Arlington, VA Car Shipping

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Arlington, VA Car Shipping
Planning to ship your car to or from Arlington, VA? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport in Arlington, including costs, timeframes, and expert tips. Whether you’re relocating across the country or buying a vehicle online, understanding car shipping basics will save you time and money. Let’s explore your Arlington auto transport options.
Popular Routes from Arlington, VA

Key Takeaways From This Article
Arlington, VA Auto Transport
Car shipping from Arlington, VA costs between $850-$1575 depending on distance, with most routes averaging 2,157 miles and taking 4-9 days for delivery.
Our Arlington and Virginia Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing, a 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and our Price Lock Promise that protects you from hidden fees.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Arlington car shipping, while Arlington’s highway access to I-95 and I-495 helps keep prices competitive compared to remote locations.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Arlington car shipping 2-3 weeks in advance and choose flexible pickup windows to secure better rates and more carrier options.
How Car Shipping Works
The car shipping process from Arlington involves getting a quote, vehicle preparation, carrier pickup with inspection, and tracking your shipment to delivery.
State Insights
Virginia requires vehicle registration within 30 days of residency, annual safety inspections, and emissions testing in Northern Virginia including Arlington.
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 Arlington, VA
Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Arlington
to Los Angeles
|
2,666 mi
|
$1175–1375
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to San Diego
|
2,610 mi
|
$1150–1350
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to Seattle
|
2,754 mi
|
$1300–1575
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to Dallas
|
1,252 mi
|
$1000–1125
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to San Francisco
|
2,798 mi
|
$1150–1400
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to Phoenix
|
2,270 mi
|
$1125–1275
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to Denver
|
1,645 mi
|
$1150–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to Miami
|
1,055 mi
|
$850–1025
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to Houston
|
1,332 mi
|
$1000–1150
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to San Jose
|
2,848 mi
|
$1175–1400
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to Austin
|
1,447 mi
|
$1050–1225
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to Portland
|
2,790 mi
|
$1350–1600
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to Rome
|
564 mi
|
$675–800
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to Riverside
|
2,559 mi
|
$1200–1450
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Arlington
to Las Vegas
|
2,381 mi
|
$1100–1275
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect Arlington, VA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays the biggest role in your Arlington car shipping costs. Shipping from Arlington to nearby cities like Richmond or Baltimore costs much less than cross-country moves to California or Florida. Longer routes mean more fuel, driver time, and wear on the carrier – all of which add to your final price.
Route
Arlington’s location near major highways like I-95 and I-495 works in your favor. Routes along these busy corridors cost less because carriers can easily pick up and deliver multiple vehicles. If you’re shipping to or from remote areas without highway access, expect higher prices due to the extra time and fuel needed.
Season
Summer months (June-August) are peak season for car shipping, making Arlington routes more expensive. Winter offers the best deals, while spring and fall sit in the middle. Students moving for college and families relocating drive up summer demand and prices.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars and sedans cost the least to ship from Arlington. SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost more because they take up extra space on the carrier and add weight. Some carriers can’t handle very large vehicles at all, which limits your options and increases prices.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid shipping during heavy travel times like Thanksgiving week or the start of summer. Arlington’s location in the busy D.C. metro area means carriers face more traffic delays during peak times. This extra time costs money that gets passed on to you.
Carrier Availability
More carriers serve Arlington during off-peak months, giving you better prices and faster pickup times. During busy summer months, you might wait 1-2 weeks for pickup and pay premium rates. Book early during peak season to secure better rates.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport costs much less and works fine for most vehicles shipping to or from Arlington. Choose enclosed transport only for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles worth over $50,000. The extra protection costs 40-60% more but shields your car from weather and road debris.
Population Density
Arlington’s dense urban environment can increase costs compared to suburban pickup points. Narrow streets and parking restrictions make it harder for large carriers to navigate. Consider meeting your carrier at a nearby shopping center or highway rest area to save money on pickup and delivery fees.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money on Arlington transport costs. Avoid busy snowbird season and summer moves when possible. Even shifting dates by a few weeks can reduce your shipping expenses significantly.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to lower your Arlington car shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling freedom, resulting in better rates for you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup locations near major highways around Arlington for better rates and more carrier options. Highway-accessible spots attract more transporters, creating competition that drives down prices compared to remote suburban locations.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for Arlington car shipping. Standard vehicles ship safely on open carriers, while luxury or classic cars benefit from enclosed protection despite higher costs.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Arlington, VA Work?

Car shipping from Arlington, VA follows a simple process that takes 3-7 days on average. First, you’ll get a quote and book your auto transport service. Our team will then assign a carrier and schedule pickup from your Arlington location. The driver will inspect your vehicle and load it onto the transport truck for delivery.
Arlington’s location near Washington D.C. offers excellent highway access, making car shipping efficient. Most routes from Arlington, VA average 2,157 miles with pricing between $850-$1575. The proximity to major interstates like I-95 and I-66 helps carriers reach your location easily.
To ship your car from Arlington, VA, start by removing personal items and documenting your vehicle’s condition. Choose between open or enclosed transport based on your needs and budget. On pickup day, be present for the vehicle inspection and keep important documents handy. Your auto transport carrier will provide tracking information so you can monitor your shipment’s progress throughout the journey.
Arlington, VA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

When planning car shipping to Arlington, VA, new residents must complete vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency [VA DMV]. Virginia requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles, costing around $20, and emissions testing in Northern Virginia including Arlington [VA DMV]. These inspections must be current before registration, so factor this into your auto transport timeline.
Virginia has specific vehicle modification laws that affect car shipping preparation. Window tinting cannot exceed 50% visible light transmission on front side windows, while rear windows allow darker tints [VA Code]. Vehicle lift kits cannot exceed 4 inches, and bumper height restrictions apply based on vehicle weight [VA Code]. These modifications may need adjustment before or after transport to Arlington, VA.
Arlington’s climate requires minimal winter preparation compared to northern states, though occasional snow occurs. All-season tires typically suffice, making car shipping simpler without extensive winterization [NOAA]. Virginia follows traditional fault-based insurance laws, requiring minimum coverage of $30,000 bodily injury per person and $25,000 property damage [VA SCC]. Consider updating your insurance policy before auto transport arrival, as Virginia rates may differ from your previous state due to local traffic patterns and claim frequencies in the Arlington metro area.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Arlington, Virginia that we Serve
Arlington County Core: 22201, 22202, 22203, 22204, 22205, 22206, 22207, 22209, 22213, 22214, 22215, 22216
Rosslyn/Ballston Corridor: 22209, 22201, 22203
Crystal City/Pentagon City: 22202, 22204
Clarendon/Court House: 22201, 22203
Columbia Pike: 22204, 22206
Shirlington: 22206
Lyon Village/Highlands: 22201, 22209
Westover/Cherrydale: 22205, 22207
Glencarlyn/Douglas Park: 22204, 22206
Virginia Highlands/Waverly Hills: 22207, 22213
We serves the entire Arlington region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Arlington, VA
Students planning car shipping to Arlington, VA should research parking policies at local universities before arrival. George Mason University’s Arlington campus requires parking permits for all vehicles, with registration available online through their transportation services [GMU Transportation]. Most student housing complexes near campus charge additional fees for parking spaces, so factor this into your budget when shipping a car. The University of Virginia’s Arlington facilities offer limited visitor parking but require advance registration for extended stays [UVA Parking Services]. During winter months, Virginia requires adequate tire tread but not snow tires specifically [Virginia DMV]. Students should verify their auto insurance covers the new location and update their policy address. For winter break storage, many Arlington car shipping customers use our services to transport vehicles home rather than pay campus storage fees, making it a cost-effective solution for semester transitions.
Military Car Shipping in Arlington, VA
Arlington is home to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, which presents unique parking considerations for military personnel. Active duty members can obtain parking permits through the base Pass and Registration office, though availability is limited and typically prioritized by rank and duty requirements [DoD]. Most barracks residents should expect to park in designated lots rather than directly adjacent to housing units. For extended leave periods like winter break, vehicles can remain in authorized parking areas with proper notification to your chain of command [JB-MHH]. Virginia’s variable winter weather may require all-season tires, and personnel should verify their roadside assistance coverage extends to the National Capital Region [AAA]. Before shipping your vehicle, confirm your military orders and contact the base transportation office to understand current parking policies and any temporary restrictions that may affect vehicle delivery scheduling.
Arlington, VA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Arlington, VA is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes (like E-ZPass), and fragile items. Carriers are not responsible for personal property.
Clean your car: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank) and the battery works so drivers can load and unload your vehicle.
Remove accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or loose parts that could fall off during transport.
Have keys ready: You’ll need to give one set to the carrier driver.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure your car ships safely from Arlington to its destination.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Arlington, VA. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry minimum $1,000,000 liability insurance and $100,000 cargo insurance.
We verify each carrier’s insurance is active and valid before your Arlington pickup. Our carriers also list Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policies for extra protection.
This coverage protects your vehicle during loading, transport, and delivery at no extra cost to you. Your insurance is included in every quote from Arlington.
We recommend scheduling your car pickup from Arlington, VA at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives us time to find the best carrier and secure competitive rates for your shipment.
Why book early? Arlington’s location near Washington D.C. means high demand for car shipping services. Booking ahead helps ensure:
- Better pickup dates that work with your schedule
- Lower costs through carrier route optimization
- More carrier options to choose from
During busy seasons (summer months and holidays), consider booking 4-6 weeks early. Need faster service? We offer expedited shipping, but expect higher costs.
Ready to ship? Get your free quote today and lock in your preferred pickup date from Arlington, VA.
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 uses open trailers that carry 8-10 cars at once. Your car is exposed to weather and road debris, but it’s the most affordable option used for 90% of all car shipments from Arlington, VA.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer with only 2-6 cars per load. This costs 40-60% more than open transport but shields your car from weather, dust, and road debris.
Choose open transport if: You have a standard daily driver and want to save money
Choose enclosed transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic car, or have custom paint work that needs extra protection
Most Arlington residents choose open transport for reliable, budget-friendly shipping. For detailed comparisons and pricing, check our complete open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Arlington, VA. This means we pick up your car from your home or office and deliver it directly to your new address.
When you book with Sherpa Auto Transport, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come to you – no need to drive to a terminal or depot. This saves you time and makes the whole process easier.
In some cases, large car carriers can’t access narrow streets or areas with low-hanging trees. If this happens in your Arlington neighborhood, don’t worry. We’ll arrange to meet you at a nearby location like a shopping center or gas station. This is still much more convenient than terminal-to-terminal service.
Door-to-door service is included in our standard pricing. There are no hidden fees for this convenience.
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!