Car Shipping From Illinois to California
Car Shipping From Illinois to California
The easiest way to ship a car from Illinois to California

Illinois to California Car Shipping Experts

When you need to ship a car from Illinois to California, you need car shipping experts you can rely on. Through our advanced network of over 25,000 open and enclosed auto transporters nationwide, we can provide you with a safe and reliable way to ship a car from Illinois to California.

Pickup Anywhere in Illinois Delivery Anywhere in California

We provide direct door-to-door car shipping service from any residential or business location in Illinois to any location in California.

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Illinois to California Car Shipping Experts

When you need to ship a car from Illinois to California, you need car shipping experts you can rely on. Through our advanced network of over 25,000 open and enclosed auto transporters nationwide, we can provide you with a safe and reliable way to ship a car from Illinois to California.

Pickup Anywhere in Illinois Delivery Anywhere in California

We provide direct door-to-door car shipping service from any residential or business location in Illinois to any location in California.

"The driver was professional and courteous. Very pleased with my entire experience with RoadRunner Auto Transport."

Sally D.

Atlanta, GA

5 stars
google reviews

"I was able to get a quote and book within a few minutes. Simple and convenient experience - thank you RoadRunner!"

John T.

Houston, TX

5 stars
shopper approved reviews

"The RoadRunner agent we spoke with answered all of our questions and kept us in the loop throughout the shipment."

Christopher G.

Cincinnati, OH

5 stars
transport reviews

"We have used RoadRunner Auto Transport two times. Both times, the experience was nothing less than stellar."

Kate K.

San Diego, CA

5 stars
better business bureau reviews
Customer Reviews

Car Shipping From Illinois to California

Transporting your vehicle between Illinois and California across 2,000+ miles can feel daunting, but working with a professional auto transport company that provides seamless, nationwide service makes the process stress-free. RoadRunner Auto Transport has over 20 years of experience shipping cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles coast-to-coast. Our experts have mastered the intricacies of long-distance auto transport logistics. We provide safe, timely, and affordable enclosed and open car shipping between any points in the United States. Thousands of customers trust RoadRunner for carefree door-to-door transport between Illinois and California. Request your instant quote today.

How Does Vehicle Transport Between Illinois and California Work?

The auto transport process for cross-country shipping relies on an efficient hub system. Large enclosed trucks and open trailers capable of hauling 8-10 vehicles at a time are used. Cars are carefully loaded via built-in ramps and securely chained down during transit.

Open auto carriers with multiple levels are most common for their affordability, but fully covered enclosed trailers provide maximum protection. Direct point-to-point transport is possible when pickup and delivery timeframes align correctly. However, more often, long-haul routes incorporate strategic transportation hubs that allow drivers to exchange cars efficiently.

These major hubs in key cities let trucks safely drop off and pick up new vehicles without wasting time driving empty miles back. Using the established nationwide hub network, standard transit times average 5-10 days for most regions of Illinois and California. Your vehicle may not take the absolute shortest geographic route, but it arrives at your address quickly and safely.

Car Shipping from Illinois to California

If you're transporting your vehicle between Illinois and California, here are some tips for seamless auto transport:

  • Book early: Give yourself at least 4-6 weeks lead time when arranging long-distance transport between Illinois and California. Last-minute shipping requests can be challenging for carriers to accommodate, depending on truck availability.
  • Get multiple quotes: Pricing varies between transport companies based on routes, equipment types, volume discounts, etc. RoadRunner's quotes are competitively priced with no obligations. Get a free quote online.
  • Remove valuables: Don't leave personal items, electronics, or valuables inside your car. Auto carriers aren't liable for belongings left inside vehicles during transport.
  • Consider open transport: Open auto shipping costs significantly less than enclosed transport and works perfectly well for highway travel between Illinois and California.
  • Check CA registration: California requires vehicles moving from out-of-state to be registered and titled within 20 days of establishing residency. Review registration steps beforehand.
  • Inspect at pickup/delivery: Carefully inspect your vehicle at origin and destination, noting any new damage on the bill of lading before signing and accepting delivery.

What Does it Cost to Ship a Car from Illinois to California?

The cost to transport a vehicle between Illinois and California ranges from:

  • $1,100 - $1,600 for open auto transport
  • $1,300 - $1,900 for enclosed vehicle shipping

Regional shipping within metro areas is cheaper than cross-country long-haul. Midsize cars and small SUVs are also generally less expensive to ship than large trucks and luxury vehicles that take up more space. Enclosed auto transport costs more than open carriers but helps shield your vehicle from weather and road debris.

Car shipping rates also increase during the peak summer season between May and August when demand is higher. Similarly, the holidays see rate spikes due to increased vehicle volumes.

What Factors Impact the Cost of Shipping a Car?

The exact auto transport rate you receive depends on:

  • Distance: The further the transport distance, the more it generally costs.
  • Vehicle size: Larger vehicles like trucks and large SUVs cost more to ship than small sedans since they take up more space on the trailer.
  • Enclosed vs. open transport: Enclosed trailers cost more but provide protection from weather and road debris during transit. Open carriers are more affordable for cars being shipped long distances on highways.
  • Season and timing: Peak season between May and September sees higher demand, so rates increase. Book early for the best pricing.
  • Mileage: The distance between the pickup and delivery locations impacts the rate. Longer distances mean higher costs. Illinois to California averages over 2,000 miles.
  • Additional services: Options like door-to-door pickup/delivery, expedited shipping, weekend transport, etc., add costs over standard port-to-port.

For example, you can expect to pay approximately $1,200 - $1,500 to ship a midsize sedan one-way from Chicago to Los Angeles on an open auto carrier during the peak summer season. Enclosed vehicle transport for the same Illinois to California shipment would be $1,400 - $1,700 generally.

RoadRunner Auto Transport: The Illinois to California Car Shipping Experts

While someone could technically drive their own car all the way from Illinois to California, doing so would take 3+ long days of nonstop travel behind the wheel. Subjecting your vehicle to over 2,000 highway miles risks accelerated wear and tear. Plus, the fuel costs, hotels, and meals needed make a self-drive move very expensive.

The smart option is having your car professionally transported door-to-door with an auto shipping company like RoadRunner. Their experienced team handles all the logistics and details, so you can focus on your upcoming move and getting settled in your new California home. Leave the driving to the professionals!

Our knowledgeable staff of logistics specialists provides:

  • Door-to-door auto transport: We’ll pick up and deliver your vehicle directly, so you don’t have to drive to terminals. This service is more expensive but worth the convenience.
  • Real-time satellite tracking: Our state-of-the-art dispatch software allows us to track your vehicle’s location from pickup to delivery. You’ll have visibility of your car’s progress throughout its journey.
  • Fully licensed and insured carriers: We only work with licensed, bonded, and insured auto carriers with millions of dollars in coverage. Your vehicle is in good hands with our drivers!
  • Flexible pickup dates: We have carriers departing Washington every week, so you can select a pickup date that fits your schedule. Last-minute shipping is no problem!

Instant Car Shipping Quote

Getting an instant quote for shipping your car from Illinois to California is quick and easy with RoadRunner Auto Transport. Simply use our online quoting tool or call (888)-422-7584. Enter your pickup/delivery zip codes and vehicle details to immediately receive a price estimate.

After the instant quote, an expert logistics pro from RoadRunner will contact you. They will confirm the specifics of your Illinois to California auto shipment. The specialist will consider your vehicle size, preferred enclosed/open carrier, timing, and any special accommodations. This helps them provide precise custom pricing for your unique door-to-door transport needs.

Pickup Anywhere in Illinois and Get Delivery Anywhere in California

RoadRunner Auto Transport provides enclosed, open, and specialty car shipping services across all cities and towns in California. So no matter where your vehicle is located in Illinois or needs to be delivered in CA, we can handle transportation door-to-door.

Whether you need to ship your car from Chicago to Los Angeles, Springfield to San Francisco, or any other Illinois/California combination, RoadRunner has you covered. The free instant quote you receive includes total door-to-door costs with absolutely no hidden fees.

RoadRunner Makes Shipping a Car From Illinois to California as Easy as 1-2-3!

After you accept a quote from RoadRunner Auto Transport, we'll handle the rest of the seamless car shipping process:

  1. Schedule Pickup: Work with your shipping coordinator to select an Illinois pickup date and location that fits your timeline. We'll pick up your car at home, work, or a dealership.
  2. Transport Vehicle: Your car will be safely shipped from Illinois to California in an enclosed or open auto trailer, based on your preference.
  3. California Delivery: Before the drop-off, we'll confirm details. Then your car will be unloaded at the exact California address you provided so you know it arrived safely.

We coordinate everything, including drivers, routing, permits, and paperwork. You can relax knowing your vehicle is in good hands with RoadRunner.

Other Illinois Car Shipping Routes

In addition to interstate transport to California, RoadRunner also transports thousands of vehicles along these other top routes from Illinois:

  • Illinois to Florida: From Chicago to Miami or Orlando, averaging 4-6 days for $800-$1,200
  • Illinois to Texas: Majority of shipments are from Chicago to Dallas and Houston, taking 2-4 days for $850-$1,300
  • Illinois to Colorado: We handle routes like Chicago to Denver in just 2-4 days for $700-$1,100
  • Illinois to New York: Chicago to NYC shipments take around 3-5 days for $700-$1,100

RoadRunner provides fast, reliable car shipping services from any city or town in Illinois headed to destinations across the country. Our experienced drivers excel at navigating the state’s major interstates like I-55, I-57, I-74, and I-80 during transport.

Shipping from the State of Illinois

Whether you're moving out of state or just need to transport your vehicle locally, Illinois auto transport is easy with RoadRunner's auto transport services.

RoadRunner has picked up thousands of vehicles from cities and towns across Illinois, including Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, Peoria, Aurora, and everywhere in between. Our experienced drivers excel at shipping cars long distances along major interstate routes within the state, like I-55, I-57, I-74, I-80, I-88, and I-90.

Shipping to the State of California

RoadRunner Auto Transport makes California auto transport straightforward and stress-free, whether you're moving out of state or transporting locally.

With years of experience shipping vehicles within California, our expert drivers have mastered major interstate routes like I-5, I-15, I-40, and US-101. We've transported thousands of cars from metropolises like Los Angeles and San Francisco to smaller towns across the Golden State.

Contact RoadRunner to Learn More and Get Started

RoadRunner Auto Transport has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted auto shipping companies nationwide. Our team of seasoned logistics experts is dedicated to surpassing expectations and providing exceptional customer service throughout the entire delivery process.

Receive a free custom quote tailored for transporting your car from Illinois to California in minutes. Request your personalized estimate online or call (888)-422-7584. There are absolutely no obligations.

Let RoadRunner's decades of experience shipping vehicles between states ensure your car arrives safely, affordably, and on time.

How It Works

Here's how our straightforward process works:

  1. Accept Quote: Get a fast, easy quote using our online car shipping calculator.
  2. Schedule Pickup: Work with a specialist to select the ideal Pennsylvania pickup date/location - your home, work, or dealership.
  3. Prepare Vehicle: Ensure no personal items are left inside and the car is ready for pickup. If this isn't possible for your shipment read about how to ship your car with stuff inside it here..
  4. Transport: Car safely shipped to California by enclosed or open carrier along interstates.
  5. Confirm Delivery: We contact you pre-arrival to verify dropoff details in California.
  6. Inspect: Thoroughly inspect the car upon arrival before signing the paperwork. Note any new damages to the document.
  7. Sign Paperwork: Review the bill of lading, confirm details are correct, and sign to accept delivery.

Our Advantage

With our years of experience, top-notch customer care, and cutting-edge transport tech, RoadRunner Auto Transport makes your total satisfaction our #1 priority. Discover the advantages of using RoadRunner Auto Transport.

Transport Services

RoadRunner provides every type of car transport option from California to Pennsylvania:

  • Open Transport: The most common and affordable method. Thorough inspections and accountability ensure damage-free open shipping.
  • Enclosed Transport: For luxury, antique, high-value vehicles. Fully covered inside trailer shields from weather/debris. More expensive but has maximum protection.
  • Door-to-Door Delivery: Added convenience—we pick up at your CA home and deliver to your PA address. Avoids terminal drop-off/pickup.
  • Expedited Shipping: Guaranteed fast pickup, direct routing, and team relays. Essential for time-sensitive moves.

We accommodate any shipping style you need from California to Pennsylvania. Just choose the right option for your vehicle, budget, and timeline.

Auto Transport Pricing and Transit Times From Illinois to California

Quick Answer: The average cost to ship a car from Illinois to California is about $882.00 and takes 5-7 days.

The table below provides data on the pricing and estimated time for auto transport between various cities in Illinois and California, with an average driving distance of 2,017 miles and transit times uniformly estimated at 5 to 7 days.

The cost to ship a car will tend to fluctuate within specific ranges; for example, transporting a car from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA could cost between $689.00 and $1,075.00, while shipping your car from Aurora, IL to San Diego, CA might be priced between $712.00 and $1,112.00.

Illinois to California Car Shipping Pricing & Time to Ship Your Car Examples
From Illinois To CaliforniaDistanceCostEstimated Transit Time
Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA2,017 miles$689.00 - $1,075.005 - 7 daysGet Quote
Aurora, IL to San Diego, CA2,042 miles$712.00 - $1,112.005 - 7 daysGet Quote
Rockford, IL to Sacramento, CA1,995 miles$737.00 - $1,151.004 - 6 daysGet Quote
Joliet, IL to San Francisco, CA2,104 miles$724.00 - $1,131.005 - 7 daysGet Quote
Naperville, IL to Fresno, CA2,115 miles$803.00 - $1,254.005 - 7 daysGet Quote
Springfield, IL to Long Beach, CA1,934 miles$690.00 - $1,077.004 - 6 daysGet Quote
Peoria, IL to San Jose, CA2,094 miles$743.00 - $1,161.005 - 7 daysGet Quote

**It is important to note that the prices and times listed are only estimates and will vary depending on factors such as the season and the type of vehicle being shipped. Use our car shipping calculator to get an instant price quote for your exact type of shipment.

RoadRunner Makes Shipping a Car From Illinois to California as Easy as 1-2-3!

Calculate your instant car shipping quote.

Getting a quote is easy with our online quote form, enter your origin and destination, select the dates you want to ship, and book your reservation online or by phone!
how it works step one

Route Availability

10 / 10

Based on recent dispatch reports, the carrier availability rating from Illinois to California is 10/10.

Approximate Distance

2,100 miles

The center of each state is used to approximate mileage between locations.

Estimated Transit Time

4 - 6 days

Estimated transit times are based on carriers traveling up to 500 miles per day.

Ship a car from Illinois to California

Shipping a car from Illinois to California is a straightforward process with RoadRunner Auto Transport, the leading car shipping company. The two locations are well-connected with easy accessibility and multiple routes available. RoadRunner Auto Transport moves thousands of shipments along this route each year and maintains a vast network of over 25000 carriers nationwide that service this route.
Illinois and California are two of the most populous states in the US, with large populations of residents and businesses. As a result, there is a high demand for car shipping services between these two locations. This popularity means that the infrastructures are well-established, making the transportation of cars easier.
Furthermore, both Illinois and California have major highways that make it easy for RoadRunner Auto Transport to move cars from one location to another efficiently. The highways are well-maintained, allowing for a smooth and safe trip.
RoadRunner Auto Transport also has extensive experience shipping cars across the country, which means they understand the best routes, transportation methods, and paperwork requirements. This knowledge and expertise make it easy for them to coordinate the entire car shipping process and ensure that everything runs seamlessly.
Overall, RoadRunner Auto Transport makes Illinois to California car shipping easy with their vast network of carriers, expertise, and well-established infrastructure. Customers can trust them to handle the entire process, from pickup to delivery, with the utmost care and professionalism.
Ship a car from Illinois to California
How does vehicle transport from Illinois to California work?

How does vehicle transport from Illinois to California work?

1. Get Your Car Shipping Quote: Being one of the best car shipping companies, RoadRunner offers free, no-obligation car shipping quotes. You'll need to decide between open or enclosed auto transport carriers. Open-carrier shipping is the most popular and cost-effective choice. Auto transporter companies like RoadRunner Auto Transport also offer enclosed carriers for additional protection.
2. Vehicle Pickup: Once you get your quote, you can book online or speak with an auto transportation specialist to schedule a date for pickup. On the day of your pickup, your vehicle will be carefully loaded onto the carrier. With RoadRunner, you can track the status of your shipment online at any time.
3. Vehicle Delivery: On the day of your delivery, your vehicle will be safely offloaded from the auto transporters truck and a final inspection will be completed to confirm that your vehicle was delivered in the same condition as when it was picked up.

Advantages of shipping with RoadRunner Auto Transport

If you're planning to move your car from Illinois to California, consider the advantages of choosing a professional car shipping service. RoadRunner Auto Transport is an excellent option for transporting your vehicle safely and efficiently.
A key benefit of using RoadRunner Auto Transport is the convenience it offers. Rather than driving your car from Illinois to California, we provide doorstep pickup and delivery to your specified location in California. This service saves valuable time and reduces the hassle of a lengthy road trip.
Safety and reliability are at the forefront of RoadRunner Auto Transport's services. Our skilled drivers and modern tracking technology give you confidence that your car will reach California securely and punctually.
Moreover, RoadRunner Auto Transport offers competitive rates for our high-quality services. We give clear price quotes and various transport options to suit your financial plan and schedule, ensuring a cost-effective solution for your move from Illinois to California.
Lastly, our exceptional customer support sets us apart. Our dedicated team is ready to assist with any inquiries or concerns during the transport process. We keep you informed about your car's journey and strive to make the transport as seamless as possible.
The advantages of shipping from Illinois to California with RoadRunner
Illinois to California car shipping factors

What factors affect the cost to ship a car?

Several factors can affect your car shipping cost from Illinois to California including:
  • The distance of your move from origin to destination
  • The type and size of your vehicle
  • Your chosen transport type: open, enclosed, or top-loaded
  • The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations
  • Depending on your route, the time of year can add a seasonality factor
  • Current fuel prices
  • The speed of delivery
Longer distances, larger vehicles, and enclosed transport typically result in higher costs. Rural or hard-to-reach locations can also increase prices.
Costs may fluctuate depending on the time of year and fuel prices. Expedited shipping services are available for faster delivery but come at a higher cost.
Our Illinois to California car shipping specialists are always available to discuss which factors matter most to you for your particular car transport with the goal of getting you the best value through the process.

Shipping from the State Of Illinois

Illinois is the fifth most populous and twenty-fifth largest state in the entire United States. The state is a major transportation hub, boasting major US cities like Chicago and Springfield. Illinois shares borders with Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The capital of Illinois is Springfield, and its largest city is Chicago, which is the third most populous city in the United States. Illinois has a total population of almost 13 million, and an area of about 57,914 square miles (149,998 square kilometers).
Illinois to California Car Shipping
Car Shipping Illinois to California

Shipping to the State Of California

Nicknamed "the Golden State", California is located along the Pacific coast of the United States. It is bordered by Oregon to the north, by Nevada and Arizona to the west, and by Mexico to the south.
The capital of California is Sacramento, and its largest city is Los Angeles. California is the most populous state in the United States, with an estimated population of over 38 million. California is the third largest state by area in the country, with a total of 163,696 square miles (423,970 square kilometers).
California is divided into 58 counties and there are 481 incorporated cities and towns. There are five major metropolitan areas in California, around which most of the states population resides. These metropolitan areas are Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Riverside-San Bernadino, San Diego, and Sacramento.

Contact RoadRunner to learn more and get started

If you need your vehicle shipped, count on a reliable auto transport company that gets cars where they need to be quickly and safely. As the leading American auto shipping service, RoadRunner has over 30 years of experience delivering cars cross country. Our team of highly trained transport professionals strives to provide the best level of service at every turn, from coordination and customer support to dispatch and delivery.
Whether you need a car transported in or out of the city, RoadRunner can set you up with convenient Illinois to California auto shipping services at an affordable price. We also offer full coverage insurance options for enhanced protection. Call (888) 777-2123 or use our car shipping calculator online to get an instant quote today.
contact roadrunner auto transport

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle shipping process.


According to auto transport industry data, the average cost to ship a car from Illinois to California typically ranges between $1,100 - $1,600 using standard open auto transport. Enclosed vehicle shipping for Illinois to California averages $1,300 - $1,900.

The estimated transit time for Illinois to California car shipping is 5-10 days, on average, using standard open or enclosed carriers. Transit time depends on pickup/delivery locations, time of year, and route.

It is usually cheaper to ship your car long distances than drive it yourself, with auto transport averaging $0.70 - $1.20 per mile compared to gas, hotels, and other costs exceeding $1.00 per mile to drive long distances.

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time - so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. Check out our estimated transit times for a detailed view of approximate delivery times.

Yes, online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online. Your tracking portal will also give you the ability to live chat with a shipping agent that can answer any questions you may have regarding the status of your shipment.

All shipments include basic liability coverage during transit. Comprehensive insurance options are available for an elevated level of shipment coverage during transit. You will be able to select a level of coverage during the booking process. If you have further questions regarding insurance options give us a call.

We accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, and bank/certified check for the deposit or full pre-payment of your shipment. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.

Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle.

You may transport personal belongings in your car, as long as their total weight does not exceed 100 pounds and they are stored in the trunk or back seat (below the window line). Please keep in mind that personal belongings are not covered by insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing.

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator above or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available in order to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.

The driver will get the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pickup and deliver directly at your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet at a location nearby with a large parking lot, such as a grocery store.