Seattle to Los Angeles Auto Transport
We'll ship your car the 1,135 miles from Seattle to Los Angeles in 3-5 days via I-5 South. This is one of the busiest auto transport corridors on the West Coast, and we've been running it since 2015.
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Why Choose Open Carrier vs Enclosed Transport Seattle to LA?
Most customers shipping from Seattle to Los Angeles choose open carrier transport - it's cost-effective and perfectly safe for daily drivers. Your car rides on the same type of truck that delivers new vehicles to dealerships. We're talking about savings of $400-500 compared to enclosed transport.
But here's when you'd want enclosed: classic cars, luxury vehicles worth over $75,000, or anything you can't afford to get a door ding on. Last month, we shipped a 1967 Mustang Fastback from Seattle to Beverly Hills in an enclosed auto transport trailer. The owner didn't want any road debris or weather exposure during the 1,135-mile journey.
The transit time's the same either way - 3 to 5 days. Enclosed carriers might take an extra day occasionally because there are fewer of them running, but on this busy I-5 corridor, we've got good availability for both options year-round.
What Affects Seattle to Los Angeles Car Shipping Costs?
Distance is the big one - 1,135 miles at roughly $0.75 to $1.02 per mile for open transport. But here's what else moves the needle: vehicle size, transport type, and timing. A Honda Civic costs less than a Chevy Tahoe because more cars fit on the truck.
Seasonal demand hits this route hard. Summer months (June through August) see prices jump $100-200 because of college students and family relocations. We also see spikes during tech company hiring seasons - lots of Amazon, Microsoft, and Google employees moving between Seattle and LA offices.
Pickup and delivery locations matter too. Door-to-door delivery in downtown Seattle or Beverly Hills might cost an extra $50-100 because carriers need smaller trucks to handle tight streets. Rural pickups outside Seattle or deliveries way out in the LA suburbs can add time and cost. The sweet spot is accessible residential addresses within 5 miles of I-5.
Best Times to Ship Your Car from Seattle to Los Angeles
Fall and winter are your friends for lower prices - we're talking October through March. Demand drops after summer moving season, and you'll save $150-300 compared to peak summer rates. Plus, carriers are eager to fill trucks heading south as snowbird season kicks in.
Here's the catch: winter weather can cause delays in the Cascade Mountains and Siskiyous. We've had January shipments take an extra 1-2 days because of chain requirements or road closures on I-5 near the California-Oregon border. But delays are rare - maybe 5% of winter shipments.
Spring's the sweet spot if you can swing it. March through May gives you reasonable prices without the weather risks. Avoid moving during major holidays - Thanksgiving week and the week between Christmas and New Year's see limited carrier availability and higher prices. Real talk: book at least 7-10 days ahead for best pricing and carrier selection.
Seattle and Los Angeles Pickup and Delivery Areas We Serve
In Seattle, we cover the whole metro area: Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Ballard, Fremont, West Seattle, and out to Bellevue, Redmond, and Tacoma. Carriers can usually get to most neighborhoods, but some of those steep Seattle hills require smaller trucks. We'll coordinate the best pickup spot when you book.
Los Angeles pickup and delivery covers everything from Malibu to Pasadena, Long Beach to Burbank. We're talking LA proper, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Glendale, Anaheim - the whole sprawl. Car shipping to Los Angeles gets complicated with all the traffic, so we work with carriers who know how to time their deliveries.
Some areas need special coordination: steep driveways in the Hollywood Hills, narrow streets in Santa Monica, or gated communities in Bellevue. Our drivers have been running these routes for years, so they know which neighborhoods need a smaller truck or a specific delivery window. We'll handle all that coordination - you just need to be available for vehicle inspection and key handoff.
How We Handle Luxury and Classic Car Transport Seattle to LA
Enclosed transport is non-negotiable for vehicles worth over $100,000 or irreplaceable classics. We're talking fully enclosed trailers with hydraulic lift gates, climate control, and soft tie-downs that won't scratch your paint. These carriers haul 2-6 cars max, not the 8-10 you see on open trucks.
Last year, we shipped a 2020 Lamborghini Huracan from Seattle to Malibu - $1,850 for enclosed transport with white glove service. The carrier called 2 hours before pickup and delivery, sent photos at loading and unloading, and provided GPS tracking the whole way. That's standard for our enclosed shipments.
Classic cars need extra attention beyond just enclosed transport. Non-running vehicles, low ground clearance, or modified suspensions require special equipment. We've shipped everything from a 1955 Chevy Bel Air (needed a flatbed section) to a modern McLaren (required specific tie-down points). The key is telling us about any modifications, lowered suspension, or mechanical issues upfront. Our enclosed carriers have the right equipment, but they need to know what they're working with.
How It Works
Get Your Free Quote
Call (310) 906-4841 or use our online calculator. We'll need your vehicle details, pickup/delivery addresses, and preferred dates. Quote's good for 14 days.
Book Your Shipment
Once you approve the quote, we assign your order to a carrier. You'll get driver contact info 24-48 hours before pickup. No money down required.
Vehicle Pickup in Seattle
Carrier calls 2 hours before arrival. Do a quick inspection together, sign the Bill of Lading, hand over one set of keys. Takes 15-20 minutes max.
Delivery in Los Angeles
Driver calls when they're 2 hours out from LA delivery. Another quick inspection, check for any damage, sign off, and you're done. Payment due at delivery.
Pricing by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle | Open Carrier | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Compact | $850-$1,150 | $1,350-$1,650 | 3-5 days |
| SUV / Crossover | $900-$1,250 | $1,450-$1,750 | 3-5 days |
| Pickup Truck | $925-$1,300 | $1,500-$1,800 | 3-5 days |
| Luxury / Exotic | N/A | $1,650-$2,200 | 3-5 days |
| Motorcycle | $550-$750 | $850-$1,050 | 3-5 days |
| Inoperable Vehicle | $150+ surcharge | $1,500+ | Add 1-2 days |
Carriers love the Seattle to LA run because it's all Interstate highway with consistent fuel stops and truck-friendly routes. This means better pricing and more reliable pickup dates compared to routes that go through smaller highways. Plus, there's always return freight heading north, so carriers compete for this lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.