Miami, FL to Houston, TX Car Shipping
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Car Shipping from Miami to Houston
Planning a move from Miami to Houston? Car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a vehicle online, or snowbirding between states, finding reliable auto transport is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Miami to Houston car shipping—from costs and timelines to expert tips that’ll save you money and hassle. Let’s get your vehicle safely on the road to Texas.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
FL
Miami, FL
TX
Houston, TX
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 232 shipments from Miami to Houston, SUVs cost about $40 more than standard cars to ship. If you need enclosed transport for extra protection, expect to pay 79% more—an additional $575 over open carrier pricing.
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 Florida to Texas
Shipping a car from Miami to Houston costs between $850-$1,075 and takes 1-4 days, with SUVs running about $40 more than sedans and enclosed transport adding $575 to your quote.
Our Florida & Texas Customers
Sherpa customers love our Price Lock Promise—the upfront quote you receive is the final price you pay, with no hidden fees or surprise charges at delivery.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor on this 1,192-mile route, but the well-traveled I-10 corridor keeps prices competitive with excellent carrier availability year-round.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Miami to Houston shipment 1-2 weeks ahead during spring or fall to get the best rates and avoid peak snowbird season when demand drives prices higher.
How Car Shipping Works
Before pickup, remove all personal items, clean your vehicle to document its condition with photos, and ensure you have a quarter tank of fuel and a working key for the driver.
State Insights
Texas requires vehicle registration within 30 days of moving and has stricter window tinting laws than Florida, so verify your vehicle meets Texas standards before shipping.
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 Florida to Texas Shipping Prices
Distance
The Miami to Houston route spans approximately 1,200 miles, making distance a significant cost factor. This cross-country journey requires more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, which directly impacts your shipping quote. Longer distances naturally mean higher transportation costs.
Route
The Miami-Houston corridor follows major interstates like I-10, keeping costs reasonable. This well-traveled route features excellent highway infrastructure and frequent carrier traffic. Major routes mean better availability and competitive pricing compared to remote delivery locations.
Season
Winter months see increased snowbird migration from Miami, while summer brings peak moving season. Hurricane season may also affect Florida departures. Booking during spring or fall typically offers better rates and faster service than peak summer or winter periods.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars and sedans ship more affordably than trucks or SUVs on the Miami-Houston route. Larger vehicles consume more trailer space, add weight for fuel costs, and require special loading equipment. Standard sedans consistently receive the most competitive shipping rates.
Traffic Considerations
Major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas create highway congestion along the I-10 corridor. Spring break also brings heavy Florida traffic. Scheduling your shipment outside these peak travel windows helps carriers maintain schedules and can reduce your costs significantly.
Carrier Availability
The Miami-Houston route enjoys strong carrier availability year-round due to high demand. However, peak season may require 1-2 weeks for pickup versus just days during slower periods. Early booking ensures better carrier selection and more competitive pricing options.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport is the economical choice for most Miami-Houston shipments, costing 30-40% less than enclosed. Enclosed trailers protect luxury or classic vehicles from weather and road debris but come at premium pricing. Most standard vehicles ship safely via open transport.
Population Density
Both Miami and Houston are major metropolitan areas with good carrier access, keeping costs competitive. However, downtown Miami or central Houston pickups may incur fees due to traffic and parking challenges. Suburban pickup locations often provide easier access and lower costs.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing your Miami to Houston car shipment during off-peak months can significantly reduce costs. Avoid busy periods like snowbird season (October-April) when demand spikes. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in noticeable savings on your transport quote.
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 your Miami pickup and Houston delivery, you can reduce shipping costs while maintaining convenience and reliability.
Hub City Advantages
Choosing pickup and delivery locations near major highways in Miami and Houston provides better rates and more carrier options. Highway-accessible areas offer easier access for transporters. If shipping to rural destinations, consider meeting carriers at nearby highway locations to save money.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options for Miami to Houston transport. They’re ideal for standard vehicles and provide safe, reliable shipping. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-value cars requiring extra protection from weather and road debris.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Florida to Texas Work?
Shipping your car from Miami, Florida to Houston, Texas is a straightforward process with Sherpa Auto Transport. This popular route covers approximately 1,192 miles and typically takes 1-4 days for delivery. Our Miami to Houston car shipping service connects two major metropolitan areas, making it a well-traveled corridor for auto transport carriers.
The car shipping process begins with getting a quote and booking your transport. Once you schedule your shipment, we assign a qualified carrier to pick up your vehicle in Miami. Before pickup, remove all personal items and document your car’s condition with photos. The driver will inspect your vehicle and provide a Bill of Lading for your records.
During transit from Miami to Houston, your vehicle travels on a professional auto transport carrier along major highways including I-10. This route benefits from excellent infrastructure and high carrier availability due to the heavy traffic between Florida and Texas. Most customers choose open transport for this route, though enclosed auto transport is available for luxury or classic vehicles requiring extra protection.
The typical timeline for Miami to Houston car shipping ranges from 1-4 days depending on carrier schedules and pickup flexibility. Pricing generally falls between $850-$1,075 based on vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. Upon arrival in Houston, inspect your vehicle carefully with the driver and sign the delivery receipt. Our team coordinates every step to ensure your auto transport experience is smooth and stress-free from Florida’s coast to Texas.
Florida to Texas Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning auto transport from Miami to Houston, understanding the differences between Florida and Texas vehicle regulations is essential. Both states have distinct requirements that affect your car shipping experience and post-move vehicle registration.
Texas requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency, compared to Florida’s 10-day window for previous relocations. The Texas registration process includes a vehicle inspection that checks safety features and emissions for certain counties. Houston falls under Harris County, which does not currently require emissions testing, making your Miami to Houston car shipping transition smoother. However, you’ll need proof of insurance, the vehicle title, and a completed application form at your local county tax office.
Texas has stricter window tinting laws than Florida. While Florida allows 28% light transmission on front side windows, Texas permits only 25%. Rear windows have more flexibility in both states. Additionally, Texas enforces bumper height restrictions more rigorously than Florida, particularly for lifted trucks. Before scheduling car shipping services, verify your vehicle meets Texas standards to avoid modification costs after arrival.
Insurance considerations differ significantly between states. Texas requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25, while Florida operates as a no-fault state with different PIP requirements. Contact your insurance provider before your auto transport arrives to ensure proper coverage. Weather-wise, Houston experiences more extreme temperature swings and occasional freezing conditions compared to Miami’s tropical climate. While winter tires aren’t necessary, ensuring your cooling system and air conditioning are properly maintained is crucial for Houston’s intense summer heat. Most car shipping companies transport vehicles in their current condition, so address any weather-related maintenance before scheduling your Miami to Houston car shipping service.
Miami, FL to Houston, TX Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Miami to Houston is simple and straightforward. Here are the key steps:
Clean Your Vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos before shipping.
Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings, toll passes, and loose items from the interior. Carriers are not insured for personal property.
Check Fluid Levels and Battery: Ensure your car has adequate fuel (about a quarter tank), and the battery is charged so the driver can load and unload it.
Remove or Secure Accessories: Take off or secure any external accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna toppers that could be damaged during transit.
Disable Alarms: Turn off your car alarm to avoid issues during transport.
Document the Condition: Take clear photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup.
Provide a Key: Have a working key ready for the carrier driver.
For a complete checklist and additional tips, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth pickup in Miami and safe delivery to Houston.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Miami to Houston. Every carrier in the Sherpa network must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment begins, we verify that your assigned carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to list Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy, giving you an extra layer of protection.
This coverage protects your vehicle against damage during loading, transport, and unloading. You’ll receive the carrier’s insurance information before your pickup, so you have full transparency and peace of mind for your Miami to Houston route.
We recommend scheduling your car shipment from Miami to Houston at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why advance booking helps:
- Better carrier availability: More drivers can bid on your shipment
- Lower prices: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle shipments
- Flexible pickup dates: You’ll have more options that fit your schedule
Need to ship last minute? We can often arrange pickup within 2-5 days, though rates may be higher and options more limited.
Pro tip: If you have exact moving dates, book 2-4 weeks ahead for the smoothest experience and best pricing on your Miami to Houston route.
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 elements during transit, but it’s perfectly safe for most cars. This is how dealerships transport new vehicles.
Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle in a fully covered trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and debris. This costs 40-60% more than open transport but is worth considering for luxury cars, classic vehicles, or exotic models.
For most Miami to Houston shipments, open transport works great and saves you money. Choose enclosed transport if your vehicle is high-value, has custom paint, or you want maximum protection. Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service from Miami to Houston, making your vehicle shipping experience as convenient as possible.
Here’s how it works: When you book with us, simply provide your pickup address in Miami and your delivery address in Houston. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your home, office, or specified location to pick up your vehicle and deliver it right to your doorstep in Houston.
Important to know: In some cases, large car carriers may not be able to access certain residential streets due to low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or tight turns. If this happens, our driver will contact you to arrange a nearby meeting point—like a shopping center parking lot or gas station—that’s easy for both of you to reach.
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 Miami to Houston.
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 Houston
Houston is America’s fourth-largest city, home to over 2.3 million residents in a sprawling metropolitan area of nearly 7 million people. Known as the “Energy Capital of the World,” Houston boasts a diverse economy anchored by energy, aerospace, medicine, and technology. The city’s multicultural character shines through its incredible food scene, world-class museums, and welcoming communities. From NASA’s Johnson Space Center to the bustling downtown theater district, Houston offers big-city amenities with Texas-sized hospitality.
Popular Neighborhoods
The Heights is a trendy area north of downtown featuring historic homes, local boutiques, and popular restaurants along 19th Street. Montrose appeals to young professionals with its eclectic mix of galleries, vintage shops, and nightlife. For families, Sugar Land offers excellent schools and master-planned communities about 20 miles southwest of downtown. The Museum District provides urban living near world-renowned cultural institutions, while nearby Rice Village offers walkable shopping and dining. Each neighborhood has distinct character, from the historic charm of The Heights to Sugar Land’s suburban family appeal.
Practical Moving Tips
Texas requires new residents to obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days of establishing residency. You’ll need to register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Texas. Visit your local county tax office (not the DMV) to register your vehicle and transfer your title. Required documents include your current registration, title, proof of insurance, and vehicle inspection certificate. Texas requires annual safety inspections for most vehicles, and some counties require emissions testing. Inspection must be completed before registration. New residents can complete their driver’s license application online to save time at the office. Keep your current insurance active during the transition, but notify your provider about the move as rates may change.
Climate & Lifestyle
Houston’s humid subtropical climate means hot, humid summers and mild winters. Expect temperatures in the 90s from June through September, with high humidity making it feel even hotter. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making year-round outdoor activities possible. The climate can be tough on vehicles – consider covered parking to protect paint and interiors from intense sun. Summer heat can stress batteries and cooling systems, so regular maintenance is important. Houston’s diverse culture means excellent international cuisine, professional sports teams, and numerous festivals throughout the year. The cost of living remains reasonable compared to other major cities.
Getting Around Houston
Houston is a car-dependent city with limited public transportation, making vehicle ownership essential for most residents. The city sprawls across 670 square miles, connected by major highways including I-45, I-10, US-59/I-69, and Beltway 8. Traffic congestion is heaviest during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM), particularly on these major routes. Plan for longer commute times and consider proximity to work when choosing neighborhoods. Having your own reliable vehicle gives you the freedom to explore Houston’s diverse neighborhoods, nearby beaches, and attractions across this expansive metropolitan area.