2,160 miles · 5 to 8 day transit
Car Shipping
San Francisco to
Chicago
Auto Transport Pros connects you with licensed, insured partners for San Francisco to Chicago car shipping: about 2,160 miles on I-80 and I-90, 5 to 8 days in transit, with a published range of $1,000 to $1,400 for a sedan on an open carrier.
Call to ship
San Francisco to Chicago
Speak with a transport specialist. No forms, just call.
Phone lines Mon to Fri 8AM to 8PM, Sat 9AM to 5PM EST
Timing tip
Summer is the busiest season for long-distance vehicle moves because it lines up with household relocations. If your dates are flexible, September and early October usually bring easier scheduling before the snowbird season starts.
Route overview
San Francisco to Chicago is about 2,160 miles, heading east on I-80 and I-90. The published transit of 5 to 8 days after pickup works out to roughly 270 to 430 miles a day, slower than driving it yourself because the truck stops for other vehicles and federal rules cap the driver at 11 hours behind the wheel per shift.
The published range for a standard sedan on an open carrier is $1,000 to $1,400, about 46 cents to 65 cents a mile. Loading, inspection and dispatch cost the same on any route, so on a run this long they are spread thin and the per-mile rate is among the lowest on the site.
Leave about a quarter tank of fuel and take out toll transponders and parking passes, so the vehicle does not register tolls while it rides on the trailer.
Open transport suits most vehicles on a route this long. Enclosed trailers cost more and earn it for classic, luxury and low-clearance cars, which would otherwise ride 5 to 8 days exposed to weather and road grit.
Distance
~2,160 miles via I-80 and I-90
Transit
5 to 8 days after pickup
Typical rate
$1,000 to $1,400 for a sedan on an open carrier*
Every partner is licensed and insured. Before the San Francisco pickup, ask for the carrier's MC or USDOT number to check on FMCSA SAFER and for its cargo insurance certificate; the Bill of Lading guide explains the inspection you sign at both ends, and the disclaimer sets out who is responsible for what.
Planning this corridor
Guides for a move of this type
- What is the Real Cost to Ship a Car Across the Country? Breaking down the hidden fees and average prices when booking long-distance vehicle transport.
- How Auto Transport Works: A Comprehensive Guide Learn the step-by-step process of shipping your vehicle safely and efficiently across the country.
- Top Auto Transport Scams to Avoid Watch out for bait-and-switch pricing and fake broker scams. Learn how to identify trustworthy auto transporters.
FAQs
How long does car shipping from San Francisco to Chicago take?
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Francisco to Chicago?
Can I ship the car back from Chicago to San Francisco?
*Published range, not a quote.
Ship San Francisco to Chicago
Have both ZIP codes and the vehicle details ready and we can price it on the call.