About 1,280 miles, 3–4 days on the truck, and $1,100–$1,300 on an open carrier heading south. Here is what the autumn rush does to that number, how a New York City pickup actually works, and what the spring trip back costs.
Shipping a car from New York to Florida costs $1,100–$1,300 on an open carrier and $1,650–$1,900 enclosed for a standard running sedan or SUV. The trip is about 1,280 miles and takes 3–4 days once the car is loaded. It is the classic snowbird run, and right now, in October, it is entering its most expensive weeks.
How much does it cost to ship a car from New York to Florida?
Both directions have their own band, because the season runs one way at a time: south in autumn, north in spring.
| Direction | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| New York to Florida | $1,100–$1,300 | $1,650–$1,900 |
| Florida to New York | $1,100–$1,350 | $1,200–$1,450 |
| Both legs, open (a winter stay) | $2,200–$2,650 |
Manhattan 10001 to Miami 33130, about 1,280 miles, is the reference trip. A Long Island, Westchester or Albany pickup, or a Boca Raton, Naples or Sarasota delivery, is priced on its own ZIP codes.
Why does the price climb from mid-October?
Southbound demand on this corridor jumps from the middle of October through December, when winter residents head for Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Naples and the Gulf Coast. The trucks are there; what runs short is room on them at the old rate. Outside that window this is one of the cheaper lanes per mile. If you can move your pickup a week or two either side of the rush, or book several weeks ahead, that is the biggest lever you have on the price.
Many of the cars on this lane in November are luxury sedans and SUVs, and enclosed requests rise with them. If you want enclosed, ask early: an enclosed trailer carries fewer cars than an open one.
How long does shipping a car from New York to Florida take?
3–4 days on the truck. The carrier runs I-95 the whole way, through Philadelphia, Baltimore, Richmond, Fayetteville, Savannah and Jacksonville, picking up and dropping other cars along the way. Before that comes dispatch: the time from booking to a carrier accepting your car and giving a pickup window. In the autumn peak, give that part a few extra days.
How does a New York City pickup work?
A full-size car hauler cannot legally work most residential streets in Manhattan or Brooklyn. So a city pickup is usually at an agreed lot or a wide street nearby, which the driver confirms by phone the day before. Tell me your building, garage or street situation when you book, and who will hand over the keys if you fly down first. Outer boroughs, Long Island and Westchester are often easier, but the driver still decides what the trailer can reach.
Shipping a car from Florida back to New York
The return leg runs $1,100–$1,350 open and $1,200–$1,450 enclosed. Its rush is the spring: late March through May, when the same winter residents head north. In autumn it is the light direction, so a Florida-to-New-York shipment now is usually easy to place. Quote the trip home as its own shipment once your return date is firm. The Florida to New York route page has that direction’s quote form, and the snowbird car shipping guide covers planning both legs.
Is New York City to Miami priced differently?
Miami is one destination inside this state-wide band. If your trip is Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens to Miami, Miami Beach or Aventura, the New York to Miami route page is written for that city pair, including delivery to a high-rise where the driver meets you on a surface street. Use whichever page matches your two addresses; either way I price the actual ZIP codes.
Open or enclosed for a Florida winter?
Open at $1,100–$1,300 is the normal choice for an everyday car. Enclosed at $1,650–$1,900 keeps the car out of road spray and weather, which matters for a classic, a low car or fresh paint. If you are torn, the open versus enclosed guide sets out the trade-off.
Leaving the city before the rush? Send me your pickup ZIP or call (567) 666-4241.
Prices, transit times and both directions for this corridor are on the New York to Florida 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.
