($870) Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to San Antonio, TX
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,147 miles from Lexington, Kentucky, to San Antonio, Texas, typically costs between $870 and $1,418. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try 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 San Antonio to Lexington car shipping guide.
The best Lexington to San Antonio car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Lexington to San Antonio:
- 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 Lexington
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Lexington, KY:
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Louisville Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Tiger Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 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 KY to TX
If you’re planning a move from Lexington to San Antonio, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Lexington to San Antonio, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,147-mile journey from Lexington to San Antonio could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Kentucky to Texas. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Lexington. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to San Antonio.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to San Antonio. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Lexington to San Antonio car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Lexington to San Antonio can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Lexington to San Antonio, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Lexington 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 San Antonio? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Lexington. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to San Antonio will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 1,147 miles from Lexington to San Antonio will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Kentucky.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Lexington and San Antonio often affect the cost of auto transport.
Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods
San Antonio has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Lexington to San Antonio in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,147-mile distance between Lexington and San Antonio and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Lexington to San Antonio usually takes two–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Lexington and San Antonio vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- San Antonio: Parking permits are only required for the downtown area. Be sure to purchase your permit at least 7 days before your move to avoid any issues.
Car insurance requirements
- Lexington: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- San Antonio: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspections
- Lexington: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- San Antonio: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
Driver’s license
- Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- San Antonio: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Lexington to San Antonio?
The cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to San Antonio, TX 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 Lexington to San Antonio will range from $870 to $1,418.
How long will it take to ship my car from Lexington to San Antonio?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,147 miles from Lexington to San Antonio. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lexington to San Antonio?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lexington to San Antonio. 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 Lexington to San Antonio?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Lexington to San Antonio 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 1,147-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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