Washington to Arizona

Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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WASHINGTON TO ARIZONA
Shipping from Washington to Arizona
Planning to move your vehicle from the Pacific Northwest to the desert Southwest? Washington to Arizona car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding for the winter, professional auto transport services make the 1,200+ mile journey simple. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping costs, timelines, and tips for a smooth experience.
Average Distance, Time and Cost

WA
Washington

AZ
Arizona
Popular Routes from Washington to Arizona

Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Washington to Arizona
Washington to Arizona car shipping costs $950-$1625 and takes 2-6 days to complete the 1,420-mile journey across multiple states.
Our Washington & Arizona Customers
Sherpa customers love our Price Lock Promise, transparent pricing, and 4.9-star rating from over 8,000 reviews with no hidden fees.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Washington to Arizona shipping, with seasonal demand during snowbird migration significantly impacting prices.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book during summer months and choose flexible pickup windows to save the most money on your Washington to Arizona car shipment.
How Car Shipping Works
Vehicle inspection and documentation at pickup is the most critical step to ensure a smooth Washington to Arizona transport experience.
State Insights
Arizona requires vehicle registration within 15 days and has stricter emissions standards than Washington in major metro areas.
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 Washington to Arizona
Factors that Affect Washington to Arizona Shipping Prices
Distance
The 1,200+ mile journey from Washington to Arizona significantly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances require more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, making this cross-country route more expensive than shorter shipments.
Route
Washington to Arizona follows major interstate highways like I-84 and I-15, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled routes offer better carrier availability and lower prices compared to remote pickup locations.
Season
Winter months see increased demand as people escape Washington’s cold weather for Arizona’s warmth. Summer shipping typically costs less, while snowbird season (October-December) drives prices up significantly.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks on this route. Larger vehicles take up more trailer space, add weight for fuel costs, and limit carrier options between Washington and Arizona.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving week create heavy traffic delays along this route. Scheduling shipments during off-peak times helps avoid congestion through mountain passes and major cities, reducing costs.
Carrier Availability
Peak snowbird migration season limits carrier availability from Washington to Arizona. Booking during summer months typically offers faster pickup times and more competitive pricing due to increased carrier availability.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport works well for this route’s dry climate conditions. Enclosed trailers cost 40-60% more but protect luxury vehicles from road debris during the long Washington to Arizona journey.
Population Density
Seattle and Phoenix metro areas offer competitive pricing due to high shipping volume. Rural Washington locations may cost more, while Arizona’s sprawling suburbs provide affordable delivery options compared to dense urban centers.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money on Washington to Arizona transport. 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 shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup in Washington and delivery in Arizona gives them scheduling freedom, which translates to lower rates for you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways for better rates and more carrier options. Cities connected to interstate systems offer competitive pricing compared to rural areas that require special routing and extra time.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options for Washington to Arizona shipping. Unless you’re transporting a luxury or classic vehicle requiring weather protection, open transport provides safe, economical car shipping for most vehicles.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Washington to Arizona Work?

Car shipping from Washington to Arizona involves transporting your vehicle across 1,420 miles through professional auto transport services. This popular interstate route connects the Pacific Northwest to the Southwest, making it essential for relocations, seasonal moves, and vehicle purchases. Washington to Arizona car shipping typically takes 2-6 days, depending on your specific pickup and delivery locations within each state.
The car shipping process begins when you request a quote and book your transport. Professional carriers will pick up your vehicle from your Washington location and secure it on specialized auto transport trailers. Most shipments use open carriers, though enclosed transport is available for luxury or classic vehicles. Your car travels south through Oregon and California before reaching Arizona, following major interstate highways for safe and efficient delivery.
Several factors make Washington to Arizona auto transport unique. The route crosses multiple climate zones, from Washington’s wet conditions to Arizona’s desert heat. Experienced carriers understand these weather variations and plan accordingly. Mountain passes and seasonal weather can occasionally affect timing, especially during winter months. The diverse terrain requires skilled drivers familiar with steep grades and varying road conditions throughout the journey.
To ship your car from Washington to Arizona, start by getting quotes from licensed carriers. Once booked, prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. On pickup day, inspect your car with the driver and sign the bill of lading. Track your shipment’s progress and be available for delivery within the agreed timeframe. With prices ranging from $950-$1625, Washington to Arizona car shipping offers an affordable alternative to driving yourself across this long distance.
Washington to Arizona Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

When planning Washington to Arizona car shipping, understanding the vehicle registration differences between states is crucial. Washington requires vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency, while Arizona gives new residents 15 days to register their vehicles. Arizona charges a vehicle license tax based on your car’s assessed value, which can be significantly higher than Washington’s flat registration fees. Both states require proof of insurance, but Arizona mandates higher minimum liability coverage limits.
Vehicle regulations vary notably between these states. Washington requires emissions testing in certain counties, while Arizona has stricter emissions standards statewide for vehicles in Maricopa and Pima counties. Window tinting laws differ too – Washington allows 24% visible light transmission on front side windows, while Arizona permits only 33%. Arizona also has unique regulations for vehicle modifications due to extreme weather conditions, including requirements for adequate cooling systems.
Auto transport from Washington to Arizona requires weather-related vehicle preparations. Remove winter tires and snow chains before shipping, as Arizona’s desert climate makes them unnecessary. Consider switching to all-season tires rated for high temperatures. Check your cooling system, as Arizona’s extreme heat can stress engines accustomed to Washington’s milder climate. Replace windshield wipers and fluids suitable for desert conditions, and ensure your air conditioning system works properly.
Insurance considerations for car shipping between these states include coverage differences and premium variations. Arizona typically has higher insurance rates due to extreme weather, higher accident rates, and uninsured motorist statistics. Many Washington insurers operate in Arizona, but coverage options and pricing may differ. Contact your insurance provider before your move to understand policy changes. Some companies offer temporary coverage during auto transport, which can provide peace of mind during your Washington to Arizona car shipping process.
Washington to Arizona Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Washington to Arizona is simple but important. Start by removing all personal items from inside your car, including toll passes, GPS devices, and any fragile items that could break during transit.
Key preparation steps:
- Clean your vehicle inside and out to document its condition
- Remove or secure loose exterior accessories like bike racks or spoilers
- Ensure you have less than a quarter tank of gas
- Disable your car alarm system
- Have a spare key ready for the carrier
- Take photos of any existing damage
Check our comprehensive Vehicle Shipping Tips for a complete preparation checklist. Most carriers will inspect your vehicle before loading, so proper preparation helps ensure a smooth pickup and delivery process for your Washington to Arizona car shipment.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Washington to Arizona. Every carrier in our network must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your car ships, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This means your vehicle is covered from pickup in Washington until delivery in Arizona. You can ship with confidence knowing your car is protected throughout the entire journey.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping pickup from Washington at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and flexible pickup dates.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle multiple vehicles
- More availability: Popular routes like Washington to Arizona fill up quickly
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup window options to choose from
If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping options. However, rush orders typically cost 25-50% more than standard bookings.
Pro tip: Book as soon as you know your moving date. You can always adjust your pickup window later if your plans change.
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, but your car is exposed to weather and road debris during the trip from Washington to Arizona.
Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more but provides complete protection. Your vehicle travels inside a covered trailer, shielding it from rain, snow, dust, and flying rocks. This is ideal for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.
For most standard vehicles shipping from Washington to Arizona, open transport works great and saves money. Choose enclosed transport if your car is worth over $50,000 or has sentimental value you can’t replace. See our complete open vs enclosed guide for more details.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service from Washington to Arizona. This means we pick up your car from your home, office, or chosen address in Washington and deliver it directly to your new location in Arizona.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your pickup address in Washington and delivery address in Arizona. Our carrier will come to you at both ends of the journey. This saves you time and hassle compared to dropping off or picking up at a terminal.
Sometimes, large transport trucks can’t access certain streets due to low bridges, 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. We always prioritize safety while keeping things as convenient as possible for you.
Door-to-door service is included in most of our Washington to Arizona car shipping quotes at no extra cost. It’s just one more way we make your cross-country move easier.
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!