About 2,015 miles, 5–6 days on the truck, and $1,050–$1,350 on an open carrier. Chicago is a carrier hub, so the pickup is rarely the slow part; winter in the mountains is.
Shipping a car from Illinois to California costs $1,050–$1,350 on an open carrier and $1,650–$2,000 enclosed, for a standard running sedan or SUV. It is about 2,015 miles and 5–6 days once the car is on the truck. Chicago is one of the busiest carrier hubs in the country, so a driver is usually found quickly; the weather west of it is what decides the delivery date.
Illinois to California car shipping: what does each direction cost?
Heading west is the cheaper direction. More cars, and more auction stock, move from California into Chicago than the other way, so the eastbound leg is priced higher. Door to door, with carrier cargo coverage and my fee included, and nothing paid when you book:
| Direction | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois to California | $1,050–$1,350 | $1,650–$2,000 |
| California to Illinois | $1,350–$1,500 | $2,350–$2,550 |
| Out and back, open | $2,400–$2,850 |
These bands are priced on a Chicago 60601 to Los Angeles 90012 trip, about 2,015 miles. The Chicago to Los Angeles route page covers the same trip. A Naperville, Rockford or Springfield pickup, or a San Francisco, San Diego or Sacramento delivery, is a different trip; send me both ZIP codes and I will price yours.
Which way does the truck go in winter?
Most of the year carriers take I-80 west through Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Utah. When snow closes the Wyoming stretch or the Rockies, they drop south to I-40 through St. Louis and Oklahoma. The southern road is longer, but it keeps the truck moving. Lake-effect snow can also hold up a Chicago pickup in January and February. Summer on this lane is smooth and predictable.
Can you ship a car bought at a Chicago auction to California?
Yes. Auction and dealer cars are a large share of what leaves Illinois for the West Coast, because Chicago has a big wholesale market. Tell me the auction, the lot or stock number and whether the car runs. A car that does not drive needs a carrier with a winch, which can price above the $1,050–$1,350 band. The Facebook Marketplace and private sale guide covers what to arrange with a seller before pickup.
Who ships cars from Illinois to California?
Mostly people relocating to the West Coast, students heading to California universities, and dealers moving inventory. Sedans and SUVs ride open at $1,050–$1,350. Enclosed, at $1,650–$2,000, is for a classic, a high-value car, or anything you want kept out of a winter crossing; the open versus enclosed guide explains the choice.
Shipping a car from California back to Illinois
Eastbound runs $1,350–$1,500 open and $2,350–$2,550 enclosed. Weather hits this direction differently. Going west, a storm in the mountains delays a truck that already has your car, so you lose days at the end. Coming east, the same storm sits between the carrier and your California pickup, so you lose them at the start. A Chicago delivery in February is reliable; the crossing to reach it is the part to plan around.
For other long routes out of the Midwest, see cost to ship a car to another state.
Moving west from Illinois? Get the price for your ZIP codes or call (567) 666-4241.
Prices, transit times and both directions for this corridor are on the Illinois to California route page.
Written by Brian Smith, Auto Transport Manager at Leader Auto Ship LLC — FMCSA licensed property broker, MC #1638331, DOT #4232283. Brian has more than four years of experience and has personally handled about 800 shipments. Verify the licence yourself.
