90 crosses the Cascades. Pickup is on Pacific time and delivery on Mountain time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Remove loose items. Personal belongings are usually not insured in transit; clear the cabin before pickup in Seattle.
- Pad winter dates. If you ship between December and March, build in slack for pass closures.
- Keep the tank low. About a quarter tank keeps weight down for the trip to Phoenix.