If you’re planning to ship a car, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “How long will it take?” Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle out of state, or sending a car to a loved one, understanding the typical auto transport timeline is key to managing expectations and planning ahead.

The truth is, car shipping doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all schedule. The total time it takes to ship a car can vary depending on several factors, including distance, location, time of year, type of transport, and even the driver’s route.

Let’s break down the car shipping timeline and the main things that can affect how long your shipment will take from pickup to delivery.

Average Time to Ship a Car

In general, once your car is picked up, delivery usually takes anywhere from 1 to 10 days, depending on how far it’s going:

• • 0–500 miles: 1–2 days

• • 500–1,000 miles: 2–3 days

• • 1,000–1,500 miles: 3–4 days

• • 1,500–2,000 miles: 4–6 days

• • 2,000–2,500 miles: 5–7 days

• • 2,500+ miles: 7–10 days

It’s important to note that these are only estimates for transit time—they don’t include how long it takes to schedule the pickup, which can add a few extra days.

Pickup Windows and Scheduling Delays

When you book car shipping, you’ll typically be given a pickup window, not an exact day or time. Most auto transport companies offer a window of 1 to 5 days for pickup, depending on their availability and your location.

If you’re in a major city or along a common route, pickup is usually faster. If you’re in a rural or hard-to-reach area, it might take a little longer for the carrier to reach you or coordinate a nearby meeting spot.

Some companies offer expedited or guaranteed pickup services if you need your car picked up by a certain date—but this will usually cost more.

Distance is the Biggest Factor

As you might expect, distance is the number one factor that determines how long it takes to ship your car. Shorter shipments can be completed in just a day or two, while cross-country shipments will take up to a week or more.

However, it’s not just about how many miles the driver has to travel—it’s also about the route they’re taking. Drivers often make multiple pickups and deliveries along the way, which can impact how fast they get to your car. Busy routes between large cities are typically faster and more efficient, while more isolated or less common routes may take longer.

Type of Transport: Open vs. Enclosed

The type of transport you choose also plays a role in shipping time. Open transport is the most common method and has more carriers available, which can mean faster scheduling and shorter wait times.

Enclosed transport—used for classic or high-value cars—offers more protection but is less common, which can lead to longer wait times for a truck with space on your route. If time is a major concern, open transport is usually the faster option.

Time of Year and Weather Conditions

Seasonality plays a big role in how long it takes to ship your car. During peak seasons, like summer and early winter (when snowbirds move south), demand for carriers is high, and trucks fill up quickly. This can cause delays in both pickup and delivery.

In winter months, severe weather like snowstorms, icy roads, and poor driving conditions can slow down shipments, especially in the northern and Midwest states. Meanwhile, during spring and fall, transport typically runs smoother with fewer delays and better availability.

If your schedule is flexible, try to avoid peak seasons or bad weather windows to ensure faster and more reliable delivery.

Rural vs. Urban Delivery Locations

Your pickup and delivery locations affect the timeline as well. Cars picked up and delivered in major metro areas are usually shipped faster because more carriers operate in those regions.

If you’re located in a rural area, it may take longer to arrange pickup or delivery since fewer carriers serve those routes. In some cases, you may be asked to meet the driver in a nearby city or along a major highway to help speed things up.

Carrier Schedules and Logistics

Car shipping is a bit like planning a road trip—but with multiple stops. Auto transport drivers often have full schedules with several pickups and drop-offs in between. If your car is one of the first on the truck, delivery may be quicker. If it’s loaded last and dropped off last, it may take longer.

Keep in mind that transport trucks must also comply with federal driving time limits, meaning drivers can only operate for a certain number of hours per day, which can slow down long-haul trips.

Delays That Can Happen

Even with the best planning, unexpected delays can happen. Weather, traffic, road closures, mechanical issues, or even paperwork problems at pickup or delivery can throw off the schedule.

That’s why it’s important to work with a reliable transport company that communicates clearly throughout the process. Most companies will provide updates if there are delays and help you stay informed so you can plan accordingly.

Expedited Shipping Options

If you’re in a hurry, many transport companies offer expedited shipping or guaranteed delivery for an additional fee. This means your car is prioritized and often picked up and delivered faster—sometimes within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the location.

This is a great option if you’re facing a tight deadline, like a cross-country move or an important event. Just be sure to get the guarantee in writing and understand the extra cost involved.

Final Thoughts

So, how long does it take to ship a car? The answer depends on several moving parts: distance, season, location, transport type, and carrier schedule. While the average transport takes about 5 to 7 days, delays and scheduling buffers can stretch the overall timeline to 7 to 14 days from booking to delivery.

The best way to avoid surprises is to book early, stay flexible, and work with a trusted auto transport company that communicates clearly and keeps you informed every step of the way. With a little preparation, you’ll know exactly what to expect—and your car will be home before you know it.