California to Colorado
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
WHY CHOOSE SHERPA?
With 4.9 Stars out of 8,000+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating: Sherpa Auto Transport stands out as the premier auto transport company in the United States, offering upfront, transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise.
Our Price Lock PromiseTransport My Vehicle From…
CALIFORNIA TO COLORADO
Shipping from California to Colorado
Planning to move your vehicle from the Golden State to the Centennial State? California to Colorado car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or avoiding a long cross-country drive, professional auto transport offers a safe and convenient solution. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping between these states, including costs, timelines, and expert tips.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
CA
California
CO
Colorado
Popular Routes from California to Colorado
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from California to Colorado
Car shipping from California to Colorado costs $900-$1325 and takes 1-4 days, covering approximately 1,121 miles across major interstate highways.
Our California & Colorado Customers
Sherpa customers love our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees throughout the California to Colorado shipping process.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for California to Colorado shipping, with seasonal timing and vehicle type also significantly impacting your final price.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your California to Colorado car shipping 2-3 weeks in advance during off-peak seasons to secure the best rates and avoid busy summer moving periods.
How Car Shipping Works
Vehicle inspection and documentation at pickup is the most critical step, as this protects you and ensures your car’s condition is properly recorded before transport.
State Insights
Colorado requires vehicle registration within 90 days and has different emissions testing requirements compared to California’s statewide smog checks.
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.
Popular Routes from California to Colorado
Factors that Affect California to Colorado Shipping Prices
Distance
California to Colorado spans approximately 1,000-1,200 miles depending on your specific cities. This cross-country distance significantly impacts shipping costs, with longer routes requiring more fuel and driver time.
Route
Major interstate highways like I-70 and I-80 connect California to Colorado efficiently. These well-traveled routes offer lower shipping costs compared to remote mountain roads or smaller highways.
Season
Winter shipping from California to Colorado costs more due to weather challenges and holiday demand. Summer and fall typically offer better rates with fewer weather-related delays.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars ship cheaper than SUVs or trucks from California to Colorado. Larger vehicles require more trailer space, increase fuel costs, and may need specialized equipment.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during Thanksgiving week, Christmas holidays, and summer moving season when highways between California and Colorado experience heavy traffic. Off-peak timing reduces costs significantly.
Carrier Availability
Peak season California-Colorado routes may require 2-3 weeks for carrier availability. Off-season shipping typically finds carriers within 3-7 days, offering more scheduling flexibility and competitive pricing.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less for California-Colorado shipping and work well for most vehicles. Enclosed transport protects luxury cars from mountain weather but doubles costs.
Population Density
Shipping between major California and Colorado cities costs less than rural deliveries. Consider pickup/delivery in Denver or Los Angeles suburbs rather than remote mountain towns.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can result in significant cost savings.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery dates gives them scheduling freedom, which translates to lower shipping rates.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways for better rates. Cities with highway access offer more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations with limited access.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most everyday vehicles ship safely on open trailers.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from California to Colorado Work?
Car shipping from California to Colorado involves transporting your vehicle across 1,121 miles through professional auto transport carriers. The process begins when you book with Sherpa Auto Transport and provide your pickup and delivery locations. Our carriers use specialized trailers designed to safely secure multiple vehicles during the journey across state lines.
California to Colorado car shipping requires careful planning due to the mountainous terrain and elevation changes along the route. Carriers must navigate through the Rocky Mountains, which can affect delivery times during winter months due to weather conditions. The route typically passes through Nevada and Utah, making it essential to work with experienced drivers familiar with these interstate highways.
The auto transport process starts with getting a quote and scheduling your pickup date. On pickup day, the driver inspects your vehicle and documents its condition on a Bill of Lading. Your car is then loaded onto the carrier trailer using hydraulic lifts or drive-on ramps. Throughout transit, you can track your shipment’s progress and receive updates on estimated delivery times.
Car shipping from California to Colorado typically takes 1-4 days, depending on your specific pickup and delivery cities. Major routes like Los Angeles to Denver or San Francisco to Colorado Springs often have faster transit times due to high demand. Upon delivery, you’ll inspect your vehicle with the driver and sign off on the condition report. Most customers find this interstate auto transport service convenient and cost-effective, with prices ranging from $900-$1325 based on vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand.
California to Colorado Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning California to Colorado car shipping, understanding the vehicle registration differences between states is crucial. California requires smog checks for most vehicles, while Colorado mandates emissions testing only in certain counties like Denver and Boulder. After your auto transport arrives, you’ll have 90 days to register your vehicle in Colorado and obtain new plates, compared to California’s 20-day requirement for new residents.
Colorado’s vehicle laws differ significantly from California’s regulations. Window tinting laws are more restrictive in Colorado, allowing only 27% light transmission on front side windows versus California’s 70%. Frame height restrictions are also stricter in Colorado, particularly for lifted trucks. However, Colorado doesn’t require front license plates like California, and their vehicle inspection requirements are generally less stringent than California’s comprehensive smog testing.
Preparing your vehicle for Colorado’s climate is essential when arranging car shipping from California. Winter driving conditions require all-season or winter tires, and many mountain areas mandate traction devices during snow season. Consider having your auto transport company deliver before winter, giving you time to winterize your vehicle. Install engine block heaters for extremely cold temperatures, check antifreeze levels, and ensure your battery can handle subzero conditions common in Colorado winters.
Insurance considerations vary between states, with Colorado requiring lower minimum coverage than California. However, comprehensive coverage becomes more important due to hail damage risks and winter weather conditions. Many California drivers find Colorado insurance rates lower, but mountain residents may face higher premiums due to weather-related claims. Contact your insurance provider before your California to Colorado car shipping to ensure continuous coverage and understand how your rates might change in your new state.
California to Colorado Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from California to Colorado is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including items in the glove box, trunk, and console. Most carriers don’t allow personal items during transport.
Clean your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the pre-transport inspection.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and other fluids. Make sure your battery is secure and working.
Remove or secure loose parts: Take off custom accessories, spoilers, or anything that might fall off. Remove toll passes and fragile items.
Document existing damage: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup.
Provide working keys: Have a spare key ready for the driver.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide. Following these steps ensures your car arrives safely in Colorado.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from California to Colorado. Every carrier 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 active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This coverage protects your vehicle throughout the entire journey from California to Colorado. You can ship with confidence knowing your car is protected by comprehensive insurance from pickup to delivery.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from California to Colorado at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and preferred pickup dates.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan routes more efficiently when they have advance notice
- More availability: Popular routes like California to Colorado fill up quickly
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping with as little as 3-5 days notice, though this typically costs more. For the most budget-friendly option, book 3-4 weeks ahead when possible.
Peak season tip: During summer months (May-September), book even earlier as this is the busiest time for California to Colorado car shipping.
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 transport is the most common and budget-friendly option. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It’s safe and reliable for most cars, but your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris during the trip from California to Colorado.
Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more but provides complete protection. Your car travels inside a covered trailer, shielded from weather, dust, and debris. This is ideal for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.
For most standard vehicles shipping from California to Colorado, open transport works great and saves money. Choose enclosed transport if your car is worth over $50,000 or has special value to you. See our complete open vs enclosed guide for more details.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from California to Colorado. This means we pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in California and deliver it directly to your specified location in Colorado.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your preferred pickup address in California and delivery address in Colorado. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule convenient pickup and delivery times that work with your moving timeline.
In some cases, large car carriers cannot access certain residential streets due to low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or tight turns. If this happens, don’t worry – our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station. This ensures your vehicle is transported safely while keeping the process as convenient as possible for your California to Colorado move.
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!