Distance & lane
New York and Boston are among Pasadena's common eastbound destinations, while Dallas, Austin and Houston are regular Texas lanes. A coast-to-coast route uses more road miles and carrier time than a Texas run, which moves the quote.
Pasadena, CA Car Shipping 2026 Costs & Routes
Typical cost to ship a car from Pasadena$1,025–$1,350
Shipping to Pasadena: $975–$1,300
At a glance
- Popular outbound laneNew York is Pasadena's top outbound lane, with 25 shipments on record; typical quotes are $1,375–$1,800 and road estimates are 4–10 days.
- Where arrivals come fromCars arriving in Pasadena most often come from New York, Florida and Texas: 30, 22 and 21 shipments on record.
- Vehicle size mattersOpen shipping for an SUV/crossover typically costs $125 more than for a sedan; pickups typically cost $475 more.
- Local market comparisonPasadena's typical outbound quote is about the same as the Los Angeles metro overall.
Prices by vehicle
What it costs to ship your vehicle from Pasadena
The table shows that vehicle size and protection level affect your quote: sedans are the lower-cost baseline, while larger vehicles typically cost more. Enclosed transport is the premium choice when added protection matters for a high-value car.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / coupe | $1,100 | $1,775 |
| SUV / crossover | $1,225 | Quote on request |
| Pickup truck | $1,575 | Quote on request |
Median customer quote on record for running vehicles leaving Pasadena, across all routes. Your route and dates set the final price.
Pasadena vs. the Los Angeles metro
How Pasadena compares to the rest of the Los Angeles area
Typical quote from Pasadena$1,025–$1,350Los Angeles metro: $1,025–$1,350
Compared with the metroAbout the samemidpoint of the typical range
Shipments from Pasadena on record333#8 of 24 SAKAEM city pages in the Los Angeles metro
Based on shipments picked up in Pasadena's own ZIP codes, compared with the whole Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
Popular routes
Top destinations from Pasadena
| Destination | Typical range | Quote · transit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY25 shipments on recordCA → NY guide | $1,375–$1,8004–10 days transit | |
| 2 | Boston, MA17 shipments on recordCA → MA guide | $1,275–$1,5754–10 days transit | |
| 3 | Dallas, TX17 shipments on recordCA → TX guide | $900–$1,1002–6 days transit | |
| 4 | Austin, TX15 shipments on recordCA → TX guide | $1,000–$1,1502–6 days transit | |
| 5 | Chicago, IL13 shipments on recordCA → IL guide | $975–$1,3003–7 days transit | |
| 6 | Houston, TX10 shipments on recordCA → TX guide | $900–$1,2252–6 days transit | |
| 7 | Philadelphia, PA10 shipments on recordCA → PA guide | $1,075–$1,4004–10 days transit | |
| 8 | Atlanta, GA8 shipments on recordCA → GA guide | $1,050–$1,2003–7 days transit | |
| 9 | Seattle, WA7 shipments on recordCA → WA guide | $900–$1,0501–4 days transit | |
| 10 | Denver, CO6 shipments on recordCA → CO guide | $825–$1,0251–4 days transit | |
$750$1,000$1,250$1,500$1,750$2,000 |
Transit is SAKAEM's standard estimate by distance, counted from pickup.
Where Pasadena cars come from
The most common arrival origins on record include New York, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. That long-distance mix means your delivery plan is tied to the lane and pickup date, so coordinate your Pasadena handoff around the route.
Shipments delivered to Pasadena on record, by origin state.
Reviews
What customers say about shipping with SAKAEM
★★★★★
I shipped my car from California to Michigan and Sakaem came back with the best quote and answered all of my questions. I wish they could tell you an exact day they could pick up, but overall the service was great and I got my car in less than a week with no issues. Happy customer!
★★★★★
I’ve worked with a few logistics companies before, but SAKAEM stood out for their reliability and professionalism. Everything was on schedule, and the drivers were well-prepared and courteous. The whole process felt smooth and stress-free. They’ve definitely earned our trust for future projects.
★★★★★
What stood out the most was the excellent communication from the SAKAEM team. They kept us informed every step of the way, answered all our questions quickly, and made sure we felt supported. The service was smooth, and the drivers were punctual and respectful. Couldn’t have asked for better coordination!
Cost factors
What moves the price of a Pasadena shipment
Season
Winter snow can close Sierra Nevada mountain passes like I-80 over Donner Pass; summer and fall wildfires can shut highways. Disruptions can change carrier routing and affect the cost of finding a workable dispatch.
Vehicle size
Larger and heavier vehicles take more trailer space than sedans, which can raise a Pasadena quote. Vehicle class is one reason two cars on the same route can have different prices.
Pickup access
Carrier trucks may avoid tight turns, gated entries or narrow residential blocks. Pickups in Old Pasadena or Playhouse Village may need a nearby accessible handoff, adding coordination and narrowing carrier options.
Open vs enclosed
Open transport suits routine moves. Enclosed service adds protection for high-value cars but generally costs more because enclosed trailer space is more limited.
Save money
5 ways to pay less (and wait less)
Sort out street access early
Share exact access details for Old Pasadena, Playhouse Village or South Lake before dispatch. If a truck cannot maneuver at your address, agree on an accessible nearby meeting point.
Keep your pickup window flexible
Flexible dates can help a carrier fit your car into a route through Pasadena and nearby Los Angeles or Burbank.
Choose the transport that fits your car
For an everyday car, choose open transport; reserve enclosed service for a high-value vehicle that needs added protection.
Plan around route disruptions
If your route crosses the Sierra Nevada, allow room in your schedule for winter pass closures on I-80 over Donner Pass or summer and fall wildfire shutdowns.
Pick a practical handoff point
Consider a location near I-210, SR-110, SR-134 or SR-2, and check that your chosen spot lets a large carrier enter and turn.
Getting your car ready? See our vehicle shipping tips.
Moving to Pasadena
Your California car checklist
Moving to Pasadena from out of state? Have your registration and smog paperwork ready before the car arrives, so you can handle California requirements after delivery.
Register your car
Register your car in California within 20 days of becoming a resident or getting a job in the state. [CA DMV]
Gather title and registration documents
Bring Application for Title or Registration (REG 343), out-of-state title, last registration, and smog certificate. Have VIN checked on Verification of Vehicle form (REG 31) by DMV, police or licensed vehicle verifier; pay fees and turn in old plates in most cases. [CA DMV]
Meet California insurance requirements
California requires 30/60/15 liability coverage: $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage. [CA DMV]
Check smog requirements
Out-of-state gas cars from model year 1976 or newer need a first-registration smog check, even if new. Diesel cars from 1998 or newer under 14,001 lbs also need one; most areas then require checks every two years. [CA BAR]
Review window tint
Front film must be clear and colorless, let in at least 88% of light, and leave at least 70% through the filmed window. Rear tint needs outside mirrors on both sides; windshield tint is limited to a top strip. [Cal. Veh. Code 26708]
Know how California tolls work
FasTrak pays tolls electronically on every California toll bridge, express lane and toll road; one account works across all of them. [FasTrak]
- County
- Los Angeles County, California
- Main roads
- I-210, SR-110, SR-134, SR-2
- Neighborhoods
- Old Pasadena, Playhouse Village, South Lake, Madison Heights
- Nearby cities
- Glendale, Los Angeles, Burbank, West Covina, Whittier
Pasadena at a glance
Service area
Pickup and delivery in and around Pasadena
SAKAEM arranges pickup and delivery across Old Pasadena, Playhouse Village, South Lake, Madison Heights and Oak Knoll, with access routes including I-210, SR-110, SR-134 and SR-2. We also serve Glendale, Burbank, West Covina, Whittier and communities across Los Angeles County, including Los Angeles, Inglewood, Santa Monica and Torrance.
Pasadena ZIP codes
- 91101
- 91102
- 91103
- 91104
- 91105
- 91106
- 91107
- 91109
- 91114
- 91115
- 91116
- 91117
- 91121
- 91123
- 91124
- 91125
How it works
Shipping your car in four steps
Share your shipment details
Tell SAKAEM your Pasadena pickup or delivery address, vehicle type, running condition and preferred dates.
Choose a transport option
Review your quote and choose open or enclosed transport based on your vehicle and protection needs.
Confirm the pickup plan
Set the handoff details, including an accessible meeting point if your street or gate limits truck access.
Check the car at delivery
Inspect the vehicle when it arrives and confirm the delivery handoff is complete.
New to auto transport? Here's how to ship a car, step by step.
FAQ
Pasadena car shipping questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Pasadena?
For shipping from Pasadena, typical quotes for an open, running vehicle are $1,025–$1,350; shipping to Pasadena typically runs $975–$1,300. These ranges cover the middle half of customer quotes on record. Pasadena's outbound price is about the same as the Los Angeles metro overall; your vehicle, route, access and transport type shape the individual quote.
How long does car shipping to or from Pasadena take?
For Pasadena shipments, typical road estimates are 4–10 days to New York or Boston, 2–6 days to Dallas, Austin or Houston, and 1–4 days to Seattle or Denver. Transit starts after pickup, and estimates are not guarantees. Winter snow can close Sierra Nevada passes such as I-80 over Donner Pass; summer and fall wildfires can also delay delivery.
Is my car insured during transport?
SAKAEM works with FMCSA-licensed and insured carriers, each carrying at least $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Shipment coverage is separate from your own auto policy, and California liability rules apply to driving and registration after delivery. Ask for the assigned carrier's policy details before pickup so you understand how to report a condition issue.
Can I pack personal items in the car?
SAKAEM allows up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or below the window line. Keep them secured and within that limit, and remove valuables before pickup. Hawaii ocean shipments do not allow personal items. Confirm your loading plan with SAKAEM before the carrier arrives.
Can you ship a non-running car?
Yes. SAKAEM can arrange transport for a non-running car if it rolls, brakes and steers, and you provide a key. Tell us its condition before booking so the carrier can plan a safe loading spot; disclose anything that affects access in your Pasadena neighborhood.
How do I pay for car shipping?
You can pay by card, or pay the carrier by cash or certified check; Zelle and Venmo are also accepted. Confirm your chosen method and payment timing with SAKAEM and the carrier before dispatch, so you know what to expect at booking and delivery. Keep the agreed payment method available for the handoff.
Do I need to be present at pickup?
A designated adult must be present at pickup and delivery to inspect the car and sign the Bill of Lading. If you cannot attend in Pasadena, name someone in advance and make sure they can access the car, keys and any gated entry instructions.
Have another question? Browse the full car shipping FAQ.
Ship your car to or from Pasadena
Get a quote for your Pasadena route and choose the transport option that fits your vehicle and schedule.
Sources: SAKAEM shipment records on file (October 2026); US Census Bureau (county); [CA BAR], [CA DMV], [Cal. Veh. Code 26708], [FasTrak], official state sources, verified 2026-10-01.
Industry Resources: FMCSA Carrier Lookup · U.S. Department of Transportation · SAKAEM Logistics on BBB · NHTSA