Cost to Ship a Car From Atlanta to Los Angeles: What Atlanta Drivers Should Expect

Shipping a car from Atlanta, Georgia to Los Angeles, California is a common move—especially for Atlantans relocating, buying a vehicle online, or sending a car to a student or family member on the West Coast. Understanding the realistic cost, how quotes are calculated, and what’s unique about shipping from Atlanta can save you time, money, and stress.

Typical Cost to Ship a Car From Atlanta to Los Angeles

For most Atlanta drivers, the average cost to ship a standard car from Atlanta to Los Angeles generally falls in this range:

• Open transport:$1,100 – $1,600
• Enclosed transport:$1,500 – $2,200+

These are typical market ranges for a roughly 2,200–2,300 mile route, assuming:

• A standard sedan or small SUV
• Operable vehicle
• Pickup at or near the Atlanta metro area
• Delivery to the greater Los Angeles area
• No extreme rush or special conditions

Rates change with fuel prices, season, and demand, so your actual quote may be a bit lower or higher, but these ranges give a reasonable baseline for planning.

Main Factors That Affect Atlanta-to-LA Car Shipping Prices

1. Type and Size of Vehicle

Bigger and heavier vehicles cost more. From Atlanta, you’ll usually see a jump in price for:

• Large SUVs (e.g., full-size three-row SUVs)
• Pickup trucks, especially lifted or heavy-duty models
• Vans and oversized vehicles

A compact car in Midtown will almost always cost less to ship than a lifted truck in Gwinnett on the same route.

Why it matters: Car carriers can only haul a certain weight and number of vehicles. Large or heavy vehicles take up more space, so carriers charge more for that spot.

2. Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Most Atlanta-to-LA shipments use open carriers, the same type of trucks you see on I-75 or I-20 carrying multiple new cars.

• Open transport (most common)

  • Usually the cheapest option
  • Your car is exposed to weather and road debris
  • Typical for everyday vehicles, daily drivers, and standard family cars

• Enclosed transport (premium option)

  • Often 30–60% more expensive than open carriers
  • Protects your car from weather, road debris, and prying eyes
  • Common for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles

If you’re shipping a collector car from Buckhead or a high-end EV from Sandy Springs, enclosed may be worth the extra cost. For a regular commuter, open transport is usually fine.

3. Exact Pickup and Drop-Off Locations

You’ll usually get the best pricing when:

• Pickup is in or near central Atlanta or major suburbs, and
• Drop-off is in the greater Los Angeles metro area

Carriers prefer easy access to highways and dense metro areas. Atlanta’s a strong starting point because of:

• I-20, I-75, I-85, and I-285 connecting the metro
• High transport volume in the region
• Numerous carriers and brokers regularly running East–West routes

Examples of how location affects cost:

• Pickup at a home in Decatur to a home in Los Angeles: Standard pricing
• Pickup at a rural address in North Georgia to a home in Los Angeles: Often costs more due to detours and extra time
• Pickup near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to a LA metro terminal: Sometimes slightly cheaper if you meet the carrier in an accessible area

If you live on a narrow, heavily parked, or hilly street (common in older intown neighborhoods), carriers might request that you meet them:

• At a wider road nearby
• In a public parking lot (for example, a large retail center along Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Cobb Parkway, or Camp Creek Parkway)

4. Time of Year and Market Demand

Atlanta sees seasonal swings in car shipping demand that can affect rates to Los Angeles:

• Summer and early fall: Higher demand due to relocations, military moves, and students moving; prices may trend higher.
• Late winter / early spring: Sometimes slightly more flexible pricing, depending on the market.
• Holiday periods: Limited carrier availability can push up prices if you need firm dates.

If you’re timing your move from Atlanta to LA for a job start date or semester, building in some scheduling flexibility can help you avoid peak pricing.

5. Shipping Speed and Scheduling

Most standard Atlanta–Los Angeles car shipments will be:

• Estimated transit time: About 5–8 days once the vehicle is picked up
• Pickup window: Often 1–5 days from your requested date, depending on how busy the route is

You may pay more if you:

• Need expedited pickup (e.g., “must pick up in 24–48 hours”)
• Have hard, non-flexible dates
• Require guaranteed delivery by a specific day

Being flexible by even a couple of days can sometimes save a noticeable amount.

6. Vehicle Condition (Running vs. Non-Running)

If your car:

• Runs, steers, and brakes normally: Standard pricing
• Does not run or has major issues: Expect a surcharge

Non-operable vehicles require special equipment (winches, extra labor) and take more time to load and unload. This is particularly relevant if you’re buying a project car in Atlanta to send to LA, or shipping a collision-damaged vehicle from a local body shop or auction.

Sample Price Ranges for Common Atlanta-to-LA Scenarios

These are illustrative ranges, not guaranteed quotes, based on typical conditions.

*Actual quotes vary by carrier, fuel prices, demand, and timing.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Atlanta → Los Angeles?

From the Atlanta metro to the Los Angeles metro, a typical timeline looks like this:

• Pickup window:
  • 1–5 days from your requested pickup date in most cases
• Transit time (once loaded):
  • Roughly 5–8 days, depending on route, weather, and stops

From initial booking to final delivery, you should usually allow 7–12 days total.

If you are flying from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and want your car to arrive in LA around your arrival date, try to:

• Book your transport 1–2 weeks ahead
• Give the carrier a pickup window of a few days
• Coordinate with your arrival and temporary transportation in LA

Where Your Car Is Picked Up in Atlanta

Most carriers will do door-to-door service, meaning they aim to:

• Pick up your car as close to your home, apartment, or office as safely possible
• Deliver it as close as possible to your chosen address in Los Angeles

However, Atlanta has some tight or restricted areas where a full-size car carrier may not fit comfortably, such as:

• Narrow, tree-lined neighborhood streets
• Areas with heavy on-street parking
• Steep or tight apartment complexes

If you’re in neighborhoods like parts of Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, or Old Fourth Ward, you may be asked to meet at:

• A wider main road nearby
• A shopping center with good access to I-75/85, I-20, or I-285

Tip: 🚗 When you book your shipment, describe your street and parking situation. This helps the carrier suggest a realistic meeting point upfront.

Special Considerations for Atlanta Residents

1. Buying a Car in Atlanta and Shipping It to LA

If you purchased a vehicle from:

• A dealership along Cobb Parkway, Peachtree Blvd, or near the Perimeter
• A private seller in-town or in the suburbs
• A local auction (e.g., around the greater Atlanta industrial areas)

You’ll want to coordinate:

• Title and bill of sale before shipping
• Keys and access for the carrier
• Any necessary temporary tags according to Georgia rules

For documentation and titling questions, you can contact the Georgia Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle Division (which oversees titles and registration):

• Motor Vehicle Division (State Headquarters Mailing):
  Georgia Department of Revenue
  Motor Vehicle Division
  P.O. Box 740381
  Atlanta, GA 30374-0381

For in-person help around Atlanta, many residents go through their county tag office (for example, Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett). These offices can provide guidance on registrations and titles before your car leaves the state.

2. Moving From Atlanta to Los Angeles

If you’re relocating:

• Coordinate your moving truck, car shipment, and travel plans together
• Decide whether to ship your car before or after your household goods
• Consider interim transportation in both Atlanta and LA if there’s a gap

Common planning patterns:

• Some Atlantans ship the car a few days before flying and use MARTA, rideshare, or a rental car for the final days in the city.
• Others keep the car until the last day and arrange for pickup at a work location, hotel, or safe nearby lot.

How to Get an Accurate Quote From Atlanta to Los Angeles

When you reach out for quotes, have these details ready:

1. Pickup and delivery ZIP codes
   • Example: Your home in 30309 (Midtown Atlanta) to a Los Angeles ZIP like 90012.
2. Vehicle year, make, and model
   • Mention any modifications (lift kits, oversized tires, etc.).
3. Operable vs. non-operable
   • Be clear if the car has any issues starting, steering, or braking.
4. Open vs. enclosed transport preference
   • Decide based on the value and condition of your car.
5. Preferred pickup time frame
   • Exact date or a flexible window (flexibility can reduce cost).
6. Special needs
   • Low ground clearance
   • Classic/collector car
   • Extra items in the vehicle (note: there are often limits or restrictions)

To compare quotes fairly, make sure you’re providing the same information to each company.

Saving Money on Car Shipping From Atlanta to Los Angeles

You may be able to reduce your cost by:

• Being flexible on dates
  • Allow a several-day pickup window if possible.
• Using open transport
  • Unless your car truly needs enclosed transport, open is typically more economical.
• Choosing metro-friendly pickup points
  • Meeting close to major routes like I-285, I-75, I-85, or I-20 can sometimes make it easier for carriers to keep your price competitive.
• Avoiding last-minute bookings
  • Planning 1–3 weeks ahead often unlocks better options.

What to Do Before Your Car Is Picked Up in Atlanta

To help avoid delays, damage disputes, or extra fees:

• Clean out personal items
  • Most carriers limit or discourage personal belongings inside the car.
• Document the car’s condition
  • Take clear photos of all sides, wheels, and interior before pickup.
• Note existing damage
  • Scratches, dents, or any prior issues should be marked on the bill of lading.
• Leave some fuel
  • A quarter tank is usually enough; full tanks add extra weight.
• Provide a working set of keys
  • The driver must be able to operate the vehicle.

Is It Worth Shipping Your Car vs. Driving Atlanta → Los Angeles?

From Atlanta to Los Angeles:

• Driving distance is roughly 2,200+ miles
• You’ll likely cross multiple states and stay on the road for 3–4 days or more if you’re pacing yourself safely

When comparing shipping vs. driving, Atlanta residents often consider:

• Gas, food, and hotels along the route
• Time off work and fatigue from a multi-day drive
• Additional wear and tear (tires, oil change, mileage)
• Exposure to weather and road hazards in unfamiliar areas

For many people, especially those moving households or with limited time, paying a transport fee in the $1,100–$1,600+ range makes sense once the full costs and risks of driving are added up.

Shipping a car from Atlanta to Los Angeles is a long-distance move but a very routine route in the auto transport world. With the right expectations on cost, timing, and preparation, you can plan your budget, coordinate your move, and get your vehicle from Georgia to California with as little disruption as possible.