Ship a Car from Phoenix to Los Angeles
Everything you need to know about auto transport from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA — pricing, transit times, seasonal tips, and how to get the best deal.
Distance
368 mi
Transit Time
2–4 days
Open Transport
$550 – $860
Enclosed Transport
$830 – $1,290
Phoenix to Los Angeles Auto Transport Overview
The Phoenix to Los Angeles corridor is a short but extremely high-volume auto transport route. The two cities are connected by I-10, making this one of the most straightforward shipping lanes in the industry. Many carriers traveling longer cross-country routes pass through both cities, which means hitchhiking on a partial load is common and keeps rates very competitive. The short distance also means same-day or next-day delivery is sometimes possible.
Ranges shown are estimates from our published formula for a standard sedan in October, not quotes. Your price is set by the licensed auto transport company you choose and depends on your exact ZIPs, vehicle class, condition and pickup window. Get a free estimate for your specific vehicle and dates.
What Affects Pricing on This Route
Snowbird season (October-March) creates a surge of vehicles moving between Phoenix and California, particularly luxury cars and seasonal vehicles. Summer sees lower demand as extreme heat drives seasonal residents away from Phoenix. Rates are lowest from May through September, while peak pricing hits from November through February.
This route runs without a strong north-south direction. In our season table the lowest month is January ($480 – $750) and the highest is August ($570 – $890), a 18% swing on the same 368 mi. Flexible dates are the biggest lever you control.
How the October open-carrier estimate is built
- Distance
- 368 miroad miles (OpenStreetMap routing)
- Fixed charge
- $300Loading/unloading, dispatch and paperwork cost that does not scale with distance. Calibrated so a ~100-mile open sedan move lands near $400, consistent with published short-haul benchmarks (U.S. News, Forbes Advisor, ConsumerAffairs 2025-2026 car-shipping cost guides).
- Mileage cost
- $331Tiered marginal per-mile rates (see table)
- Diesel
- $6.20/gal (52-wk avg $4.73)EIA weekly U.S. diesel, week of 2026-10-05
- Fuel adjustment
- +6%0.206 fuel share × diesel change vs. 52-week average (ATRI 2026)
- Season
- October: +5%Season × direction table
- Vehicle
- Sedan / coupe +0%Vehicle class table
- Transport
- Open carrier +0%Open vs. enclosed
- Pickup/delivery area
- Metro +0%Rural below 1,000 people/sq mi (2020 Census)
- Range
- $550 – $860 (mid-point ±22%, 368 mi)
| Vehicle class | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / coupe | $550 – $860 | $830 – $1,290 |
| SUV / crossover | $620 – $960 | $920 – $1,450 |
| Pickup / large SUV | $690 – $1,080 | $1,030 – $1,610 |
| Van / minivan | $660 – $1,030 | $990 – $1,550 |
| Oversize / modified | $830 – $1,290 | $1,240 – $1,940 |
Formula v2026.09.2 · EIA U.S. diesel $6.20/gal, week of Oct 5, 2026, 52-week average $4.73 · October pricing · road miles from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM, © OpenStreetMap contributors).
Estimate, not a quote. Produced automatically by our published formula from public data; your price comes from the licensed auto transport partner you choose. How we estimate · Get your free estimate
Fuel: U.S. Energy Information Administration. Routing: © OpenStreetMap contributors (OSRM). ZIP locations: U.S. Census Bureau.
Phoenix to Los Angeles by month
| Month | Season | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -8% | $480 – $750 | $720 – $1,130 |
| February | typical demand | $520 – $820 | $790 – $1,230 |
| March | typical demand | $520 – $820 | $790 – $1,230 |
| April | +5% | $550 – $860 | $830 – $1,290 |
| May | +5% | $550 – $860 | $830 – $1,290 |
| June | +8% | $570 – $890 | $850 – $1,330 |
| July | +8% | $570 – $890 | $850 – $1,330 |
| August | +8% | $570 – $890 | $850 – $1,330 |
| September | typical demand | $520 – $820 | $790 – $1,230 |
| October (now) | +5% | $550 – $860 | $830 – $1,290 |
| November | +5% | $550 – $860 | $830 – $1,290 |
| December | -8% | $480 – $750 | $720 – $1,130 |
Formula v2026.09.2 · EIA U.S. diesel $6.20/gal, week of Oct 5, 2026, 52-week average $4.73 · October pricing · road miles from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM, © OpenStreetMap contributors).
Estimate, not a quote. Produced automatically by our published formula from public data; your price comes from the licensed auto transport partner you choose. How we estimate · Get your free estimate
Fuel: U.S. Energy Information Administration. Routing: © OpenStreetMap contributors (OSRM). ZIP locations: U.S. Census Bureau.
Open Transport
$550 – $860
The most popular and affordable option. Your vehicle rides on an open carrier alongside other vehicles. Ideal for standard cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Learn about open transport →Enclosed Transport
$830 – $1,290
Premium protection from weather, road debris, and other elements. Recommended for luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles.
Learn about enclosed transport →Tips for Shipping from Phoenix to Los Angeles
This is one of the most competitive short-haul routes in the country — get multiple quotes and you may be surprised at how low rates can go, especially in summer. If you are flexible, some carriers will offer a significant discount to fill a last spot on a trailer already heading to LA. Avoid scheduling pickup during peak rush hour in the Phoenix metro, particularly near the I-10/I-17 interchange.
Before You Ship
- ✓Remove personal items from the vehicle (carriers are not liable for personal belongings)
- ✓Document your vehicle's condition with dated photos before pickup
- ✓Leave about a quarter tank of gas — enough for loading and unloading
- ✓Disable any toll transponders or aftermarket alarms
- ✓Make sure the vehicle starts, steers, and brakes (inoperable vehicles cost more)
Phoenix to Los Angeles Shipping FAQ
In October, our published formula estimates open transport from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA at $550 – $860 for a standard sedan and enclosed transport at $830 – $1,290, over 368 mi of road. These are estimates, not quotes: the price is set by the licensed auto transport company you choose and depends on your exact ZIPs, vehicle class, condition and pickup window. Get your free estimate and compare offers for your specific vehicle.
Transit time from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA is typically 2–4 days for the 368 mi route, allowing 350 to 500 miles a day plus a day at each end for pickup and delivery scheduling. This includes stops for fuel, rest, and other vehicle pickups and deliveries along the way. Weather, traffic, and seasonal demand can affect the exact timeline.
Open transport is the most popular choice for the Phoenix to Los Angeles route, estimated at $550 – $860 in October. It is suitable for most standard vehicles. Enclosed transport, estimated at $830 – $1,290, is recommended for luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles that need extra protection from weather and road debris over the 368 mi distance. Learn more about open transport and enclosed transport.
Snowbird season (October-March) creates a surge of vehicles moving between Phoenix and California, particularly luxury cars and seasonal vehicles. Summer sees lower demand as extreme heat drives seasonal residents away from Phoenix. Rates are lowest from May through September, while peak pricing hits from November through February.
Ready to Ship from Phoenix to Los Angeles?
Get your free estimate in seconds. We put your Phoenix to Los Angeles shipment in front of vetted, licensed auto transport companies, they compete with their best offers, and you book with the one you choose.
Get a Free QuoteOr call us at (800) 930-7417 for personalized assistance