Los Angeles, CA to Orlando, FL Car Shipping
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Car Shipping from Los Angeles to Orlando
Planning a cross-country move or vehicle relocation? Car shipping from Los Angeles to Orlando doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re transporting a family sedan or luxury vehicle, understanding the auto transport process helps ensure a smooth experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Los Angeles to Orlando car shipping—from costs and timelines to expert tips that save you money and hassle.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
CA
Los Angeles, CA
FL
Orlando, FL
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 256 shipments from Los Angeles to Orlando, standard cars offer the best rates, while SUVs typically add $122 to your quote. Need enclosed transport? That extra protection comes with a 63% premium over open trailers.
By Vehicle Type
Pickup trucks typically cost $50-$150 more than SUVs due to their larger size and heavier weight. The exact premium depends on truck size (midsize vs full-size) and bed configuration. Contact us for a personalized quote.
By Trailer Type
Note: Updated 2026 pricing. Prices shown are averages based on actual Sherpa shipments over the last 12 months. Your quote may vary based on specific pickup/delivery locations, vehicle condition, current market demand, and time of year. Get an instant quote for accurate pricing.
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from California to Florida
Shipping a car from Los Angeles to Orlando costs $1,175-$1,425 and takes 3-7 days to travel the 2,509-mile distance across the southern United States.
Our California & Florida Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star ratings from 8,000+ reviews, and a BBB A+ rating that proves our commitment to customer satisfaction.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor on this 2,500-mile route, but the well-traveled I-10 and I-4 corridor keeps prices reasonable compared to remote area shipping.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your shipment 3-4 weeks in advance during off-peak months to secure the lowest rates and avoid winter’s snowbird season when demand and prices spike.
How Car Shipping Works
Being present for both pickup in Los Angeles and delivery in Orlando is essential—you’ll inspect your vehicle’s condition and sign the Bill of Lading at each location.
State Insights
Florida requires new residents to register vehicles within 10 days of employment or school enrollment, and you’ll need a VIN inspection for your out-of-state vehicle at the DMV.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Factors that Affect California to Florida Shipping Prices
Distance
The approximately 2,500-mile journey from Los Angeles to Orlando significantly impacts shipping costs. This cross-country distance requires more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, making it one of the pricier domestic routes for auto transport.
Route
Fortunately, the LA-to-Orlando route follows major interstates like I-10 and I-4, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled highways offer efficient transport compared to remote areas, with plenty of carriers regularly servicing this popular corridor.
Season
Winter months see increased demand as snowbirds relocate to Florida, raising prices from Los Angeles to Orlando. Summer and fall typically offer better rates, while spring break and holiday periods also experience price spikes due to heightened demand.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars and sedans ship cheapest from LA to Orlando, while SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost more. Larger vehicles consume more trailer space, add weight for fuel consumption, and require specialized equipment, increasing your overall shipping price.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during Thanksgiving week or late December when highways become congested between Los Angeles and Orlando. Peak travel times cause delays and higher costs, so schedule shipments during quieter periods for faster delivery and better pricing.
Carrier Availability
The LA-Orlando route enjoys good carrier availability year-round, though winter demand may extend wait times to two weeks. Off-season shipping typically secures carriers within days, offering more flexibility and potentially lower rates for your vehicle.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers provide economical shipping from Los Angeles to Orlando for most vehicles. However, luxury, classic, or high-value cars benefit from enclosed transport’s weather and road debris protection, despite costing 40-60% more than open transport.
Population Density
Both Los Angeles and Orlando feature dense urban cores that can complicate pickup and delivery logistics. Consider meeting carriers in accessible suburbs with easier truck access to potentially reduce costs and simplify the shipping process for your vehicle.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing your shipment during off-peak periods can significantly reduce costs. Avoid busy snowbird season when demand spikes between fall and spring. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks during slower months can result in substantial savings on your Los Angeles to Orlando route.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offering flexible pickup and delivery windows helps carriers optimize their routes, passing savings to you. By selecting a five-day window instead of exact dates for both pickup in Los Angeles and delivery in Orlando, you’ll typically receive more competitive quotes from available transporters.
Hub City Advantages
Choosing pickup and delivery locations near major highways in both Los Angeles and Orlando increases carrier accessibility and competition. Highway-adjacent locations offer more routing options, resulting in better rates. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting your carrier in a nearby hub city to reduce costs.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options and safely transport most vehicles. They’re ideal for standard cars on the Los Angeles to Orlando route. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles requiring extra protection from weather and road debris.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from California to Florida Work?
Shipping your car from Los Angeles, California to Orlando, Florida is a straightforward process that covers approximately 2,509 miles across the southern United States. This popular auto transport route connects two major metropolitan areas, making it a well-traveled corridor for car shipping companies. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we’ve completed 256 deliveries on this route, with prices typically ranging from $1,175 to $1,425 depending on your vehicle type and service preferences.
The car shipping process begins when you request a quote and book your transport. Once scheduled, a professional carrier will pick up your vehicle from your specified location in the Los Angeles area. Before loading, the driver will conduct a thorough inspection and document your car’s condition. Your vehicle will then be securely loaded onto either an open or enclosed carrier, depending on the service level you’ve selected for your Los Angeles to Orlando car shipping.
This cross-country route typically takes 3-7 days for delivery, though actual transit times can vary based on weather conditions, carrier schedules, and specific pickup and delivery locations. The journey usually follows major interstate highways including I-10 and I-75, passing through states like Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia before reaching central Florida.
When shipping between these cities, consider that both Los Angeles and Orlando are large urban areas with heavy traffic, which may affect exact pickup and delivery times. Carriers often coordinate flexible pickup windows to accommodate city logistics. Upon arrival in Orlando, you’ll meet the driver for final inspection and vehicle handoff. Throughout the entire auto transport process, Sherpa Auto Transport provides tracking updates so you always know your vehicle’s status during its journey from the West Coast to Florida.
California to Florida Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping from Los Angeles to Orlando, understanding the regulatory differences between California and Florida is essential. Florida requires new residents to register their vehicles within 10 days of establishing residency, while California gives 20 days. You’ll need to visit a Florida DMV office with your current registration, proof of insurance, and identification. Florida also requires a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles.
One major difference you’ll appreciate: Florida has no state income tax and generally lower registration fees than California. However, emission testing requirements differ significantly. California has strict smog check requirements, but Florida only requires emissions testing in select counties. Window tinting laws are more relaxed in Florida, allowing 28% light transmission on front side windows compared to California’s 70% requirement. This means your California tint may actually be too light for Florida’s sunnier climate.
Before your auto transport, consider weather-related modifications. Orlando’s humid subtropical climate differs drastically from Los Angeles. You won’t need winter tires, but you should check your air conditioning system thoroughly. Florida’s intense summer heat and frequent thunderstorms mean your vehicle needs properly functioning AC and good tire tread for wet conditions. Consider rust-proofing treatment, as Orlando’s humidity and occasional salt air can accelerate corrosion.
Insurance considerations for Los Angeles to Orlando car shipping are significant. Florida uses a no-fault insurance system requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP), unlike California’s at-fault system. Florida’s minimum coverage requirements are lower—$10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability—but many residents choose higher limits due to the state’s high number of uninsured drivers. Contact your insurance provider before your move to ensure continuous coverage during transport and to adjust your policy for Florida requirements. Your premiums may decrease significantly, as Florida typically offers lower rates than California.
Los Angeles, CA to Orlando, FL Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle properly ensures a smooth transport from Los Angeles to Orlando. Here are the key steps:
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos. This creates a clear record for the inspection process.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and loose items from the interior. Most carriers don’t insure personal property, and extra weight can incur additional fees.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car is in good running condition with adequate fluid levels and a charged battery. Fix any leaks before transport.
Secure or remove accessories: Take off or secure antennas, spoilers, bike racks, and other exterior add-ons that could be damaged during the 2,500-mile journey.
Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transport.
Document everything: Take clear photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup.
Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the driver at pickup.
For a complete preparation checklist, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Proper preparation protects your vehicle and helps avoid delays on your Los Angeles to Orlando route.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Los Angeles to Orlando. Every carrier in the Sherpa Auto Transport network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment begins, we verify that your assigned carrier’s insurance policy is current and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy, giving you an extra layer of protection.
You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup. This ensures complete transparency and peace of mind for your cross-country journey from Los Angeles to Orlando.
We recommend booking your car shipping service from Los Angeles to Orlando at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, scheduling 3-4 weeks ahead gives you the best chance of securing lower rates and more flexible pickup dates.
Booking early allows carriers to plan efficient routes and combine your vehicle with other shipments heading from California to Florida. This cross-country route (approximately 2,500 miles) is popular, but advance notice helps ensure availability during your preferred timeframe.
If you need expedited service, we can often arrange pickup within 2-5 days, though this may come at a premium cost. For the most affordable rates and scheduling flexibility, book as early as possible.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open auto transport uses open-air trailers that carry multiple vehicles at once, leaving them exposed to weather and road elements. It’s the most common and affordable option, costing significantly less than enclosed transport. Most vehicles shipped on the Los Angeles to Orlando route use open transport without any issues.
Enclosed auto transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road debris. This option costs 40-60% more than open transport but is worth considering for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any car with custom modifications.
For a standard daily driver making the cross-country trip from LA to Orlando, open transport is perfectly safe and cost-effective. Choose enclosed transport if your vehicle is worth over $100,000 or if you want maximum protection. Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service from Los Angeles to Orlando, making your vehicle shipping experience as convenient as possible.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup address in Los Angeles and delivery address in Orlando. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your location to pick up your vehicle and deliver it right to your doorstep in Florida.
Important to know: In some cases, large car carriers cannot access certain residential streets due to low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or tight turns. If this happens, your driver will arrange a nearby meeting point—like a shopping center parking lot or gas station—that’s safe and easy to reach. This is rare, but we always prioritize safety first.
Door-to-door service is included in your quote at no extra charge, giving you one less thing to worry about during your move from Los Angeles to Orlando.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!
Welcome to Orlando
Orlando is home to nearly 310,000 residents, making it the heart of Central Florida’s bustling metropolitan area. Known for world-class theme parks, Orlando offers much more than entertainment – it’s a thriving city with diverse industries, excellent universities, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city attracts young professionals, families, and retirees with its year-round sunshine, growing job market, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major Florida cities.
Popular Neighborhoods
Downtown Orlando offers urban living with high-rise condos, trendy restaurants, and walkable entertainment districts. Winter Park, just north of the city, features upscale shopping, museums, and tree-lined streets with historic charm. Thornton Park attracts young professionals with its boutique shops, cafes, and proximity to Lake Eola. For families, Dr. Phillips provides excellent schools, newer homes, and easy access to theme parks, while College Park offers historic bungalows and a strong sense of community near local colleges.
Practical Moving Tips
Florida law requires new residents to obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. You’ll need to register your vehicle within 10 days of employment or enrolling children in school, or within 30 days of establishing residency. Required documents include your current registration, title, proof of insurance, and identification. Florida requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance with minimum $10,000 coverage. Your vehicle will need a VIN verification if it’s from out of state, which can be done at most DMV offices or authorized dealers. Emissions testing isn’t required statewide, but some counties may have specific requirements. Plan to budget for registration fees, which vary based on your vehicle’s weight and value.
Climate & Lifestyle
Orlando enjoys a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Expect temperatures in the 90s during summer months and comfortable 70s in winter. The rainy season runs from June through September, bringing afternoon thunderstorms. This climate means year-round outdoor activities but requires attention to vehicle care – regular washing helps prevent humidity-related issues, and covered parking protects against intense UV rays and sudden storms. The lifestyle is generally casual and outdoor-focused, with numerous parks, lakes, and recreational opportunities.
Getting Around Orlando
Orlando’s sprawling layout makes having a car essential for most residents. Major highways include I-4 (connecting Tampa and Daytona Beach), the 408 and 417 toll roads, and the Florida Turnpike. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours and tourist seasons, particularly around theme park areas. While the city has SunRail commuter trains and bus systems, public transportation coverage is limited. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting, shopping, and accessing the city’s spread-out attractions and business districts.