($914) Cost to ship a car from Sacramento, CA to Aurora, CO
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,172 miles from Sacramento, California, to Aurora, Colorado, will run you about $914 to $1,347. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Aurora to Sacramento car shipping guide.
The best Sacramento to Aurora car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Sacramento to Aurora:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Sacramento
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Sacramento, CA:
- Safe Auto Transport Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Angels Moving Autos: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Shipping Experts: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Topline Logistics Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from CA to CO
If you’re relocating from Sacramento to Aurora, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Sacramento to Aurora, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 1,172 miles from Sacramento to Aurora can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from California to Colorado. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Sacramento. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Aurora.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Aurora is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Sacramento to Aurora car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Sacramento to Aurora, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Sacramento to Aurora, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Sacramento are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Aurora? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Sacramento is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Aurora will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 1,172 miles from Sacramento to Aurora is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within California.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Sacramento and Aurora.
Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.
Summers range from mild to hot, with generally low humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and Aurora also averages about one dozen tornado warnings throughout tornado season, running from April–July. Although a touchdown does occur every couple of years, tornadoes are typically weak and short-lived,
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Sacramento to Aurora during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,172-mile trip from Sacramento to Aurora, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Sacramento to Aurora takes two to eight days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Sacramento and Aurora vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Sacramento: All Residential Parking Permits, including Online 24-Hour Temporary Parking Permits, are free of charge. Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged Vehicle permit (stickers) or Visitor permits (placards) is $25. Online Temporary Permits that are lost, stolen or damaged will not be replaced as the permit may be re-printed for that vehicle if the valid time is still in effect.
- Aurora: Aurora has meter parking for vehicles.
Car insurance requirements
- Sacramento: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
- Aurora: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
Vehicle inspections
- Sacramento: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
- Aurora: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
Driver’s license
- Sacramento: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Aurora: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Sacramento to Aurora?
The cost to ship a car from Sacramento, CA to Aurora, CO varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Sacramento to Aurora will range from $914 to $1,347.
How long will it take to ship my car from Sacramento to Aurora?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,172 miles from Sacramento to Aurora. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Sacramento to Aurora?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Sacramento to Aurora. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Sacramento to Aurora?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Sacramento to Aurora than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,172-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
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