Arlington, VA Car Shipping
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Arlington, VA Car Shipping
Planning to ship your vehicle to or from Arlington, VA? You’re in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping from Arlington, including estimated auto transport costs, delivery timelines, and expert tips. Whether you’re relocating across the country or sending a car to family, we’ll help you navigate the auto transport process with confidence and ease.
Popular Routes from Arlington, VA
Key Takeaways From This Article
Arlington, VA Auto Transport
Car shipping from Arlington, VA typically costs $875-$1,550 depending on your destination, with most routes taking 3-7 days and covering an average distance of 2,146 miles.
Our Arlington and Virginia Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent, locked-in pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise—no hidden fees or last-minute surprises—plus a 4.9-star rating from over 8,000 reviews.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Arlington shipments, but your route also matters significantly—Arlington’s excellent highway access via I-95, I-66, and I-495 helps reduce costs compared to remote destinations.
Tips and Tricks to Save
The most important step is preparing your vehicle properly: clean it, document existing damage with photos, remove personal items, ensure it has a quarter tank of gas, and have a working key ready for the carrier.
How Car Shipping Works
Virginia requires new residents to register vehicles within 30 days and complete both safety inspections and emissions testing for Northern Virginia counties including Arlington.
State Insights
Save money by booking 1-2 weeks in advance, choosing flexible pickup windows, and shipping during off-peak seasons like winter months when demand is lower.
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 Arlington, VA
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arlington
to Los Angeles
|
2,664 mi
|
$1175–1375
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to Phoenix
|
2,296 mi
|
$1175–1325
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to Seattle
|
2,761 mi
|
$1350–1550
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to Dallas
|
1,324 mi
|
$1025–1150
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to San Diego
|
2,648 mi
|
$1175–1375
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to San Francisco
|
2,811 mi
|
$1200–1400
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to Miami
|
1,054 mi
|
$875–1050
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to Denver
|
1,659 mi
|
$1150–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to Houston
|
1,404 mi
|
$1000–1150
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to San Jose
|
2,843 mi
|
$1200–1400
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to Austin
|
1,519 mi
|
$1075–1225
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to Portland
|
2,803 mi
|
$1375–1600
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to Atlanta
|
637 mi
|
$700–800
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to Riverside
|
2,630 mi
|
$1225–1425
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Arlington
to Las Vegas
|
2,406 mi
|
$1100–1275
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 11,577 actual shipments involving Arlington, 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 Arlington, VA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a major role in your shipping costs. The farther your vehicle needs to travel to or from Arlington, VA, the higher the price. A cross-country shipment will naturally cost more than a regional move within a few hundred miles.
Route
Your specific route matters significantly. Arlington’s location near major highways like I-95, I-66, and I-495 works in your favor. Shipments along these well-traveled corridors typically cost less than routes to remote or hard-to-reach areas. If you’re shipping to a small coastal town or rural location, expect higher rates.
Season
Timing affects your wallet. Peak moving seasons (typically summer months and early fall) see higher demand and higher prices. Winter months, especially January and February, often offer better rates. If your schedule allows 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 carrier, add extra weight (increasing fuel costs), and are harder to load and unload. Some carriers can’t even accommodate oversized vehicles.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid peak travel times when possible. The week before Thanksgiving, major holidays, and long weekends see heavy traffic nationwide. This congestion slows down carriers and can increase costs. Scheduling your shipment during quieter periods helps carriers work more efficiently and may reduce your rate.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability fluctuates with demand. During peak season, you might wait several weeks for a carrier to become available. In the off-season, carriers are typically available within days. Planning ahead and booking early—especially during busy periods—gives you more options and better pricing.
Open vs Enclosed
You have two main trailer options. Open trailers are the standard choice and cost significantly less. They’re perfectly safe for most vehicles. Enclosed trailers offer protection from weather and road debris but cost 40-60% more. Reserve enclosed transport for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles where the extra protection justifies the premium.
Population Density
Arlington sits in a dense metro area, which can affect pricing. While the region’s excellent highway access helps, navigating tight urban streets and limited parking can add complexity. If possible, consider meeting your carrier at a location with easier access—perhaps a nearby suburb with wider roads and more space. This flexibility can sometimes reduce your costs.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Save money by shipping during off-peak times. Avoid busy seasons like summer and snowbird migration periods when demand drives prices up. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant savings on your Arlington car transport costs.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce costs. By selecting a five-day window instead of exact dates, you give carriers more routing options. This flexibility often translates to lower rates for your Arlington vehicle shipment while maintaining reliable service.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup locations near major highways in Arlington for better rates. Highway-accessible spots attract more carriers and create competition, lowering prices. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting your carrier in a nearby city along major routes to save money.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for Arlington car shipping. Most vehicles ship safely on open carriers, just like dealership deliveries. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or exotic cars needing extra protection from weather and road debris.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Arlington, VA Work?
Car shipping from Arlington, VA is a straightforward process that typically takes 3-7 days to complete. When you book auto transport with Sherpa Auto Transport, we handle everything from pickup to delivery. The average distance for routes from Arlington is approximately 2,146 miles, with pricing ranging from $875-$1550 depending on your destination and vehicle type.
The process begins with getting a quote and booking your shipment. Next, we assign a trusted carrier to pick up your vehicle from Arlington, VA at your preferred location. Since Arlington is located in the busy Washington DC metro area, our carriers have excellent access to major highways like I-95 and I-66, making pickup and delivery convenient. Your car is then transported safely using either open or enclosed carriers. Throughout the journey, you can track your shipment’s progress. Finally, your vehicle is delivered to your destination, where you’ll inspect it and sign off on the delivery. Our team coordinates every step to ensure smooth, reliable auto transport service from Arlington, VA.
Arlington, VA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Arlington, VA, understanding Virginia’s vehicle regulations is essential. New residents must register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency [VA DMV]. The process requires a valid title, proof of insurance, and passing a safety inspection at an authorized station. Virginia also requires emissions testing in Northern Virginia counties, including Arlington, for most vehicles [VA DEQ].
Virginia has specific vehicle laws to consider before auto transport. Window tint must allow more than 50% light transmission for front side windows, while rear windows can be darker [VA Code]. The state also enforces strict insurance requirements, including mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, which differs from many other states [VA DMV]. Drivers should budget accordingly as Virginia insurance rates can vary significantly from other regions.
Arlington, VA experiences moderate winters, so all-season tires typically suffice, though winter tires provide extra safety during occasional snow. After car shipping, familiarize yourself with Arlington’s urban parking regulations and rush hour traffic patterns. The area’s humid summers and occasional winter weather mean regular maintenance checks are important. Before transporting your vehicle to Arlington, VA, ensure all required documentation is ready to streamline the registration process upon arrival.
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
Central Arlington: 22201, 22202, 22203, 22204, 22205
North Arlington: 22207, 22209, 22213
South Arlington: 22202, 22204, 22206
Ballston-Virginia Square: 22201, 22203
Clarendon-Courthouse: 22201, 22209
Crystal City-Pentagon City: 22202, 22214
Rosslyn: 22209
Shirlington: 22206
Columbia Pike: 22204
Lee Highway Corridor: 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
Arlington is home to several universities, including George Mason University’s Arlington Campus and Marymount University, making auto transport services essential for students relocating here. Parking at these institutions typically requires permits—GMU Arlington offers commuter passes through their parking services, while Marymount provides resident and commuter parking options [University Parking Services]. Most student housing doesn’t include guaranteed parking, so arrange permits early when shipping a car to Arlington, VA. Students should verify whether they can store vehicles on campus during winter break, as policies vary. Given the region’s winter weather, consider all-season tires and confirm your roadside assistance coverage extends to Virginia [AAA]. Planning your car transport ahead of move-in dates ensures you’ll have parking arrangements finalized before your vehicle arrives.
Military Car Shipping in Arlington, VA
Arlington is home to The Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Military personnel should be aware that parking at these installations requires a valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification card and vehicle registration [DoD]. All vehicles must be registered with the Installation Provost Marshal’s Office within 30 days of arrival [Army]. On-base housing typically includes assigned parking spaces, but barracks residents may have limited availability and should confirm arrangements beforehand [JBM-HH]. For extended deployments or leave periods, contact your unit’s transportation office about long-term vehicle storage options. Virginia winters can bring snow and ice, so consider all-season or winter tires for safety [DMV]. Additionally, verify that your auto insurance and roadside assistance coverage extends to Virginia, as some policies have geographic restrictions [USAA].
Arlington, VA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Arlington, VA is simple. Follow these key steps:
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes (like E-ZPass), and fragile items. These aren’t covered by carrier insurance.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank) and the battery is charged so it can be loaded and unloaded.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, and custom antennas. Retract or remove mirrors if possible.
Check tire pressure: Make sure all tires are properly inflated.
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. Following these steps ensures a smooth pickup from Arlington and safe delivery to your destination.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Arlington, VA. Every carrier in our network must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment begins, 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. This gives you extra protection and peace of mind.
Your vehicle is covered from pickup in Arlington until delivery at your destination. If you have questions about insurance coverage, our team is happy to provide additional details.
We recommend scheduling your car shipment from Arlington, VA 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 combine your vehicle with others heading the same route, which lowers costs
- More flexibility: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
- Reduced stress: You won’t be rushing to find last-minute availability
That said, we understand plans change. If you need faster service, we can often arrange pickup within 2-5 days. Just keep in mind that expedited shipping typically costs more.
Bottom line: Book as early as possible, but don’t worry if you’re on a tight timeline. We’re here to help either way.
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. Your car is exposed to weather and road elements during transit. This is the most common and affordable option, used for about 90% of vehicle shipments.
Enclosed auto transport uses fully covered trailers that protect your vehicle from weather, dust, and debris. It costs 50-60% more than open transport but offers maximum protection.
Which should you choose? Most Arlington residents use open transport for everyday vehicles. It’s safe, reliable, and budget-friendly. Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom modifications or a high-value paint job.
Both options are fully insured. Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Arlington, VA. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home or office and deliver it directly to your destination address.
Here’s how it works:
At Pickup: Our carrier will come to your specified address in Arlington to load your vehicle. Whether you’re in Clarendon, Ballston, or any Arlington neighborhood, we’ll coordinate a convenient pickup time.
At Delivery: Your vehicle will be delivered right to your door at the destination address you provide.
Important Note: In some cases, large car carriers may not be able to navigate narrow streets, tight turns, or areas with low-hanging trees. Arlington has some residential areas with parking restrictions and narrow roads. If your street isn’t accessible for a full-size carrier, we’ll arrange a nearby meeting spot like a shopping center parking lot or gas station. This ensures your vehicle is transported safely while still keeping pickup and delivery as convenient as possible.
Our team will communicate with you throughout the process to make your Arlington auto transport experience smooth and hassle-free.
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!