How Much to Ship a Car from Hawaii to Texas

Hawaii to Texas is one of the most searched car shipping routes. See what it costs from Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo and Kona to Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio, how long it takes, and how to book safely.

How much does it cost to ship a car from Hawaii to Texas?

Shipping a standard sedan from Hawaii to Texas costs about $2,425–$4,125 with ocean and truck transport. Honolulu to Dallas–Fort Worth runs about $2,450–$3,400 and takes 13–19 days. Enclosed or container shipping costs $3,525–$6,600.

  • Transit time: 13–27 days, depending on the cities and sailing schedule.
  • Cheapest time: outside summer PCS season.
  • How it ships: ocean sailing plus mainland trucking; port-to-port is cheapest.
Average cost, sedan
$2,425–$4,125Estimate, depends on cities
Transit time
13–27 daysIncluding sailing
Route
Ocean + truckScheduled sailings
Container or enclosed
40–60%Over standard price
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Three ways to move your car to Texas

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How your car gets there

The journey from Hawaii to Texas

Every car shipped from Hawaii crosses the ocean on a scheduled sailing, with trucking on the mainland side.

  1. TruckHonoluluDrop your car at the port or have it collected.Pickup · Hawaii Time
  2. ShipPort of HonoluluDrop-off and inspection before loading.Cutoff times
  3. ShipOcean crossingYour car travels as roll-on cargo or in a container.About 5–7 days at sea
  4. TruckLong Beach or OaklandUnloading and inspection on the mainland.Pickup window
  5. Dallas–Fort WorthCollect at the port or have it trucked to Texas.Delivery · Central Time

Sailings to Hawaii arrive in Honolulu. Maui, the Big Island and Kauai are reached by inter-island barge, which adds several days.

What to expect

Your shipment, day by day

A typical Honolulu to Dallas–Fort Worth shipment booked with flexible dates.

  1. Day 0

    Book and verify

    Compare quotes, check the company's USDOT or MC number, and confirm the price and deposit in writing.

  2. 1–2 weeks before

    Sailing booked

    Your car is booked on a sailing. Missing the port cutoff can push it to the next ship.

  3. Drop-off day

    Inspection and loading

    You and the port agent note any existing damage on the Bill of Lading before the car is loaded.

  4. +13–19 days

    At sea

    Your car crosses the Pacific on a scheduled sailing, plus trucking time on the mainland.

  5. Delivery

    Inspect and sign

    Check the car against the pickup report before signing. Note new damage on the Bill of Lading.

Port or door?

Port-to-port vs door-to-door

The biggest price decision on an ocean route is who moves the car to and from the ports.

Port to port

$1,500–$2,200
You drop off at
Long Beach or Oakland
You collect at
Honolulu
Best for
Lowest price
Transit
10–14 days

Door to door

$2,450–$3,400
Pickup
Your address in Hawaii
Delivery
Your address in Texas
Best for
Convenience
Transit
15–23 days

Prices are estimates for a standard sedan between Honolulu and Dallas–Fort Worth. Military members on PCS orders may be entitled to have a vehicle shipped by the government, so check your orders before booking.

Both ends of the trip

Leaving Hawaii, arriving in Texas

Before drop-off in Hawaii

What ocean carriers check at the port.

  • Clean the car inside and out. Hawaii's agricultural rules don't allow soil, plants or insects. A dirty undercarriage can be refused at the port.
  • Leave a quarter tank or less. Ocean carriers limit fuel for safety.
  • Empty the car. Most ocean carriers don't allow personal items, apart from standard equipment like a spare tire.
  • Bring your paperwork. Expect to show your title or registration, photo ID and, if the car is financed, a letter from your lender authorizing the shipment.

After delivery in Texas

For new Texas residents. Confirm current rules with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and your county tax office.

  • Register within 30 days. New residents register through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and your county tax office.
  • Carry Texas minimum insurance. Liability of at least $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
  • Check inspection rules. Texas no longer requires annual safety inspections for most passenger vehicles. Emissions testing still applies in several metro counties.
  • Get a TxTag, EZ TAG or TollTag if you'll use toll roads in your new area.
Timing

Best time to ship a car from Hawaii to Texas

Sailings fill up fastest during summer moving and military PCS season.

Dec–Feb

Winter

Lower demand

Most sailing space

Fewer moves mean easier booking.

Mar–May

Spring

Moderate

Bookings pick up

Book sailings several weeks ahead as moving season begins.

Jun–Aug

Summer

Peak

Military PCS and moving season

June to August fills sailings fastest. Book as early as you can.

Sep–Nov

Fall

Moderate

Space opens up

Demand eases after the summer PCS season.

Ready to ship your car from Hawaii to Texas?

Let our Full Service team book a vetted carrier for you, or check any company with the Red Flag Checker before you pay a deposit.

Questions

Hawaii to Texas car shipping FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Hawaii to Texas?

Shipping a standard sedan from Hawaii to Texas costs about $2,425–$4,125 with ocean and truck transport, depending on the cities. Honolulu to Dallas–Fort Worth is about $2,450–$3,400. Enclosed or container shipping costs about $3,525–$6,600.

How long does it take to ship a car from Hawaii to Texas?

Most cars arrive 13–27 days after drop-off, depending on the cities, sailing schedule and port handling. Book several weeks ahead, since sailings run on fixed schedules.

Is port-to-port or door-to-door cheaper?

Port-to-port is cheaper because you handle the drive to and from the ports yourself. Door-to-door adds trucking on one or both ends but saves you the trips.

Can I pack personal items in my car?

Usually not. Most ocean carriers require the car to be empty apart from standard equipment like a spare tire and jack. Ship household goods separately.

Does my car need to be cleaned before shipping?

Yes, for Hawaii. Cars must be free of soil, plants and insects to protect the islands from invasive pests. A dirty car can be turned away at the port until it's washed.

Will the military ship my car?

Service members on PCS orders may be entitled to have a vehicle shipped by the government. Check your orders and transportation office before booking a private shipment.

Is it cheaper to ship a car from Texas to Hawaii?

It can be. Prices depend on how many cars are moving in each direction, so the reverse trip may cost more or less.

Do I need to register my car in Texas after moving?

Yes. New Texas residents need to title and register their vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and your county tax office within 30 days. Texas no longer requires annual safety inspections for most passenger vehicles. Emissions testing still applies in several metro counties.

Related routes and guides

How we estimate prices. Prices, distances and transit times on this page are estimates for a standard sedan, based on route distance, typical carrier rates, ocean freight rates, seasonal demand and the extra cost of enclosed transport. Quotes from individual companies can be higher or lower. Texas registration details come from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and your county tax office.