Car Shipping in Miami

Shipping a car down for the winter, out of a Brickell high-rise, or north to New York in the spring. Miami is the end of I-95 and the heart of snowbird car shipping. Here's what it costs and where carriers can meet you.

How much does it cost to ship a car from Miami?

Shipping a standard sedan from Miami costs about $650–$1,725 on an open carrier to most mainland cities, depending on distance. Miami to New York runs about $900–$1,125 (3–5 days), and Miami to Los Angeles about $1,350–$1,725 (6–9 days). Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%.

  • Timing: prices into Miami peak October to January; out of Miami, March to May.
  • Pickup: high-rises and condos usually need a meeting point or loading dock booking.
  • Main truck routes: I-95, I-75, Florida's Turnpike and the Palmetto Expressway.
Miami to New York
$900–$1,125Open carrier, 3–5 days
Miami to Los Angeles
$1,350–$1,725Open carrier, 6–9 days
Pickup scheduling
1–4 daysFaster with a flexible meeting point
Enclosed transport adds
40–60%Over open-carrier price
Pickup and delivery

Where car carriers can meet you in Miami

Miami ranges from easy suburban streets to high-rise towers with valet-only garages. Pick your area to see truck routes and good meeting spots.

High-rises and condos need a plan

Most towers have low garage clearance, valet-only parking or loading docks you have to book. Carriers usually meet condo residents at a nearby lot or a booked loading area.

Low garage clearanceValet-only buildingsLoading dock reservationsCondo and HOA truck rules

Downtown & Brickell

Truck access: Hard for trucks

Towers, one-way streets and heavy traffic make door pickups hard. Carriers usually meet Downtown and Brickell residents at a lot near I-95 or a booked loading dock.

Truck routes

  • I-95 to the north
  • FL 836Dolphin Expressway to the airport

Good meeting spots

  • Large lots near I-95 north of downtown
  • Your building's loading dock, if booked ahead

Tip: Ask your building manager about loading dock times before you book the carrier.

Book with confidence

Three ways to ship your car in Miami

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Full Service is our own licensed brokerage. Our team books a vetted carrier for your Miami move, including a truck-friendly meeting point, and handles the details. Shown separately from TrustScore rankings.

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Local know-how

What makes Miami car shipping different

Snowbird season sets prices

Trucks into Miami fill up from October to January, and trucks out fill up from March to May. Shipping the other way in those months is often cheaper.

Hurricane season

From June to November, storms can delay pickups for days. Summer is usually the cheapest time to ship, if you can stay flexible.

Gateway to the Caribbean

PortMiami and Port Everglades handle vehicle shipments to the Caribbean and Latin America. Domestic carriers don't need the port.

Register within 10 days

Florida requires new residents to register within 10 days of starting work or enrolling children in school, and out-of-state vehicles need a VIN verification.

Cashless tolls

Most Miami expressways and the Turnpike are cashless. Remove your SunPass so it doesn't register charges while the car is on the truck.

The end of I-95

Miami is where the East Coast's main trucking corridor ends. Most loads run up and down I-95 and the Turnpike, so northbound and southbound trucks are plentiful.

Timing

Best time to ship a car in Miami

Snowbird traffic is the biggest factor in Miami car shipping prices.

Dec–Feb

Winter

Peak inbound

Snowbirds arrive

December and January are peak months for shipping into Miami. Shipping north is usually cheaper.

Mar–May

Spring

Peak outbound

Snowbirds head north

March to May is the busiest time to ship out of Miami. Book early for spring departures.

Jun–Aug

Summer

Low

Cheapest, watch the storms

Summer is usually the cheapest time to ship, but hurricane season begins in June.

Sep–Nov

Fall

Peak inbound

Rush south begins

October and November bring a wave of snowbird cars into South Florida.

Moving checklist

Moving to or from Miami with a car

Moving to Miami

Confirm current rules with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

  • Register within 10 days of becoming a Florida resident, through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
  • Inspection: Florida has no emissions or safety inspection. Vehicles previously titled in another state need a VIN verification before they can be titled.
  • Minimum insurance: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of at least $10,000 and Property Damage Liability of at least $10,000.
  • Get a VIN verification. Out-of-state vehicles need a VIN verification before they can be titled in Florida.

Leaving Miami

Things Miamians forget before the truck arrives.

  • Remove your SunPass. It can register tolls on expressways and the Turnpike while the car is on the truck.
  • Book your building's loading dock or pick a nearby lot if you live in a high-rise.
  • Book early in spring. March to May is peak season for trucks leaving Miami.
  • Leave about a quarter tank and remove personal items before pickup.

Ready to ship your car in Miami?

Let our Full Service team find a carrier and a meeting point that works, or check any company with the Red Flag Checker before you pay a deposit.

Questions

Miami car shipping FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Miami?

Shipping a standard sedan from Miami costs about $650–$1,725 on an open carrier to most mainland cities, depending on distance. Miami to New York runs about $900–$1,125 (3–5 days), and Miami to Los Angeles about $1,350–$1,725 (6–9 days). Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%.

How much does it cost to ship a car from Miami to New York?

About $900–$1,125 on an open carrier, taking 3–5 days after pickup. Prices peak from March to May, when snowbirds head north.

When is the best time to ship a car to Miami?

Summer and early fall are usually cheapest for shipping into Miami. October to January is the most expensive, because snowbird cars are arriving.

Can a car carrier pick up from my Miami condo?

Usually not from the garage itself, because most garages are too low for a carrier. Book your building's loading dock or meet the truck at a nearby lot.

Does hurricane season affect car shipping in Miami?

It can. From June to November, storms can close roads and delay pickups for days. Keep your dates flexible and watch the forecast.

How soon do I need to register my car after moving to Miami?

Florida requires new residents to register within 10 days of starting work, enrolling children in school or establishing residency. Out-of-state vehicles need a VIN verification first.

Can I put my car on a train from Miami?

The Auto Train runs between Sanford, Florida, near Orlando, and Lorton, Virginia. Sanford is about 230 miles north of Miami, so you'd drive that part first.

How long does it take to ship a car from Miami?

About 2–4 days to Atlanta, 3–5 days to New York and 6–9 days to Los Angeles after pickup. Add 1–4 days for scheduling, longer in peak season.

Related routes and guides

How we estimate prices. Prices and transit times on this page are estimates for a standard sedan, based on route distance, typical carrier rates, seasonal demand and the extra cost of enclosed transport. Quotes from individual companies can be higher or lower. Registration details come from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV); truck route rules from Miami-Dade County transportation information.