Hartford
I-84, I-91 · To Chicago, IL: $725–$925Hartford sits where I-84 crosses I-91, giving carriers direct access to Boston, New York State and Springfield. Pickups in West Hartford, Glastonbury and the suburbs are usually easier than downtown.
Car Shipping in Connecticut: 2026 Costs, Transit Times & Vetted Carriers
Shipping a car from Fairfield County to Florida for the winter, into Hartford for a new job, or along I-95. See what Connecticut routes cost, how long they take, and which carriers Connecticut shippers rate highest.
Updated Reviewed by Transportvibe Editorial Team
How much does it cost to ship a car in Connecticut?
Shipping a standard sedan to or from Connecticut costs $325–$1,800 on open transport in 2026, depending on distance. In-state moves run $350–$525, regional moves to neighboring states $425–$800, and coast-to-coast routes $1,425–$1,800. Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%.
- Transit time: 1–3 days in state, 6–9 days coast to coast.
- Cheapest months: January and February. Southbound prices peak in fall snowbird season.
- Main carrier corridors: I-95, I-91 and I-84.
- Average cost, sedan, open
- $325–$1,8002026 estimate, depends on distance
- Average transit time
- 1–9 daysPickup to delivery
- Cheapest months
- January and FebruaryLowest demand for Connecticut routes
- Enclosed transport adds
- 40–60%Over open-carrier price
Connecticut car shipping costs by route
Typical open-carrier prices for a standard sedan on the most-quoted Connecticut routes. SUVs and pickups usually add $100–$250.
| Route | Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford, CT to Los Angeles, CA | 3,010 mi | $1,425–$1,800 | $2,075–$2,875 | 6–9 days |
| New Haven, CT to Boston, MA | 140 mi | $350–$475 | $500–$750 | 1–3 days |
| Stamford, CT to New York, NY | 40 mi | $325–$475 | $475–$750 | 1–3 days |
| Seattle, WA to Hartford, CT | 2,920 mi | $1,400–$1,775 | $2,025–$2,850 | 6–9 days |
| Hartford, CT to Phoenix, AZ | 2,650 mi | $1,325–$1,675 | $1,925–$2,675 | 6–9 days |
| Providence, RI to New Haven, CT | 100 mi | $325–$475 | $475–$750 | 1–3 days |
| Denver, CO to Stamford, CT | 1,980 mi | $1,100–$1,400 | $1,600–$2,250 | 4–7 days |
| Bridgeport, CT to Hartford, CT | 60 mi | $325–$475 | $475–$750 | 1–3 days |
What changes the price of shipping a car in Connecticut
Snowbird season
Connecticut sends a large number of cars to Florida each fall and brings them back in spring. Southbound routes on I-95 are busiest from October through December and northbound from March through May.
I-95 congestion
Traffic between Stamford and New Haven can slow carriers and tighten pickup windows. Weekday early mornings are often the easiest time to meet a truck.
Parkway restrictions
Car carriers can't use the Merritt or Wilbur Cross parkways, so drivers stick to I-95, I-91 and I-84. Addresses near the parkways may need to meet the truck on an interstate.
Winter weather
Snow and ice from December through March can delay pickups and deliveries. Enclosed transport protects cars from road salt.
Shipping a car to and from Connecticut's main cities
Connecticut sits on the I-95 corridor between New York and Boston, one of the busiest car carrier lanes in the country. I-91 and I-84 handle the interior.
I-95I-91I-84
Schematic, not to scale. Tap a city to jump to it.
New Haven
I-95, I-91 · To Chicago, IL: $725–$925New Haven is where I-91 meets I-95, so carriers pass through constantly. Yale adds student moves in late August and May. Tight downtown streets mean many pickups happen at a nearby lot.
Stamford
I-95, Merritt Parkway · To Chicago, IL: $725–$925Stamford and the rest of Fairfield County are a large snowbird market, with many cars heading to Florida in fall. I-95 traffic near New York can slow carriers, but trucks pass through every day. Car carriers can't use the Merritt Parkway.
Bridgeport
I-95, CT-8 · To Chicago, IL: $725–$925Bridgeport sits on I-95 between Stamford and New Haven. It's a convenient pickup for the Naugatuck Valley via CT-8.
New London
I-95 · To Chicago, IL: $750–$950New London and Groton are home to the Naval Submarine Base, so military moves are common. I-95 continues east to Providence and Boston.
Highest-rated car shipping companies serving Connecticut
Ranked by TrustScore, using FMCSA records and reviews from people who shipped to or from Connecticut. Companies cannot pay to change their rank.
- 1
Royal Auto Ship LLC
Broker · FMCSA authority: Active · 3 years active · 1 quote in Connecticut
94Highly trusted - 2
Safeeds Transport Inc.
Broker · FMCSA authority: Active · 4 years active · 1 quote in Connecticut
80Trusted - 3
ExecuShip Auto Transport
Broker · FMCSA authority: Active · 7 years active · 1 quote in Connecticut
58Mixed
TrustScore weighs reputation, on-time performance, pricing accuracy, customer experience and FMCSA compliance. Companies cannot pay to change their score; sponsored placements are always labeled. How TrustScore works.
Open or enclosed transport for Connecticut?
Most Connecticut shipments go on open carriers. Choose enclosed when the car's value, finish or clearance makes road exposure a real risk.
| Open carrier | Enclosed carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Connecticut price | $325–$1,800 | $475–$2,875 |
| Truck availability | High on I-95, I-91 and I-84. Fastest scheduling in the larger metros. | Lower. Often routed through the nearest major hub, so allow extra days. |
| Protection | Exposed to weather, road grime and debris | Fully covered. Keeps road salt, sand and winter grime off the car. |
| Best for | Daily drivers, leases, used cars, most relocations | Classics, exotics, show cars, low-clearance and new luxury vehicles |
| Insurance limit (typical) | $100,000–$250,000 cargo coverage | $250,000–$1,000,000 cargo coverage |
Best time to ship a car in Connecticut
Typical demand for Connecticut routes by month. Higher demand means higher prices and longer waits for a truck.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High demandModerateLow
Fall is busiest for southbound routes to Florida. Spring reverses the flow. Summer brings family relocations and student moves, while winter can be cheaper but subject to snow delays.
How shipping a car in Connecticut works
Compare quotes
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIPs. Compare companies by TrustScore, Connecticut reviews and price, not price alone.
Verify and book
Check the company's USDOT or MC number and insurance. Get the pickup window, price and deposit terms in writing.
Prepare the car
Remove personal items and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank, and photograph every side in daylight.
Inspect at delivery
Walk around the car with the driver and note any damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign it.
Moving to Connecticut with a car
What to do after your car arrives. Requirements can change, so confirm with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Register and title your vehicleNew residents register [VERIFY: new-resident registration deadline] through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. Bring your out-of-state title or lienholder details, ID and proof of Connecticut insurance.
- Switch to a Connecticut driver licenseHandled by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states expect this within the same window as registration.
- Carry Connecticut minimum insurance[VERIFY: minimum liability insurance limits]
- Inspections and emissionsMost gasoline vehicles need an emissions test every two years. Connecticut has no annual safety inspection for most passenger vehicles.
Connecticut car shipping questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Connecticut?
Shipping a sedan to Connecticut costs $325–$1,800 on an open carrier in 2026. Shorter moves within the state run about $350–$525, while cross-country routes cost $1,425–$1,800. SUVs, pickups, non-running cars and enclosed transport cost more.
How long does it take to ship a car to or from Connecticut?
Most Connecticut shipments are delivered in 1–3 days within the state, 2–5 days to neighboring states, and 6–9 days coast to coast. Add one to five days for the carrier to schedule pickup, more for rural addresses far from an interstate.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car in Connecticut?
The cheapest option is an open carrier with flexible pickup dates, booked two to three weeks ahead. Meeting the driver near I-95, I-91 and I-84 instead of at a remote address usually lowers the price and shortens the wait.
Do I need to be there for pickup and delivery?
Someone aged 18 or older needs to be present at both ends to hand over or receive the keys, inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading. It doesn't have to be you, but it should be someone you trust to note damage before signing.
Does Connecticut require an emissions test for a car shipped from another state?
Yes. Most gasoline vehicles in Connecticut need an emissions test every two years, and new residents often need one when registering. Check with the Connecticut DMV for your vehicle.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Connecticut to Florida?
Connecticut to Florida is one of the most popular snowbird routes. Prices are highest when heading south in the fall and lowest when heading south in late spring. See the route table above for current ranges.
How do I check that a Connecticut car shipping company is legitimate?
Look up the company's USDOT or MC number on FMCSA and confirm its operating authority is active and insurance is on file. Then check its TrustScore and reviews from people who shipped to or from Connecticut. Be cautious of quotes far below market and of companies asking for a large deposit before a carrier is assigned.
Keep planning
Popular Connecticut routes
- Connecticut to California
- California to Connecticut
- Connecticut to Washington
- Washington to Connecticut
Guides and tools
- Open vs enclosed car shipping
- How to prepare your car for shipping
- What is a Bill of Lading?
- Car shipping in every state
Ready to ship your car in Connecticut?
Compare quotes from FMCSA-checked companies Connecticut shippers trust. Free, no obligation.