Pasadena, CA Car Shipping
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Pasadena, CA Car Shipping
Need reliable car shipping from Pasadena, CA? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re relocating across the country or sending a vehicle to a family member, finding trustworthy auto transport matters. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your car from Pasadena, CA—including costs, timelines, and insider tips. With Sherpa’s 4.9-star rating and Price Lock Guarantee, your vehicle is in expert hands.
Popular Routes from Pasadena, CA
Key Takeaways From This Article
Pasadena, CA Auto Transport
Shipping from Pasadena, CA typically costs $975-$1,675 and takes 3-7 days, with an average distance of 2,189 miles depending on your destination.
Our Pasadena and California Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and BBB A+ accreditation—ensuring no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
Factors that Impact Cost
Route accessibility is the most important cost factor for Pasadena shipments—proximity to I-210, I-110, and I-5 keeps prices lower, while remote pickup or delivery locations increase costs.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Booking 1-2 weeks in advance is the most important step for Pasadena car shipping—it secures better pricing, more carrier options, and flexible scheduling compared to last-minute bookings.
How Car Shipping Works
California requires new residents to register vehicles within 20 days and pass strict smog checks that meet CARB standards—more stringent than federal requirements.
State Insights
Book during off-peak months and provide flexible pickup windows to save money, as Pasadena’s highway access already offers competitive baseline pricing.
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 8,000 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.
Popular Routes from Pasadena, CA
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pasadena
to New York City
|
2,781 mi
|
$1300–1675
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Dallas
|
1,435 mi
|
$1025–1275
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Miami
|
2,734 mi
|
$1250–1500
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Washington
|
2,660 mi
|
$1200–1550
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Atlanta
|
2,165 mi
|
$1150–1450
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Chicago
|
2,007 mi
|
$1125–1400
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Boston
|
2,973 mi
|
$1275–1675
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Houston
|
1,546 mi
|
$1075–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Seattle
|
1,136 mi
|
$975–1200
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Philadelphia
|
2,701 mi
|
$1200–1575
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Austin
|
1,376 mi
|
$1050–1275
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Nashville
|
1,995 mi
|
$1125–1425
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Orlando
|
2,508 mi
|
$1175–1425
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Tampa
|
2,525 mi
|
$1200–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Charlotte
|
2,410 mi
|
$1175–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 26,517 actual shipments involving Pasadena, here’s how pricing varies by vehicle size and trailer type.
By Vehicle Type
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.
Factors that Affect Pasadena, CA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a major role in your shipping costs. The farther your vehicle needs to travel to or from Pasadena, the more you’ll pay. A cross-country shipment from Pasadena to New York will cost significantly more than a regional move to Arizona or Nevada.
Route
Your specific route matters just as much as distance. Pasadena benefits from easy access to major highways like I-10, I-210, and I-5, which keeps costs lower. Routes along these well-traveled corridors are cheaper because carriers regularly service them. If your pickup or delivery location is in a remote area far from major highways, expect to pay more.
Season
Timing affects your price. Summer months (May through September) are peak season for car shipping, which drives up costs. Winter months typically offer better rates, though snowbird season (October-November and March-April) can increase prices for routes to warmer states. If you have flexibility, shipping during off-peak times can save you money.
Vehicle Type
What you’re shipping matters. Standard sedans are the most affordable to transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans cost more because they take up more space on the trailer, add extra weight (increasing fuel costs), and are harder to load and unload. Some carriers can’t even accommodate oversized vehicles, which limits your options and increases prices.
Traffic Patterns
Heavy traffic periods affect shipping costs and timing. The week before Thanksgiving, major holidays, and summer vacation weeks see crowded roads that slow down carriers. These delays increase costs. If possible, avoid these peak travel times. Scheduling your shipment during quieter periods helps carriers move more efficiently and can reduce your costs.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability directly impacts both timing and cost. During peak season, you might wait several weeks for an available carrier, and higher demand means higher prices. During off-season months, carriers are more readily available—often within just a few days—and prices are more competitive. Booking early always helps, especially during busy periods.
Open vs Enclosed
You have two main trailer options. Open trailers are the most economical choice and work perfectly for most vehicles. They’re the same carriers you see on highways every day. Enclosed trailers cost significantly more but provide complete protection from weather and road debris. Most people choose open transport, but if you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or exotic vehicle, enclosed transport offers valuable peace of mind.
Population Density
Pasadena’s location in the Los Angeles metro area can affect your costs. While the area has excellent carrier availability, navigating dense urban areas with narrow streets and limited parking can be challenging for large car carriers. If possible, consider meeting your carrier at a more accessible location with wider roads and easier access. This flexibility can sometimes reduce your costs and make the pickup or delivery process smoother for everyone.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing matters when shipping your vehicle. Book during off-peak months to secure lower rates, as demand drops significantly outside busy periods like snowbird season. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in substantial savings on your Pasadena car transport costs.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexibility saves money. Carriers offer discounted rates when you provide a five-day pickup and delivery window instead of exact dates. This gives drivers more routing options and efficiency, passing savings directly to you. If your schedule allows flexibility, take advantage of these reduced costs.
Hub City Advantages
Pasadena’s proximity to major highways like I-210 and I-110 works in your favor. Choose pickup locations near these main routes for better carrier access and competitive pricing. Shipping to rural areas? Consider meeting your carrier in a nearby highway-accessible city to reduce costs significantly.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options and safely transport most vehicles. They’re perfect for standard cars and offer excellent value. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-end vehicles requiring extra protection. Most Pasadena shipments work great with open transport.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Pasadena, CA Work?
Car shipping from Pasadena, CA is a straightforward process that connects you with professional auto transport carriers. The typical timeline ranges from 3-7 days, depending on your destination, with an average distance of 2,189 miles. Most shipments cost between $975-$1675. The process begins when you request a quote and book your transport. A carrier is then assigned to pick up your vehicle from Pasadena at a convenient location, whether at your home or a nearby meeting point.
Pasadena, CA offers excellent access for auto transport due to its proximity to major highways like the I-210 and I-110. Before shipping, remove personal items and document your vehicle’s condition with photos. Choose between open or enclosed transport based on your budget and vehicle type. Once your car is loaded, the carrier provides tracking information so you can monitor progress. Upon delivery, inspect your vehicle carefully and sign the bill of lading. Auto transport from Pasadena, CA is ideal for long-distance moves, snowbird seasons, or vehicle purchases, offering a safe alternative to driving thousands of miles yourself.
Pasadena, CA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Pasadena, CA, understanding California’s vehicle regulations is essential. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires new residents to register their vehicles within 20 days of establishing residency [DMV]. You’ll need to pass a smog check for most vehicles, as California has strict emission standards under the Bureau of Automotive Repair [BAR]. Vehicles must meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards, which are more stringent than federal requirements [CARB].
California law also regulates window tinting, allowing only 70% light transmission on front side windows, with stricter rules than many states [DMV]. Auto transport customers should know that California requires minimum liability insurance of 15/30/5 coverage [DMV]. When moving to Pasadena, you won’t need winter tires or cold-weather modifications due to the mild Mediterranean climate. However, vehicles should be in good mechanical condition before car shipping. The registration process includes a VIN verification, title transfer, and payment of registration fees and use tax if purchased out of state [DMV]. Working with experienced auto transport companies familiar with California regulations can simplify your move to Pasadena, CA and ensure compliance with all state requirements.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Pasadena, California that we Serve
Central Pasadena: 91101, 91103, 91105
East Pasadena: 91107
West Pasadena: 91103, 91105
North Pasadena: 91104, 91106
South Pasadena: 91030, 91031
Altadena: 91001, 91003
San Marino: 91108, 91118
Sierra Madre: 91024
La Cañada Flintridge: 91011, 91012
Arcadia: 91006, 91007
We serves the entire Pasadena region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Pasadena, CA
Pasadena is home to several prestigious institutions, including Caltech and Pasadena City College, where parking can be challenging for students. At Caltech, on-campus parking requires permits, and availability is limited—freshmen typically aren’t allowed cars on campus [Caltech Parking Services]. Most student housing near campus doesn’t include dedicated parking, so students should arrange accommodations beforehand. At Pasadena City College, parking permits are required and can be purchased online [PCC Parking]. When shipping a car to Pasadena, students should plan ahead: Southern California’s mild climate means no snow tires are needed, but summer heat can affect vehicle performance. Before using car shipping services, verify your insurance and roadside assistance coverage extends to California. Many students opt for auto transport rather than long-distance driving, especially during move-in periods when campus parking fills quickly.
Pasadena, CA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Pasadena, CA is simple. Follow these key steps:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and fragile items. Carriers typically don’t insure personal property left inside.
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos before shipping.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough fuel (about 1/4 tank), and the battery is charged so drivers can load and unload it.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off custom antennas, spoilers, bike racks, and roof cargo. These can be damaged during transit.
Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to avoid issues during transport.
Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the carrier.
For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when transporting from Pasadena, CA. All carriers in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before we assign your shipment, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is valid and current. This means your vehicle is protected from pickup in Pasadena through delivery to your destination.
For added protection, all contracted carriers list Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their insurance policy. This gives you extra peace of mind knowing your vehicle is covered throughout the entire transport process.
You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before your vehicle is picked up, so you have all the documentation you need.
We recommend scheduling your car pickup from Pasadena, CA at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why early booking helps:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan routes more efficiently and often offer lower rates
- More carrier options: You’ll have access to more qualified drivers heading your direction
- Flexible scheduling: You can choose pickup dates that work best for you
- Route bundling: Carriers can combine your shipment with others in the Pasadena area, reducing costs
If you need faster service, we also offer expedited shipping with pickup in as little as 24-48 hours. This option costs more but works well for tight deadlines.
Peak moving seasons (summer months and end of month) fill up quickly, so book 3-4 weeks ahead during these times if 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. This is the most common and affordable shipping method. Your vehicle will be exposed to weather and road debris, but it’s perfectly safe for most cars.
Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle in a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and debris. This option costs 40-60% more than open transport but provides extra protection for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom modifications.
Most Pasadena residents choose open transport—it’s reliable, cost-effective, and the same method dealerships use to ship new cars. Consider enclosed transport if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle, exotic car, or collectible that needs maximum protection.
Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service to and from Pasadena, CA. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any address you choose, and deliver it directly to your destination.
When you book with us, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery locations. Our carrier will come right to you—no need to drop off your car at a terminal.
What if the truck can’t access my street? Pasadena has some narrow residential streets and areas with low-hanging trees or tight turns. If the carrier can’t safely reach your exact address, they’ll work with you to find a nearby meeting spot, like a parking lot or main street. This is rare, but we always prioritize safety.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. It’s included in most of our quotes at no extra charge, making your car shipping experience as smooth as possible.
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!