Snowbird Auto Transport Cost Guide

This snowbird auto transport cost guide answers the question every snowbird asks before heading south: what will it actually cost to ship my car from Canada to the US? Shipping often makes more sense than driving or flying and renting. You avoid long days on the road, border lineups, and extra wear on your car. Below you’ll find typical route prices, what makes them rise or fall, and how to get the best rate.

Cross-border snowbird routes vary widely, but knowing the typical ranges, seasonal swings and service options helps you budget and compare quotes with confidence. For all pricing factors, see our US-Canada car shipping cost guide.

Typical snowbird route price ranges

Route	Typical price (open transport, sedan)	Typical transit
Toronto to Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers)	About $1,800–$2,600	7–10 days
Montreal or the Maritimes to Florida	Higher than Toronto	8–14 days
Ontario to Arizona	About $1,600–$2,400	10–14 days
Vancouver to Phoenix or Los Angeles	About $1,250–$1,800	4–8 days
Calgary or Edmonton to Arizona	About $1,300–$1,900	4–8 days

Eastern routes

Ontario to Florida is the busiest snowbird corridor. A Toronto to Orlando shipment typically runs about $1,800 to $2,600, and pickups from Montreal, Quebec City, or the Maritimes cost more because of the extra distance. Ontario to Arizona usually lands between $1,600 and $2,400. See snowbird car shipping from Canada to Florida and from Ontario to Arizona.

Western routes

Vancouver to Phoenix or Los Angeles usually lands between $1,250 and $1,800, while Calgary or Edmonton to Arizona averages $1,300 to $1,900. These routes cover roughly 1,300 to 1,700 miles. See our Arizona to British Columbia snowbird guide.

Vehicle type

Compact cars and sedans sit at the lower end. Mid-size SUVs cost somewhat more, and full-size trucks or luxury models more again, because of their size and weight on the carrier. Non-running or oversized vehicles cost more still.

These ranges assume a running passenger vehicle on open transport and include fuel and basic cargo insurance. Border paperwork isn’t a separate line item, but it affects scheduling.

Costs not included

If you’re bringing your own Canadian car south for the winter, there’s no duty: US Customs allows nonresidents to bring a vehicle in for personal use for up to one year, and it comes home duty-free. If you’re buying a car in the US or moving permanently, duty and taxes apply. See our tariffs page.

What drives seasonal pricing up or down

The two snowbird rushes

Snowbird season creates predictable price waves. Southbound demand surges from October through December as thousands of vehicles head to Florida and Arizona. Carriers fill quickly and rates rise above summer levels. The northbound return, from late February out of Florida through May, creates a second spike.

Fuel, capacity and weather

Diesel prices, border processing and carrier supply all play a part. When many snowbirds want the same short pickup window, carriers raise quotes to manage capacity. Early winter storms in Ontario or Quebec can delay pickups and tighten schedules. Booking just before or after the main rush can save money.

Practical insight: flexibility pays. A seven-day pickup window instead of one fixed day often unlocks a lower quote without changing your travel plans.

Open vs enclosed transport for snowbirds

Open transport

Open transport is the go-to choice for most snowbirds because it keeps costs down and is widely available. Your car rides on an open trailer with others, which is fine for everyday cars on paved highways. Many snowbirds with standard sedans or SUVs simply wash the car after delivery.

Enclosed transport

Enclosed transport puts your car inside a covered trailer, shielding it from road debris, weather and UV. It typically costs 30 to 60 percent more, and there are fewer carriers, so you need more lead time. Choose it for a classic, exotic, brand-new luxury car, or a car with custom paint or a wrap. See open vs enclosed car shipping costs.

Door-to-door vs terminal delivery cost differences

Door-to-door

Door-to-door service picks up your car from your driveway in Canada and delivers it to your winter address in the US. It costs a bit more, but for snowbirds coordinating flights and condo check-ins, the convenience is usually worth it.

Terminal-to-terminal

Terminal service can lower the cost. You drop the car at a terminal and collect it from one near your winter home, but you handle the short drives yourself and may pay storage if your flight arrives later. See our cross-border terminals.

Most first-time snowbirds choose door-to-door. Repeat shippers sometimes switch to a terminal once they know the process.

How early booking affects snowbird rates

Booking early is the single smartest move you can make. Reserve 4 to 8 weeks ahead to secure better rates and your preferred pickup dates. Waiting until the week before your flight usually costs more, because capacity fills and carriers raise prices. See the best time to book snowbird car shipping.

If you know your Florida arrival date by early September, lock in an October pickup then. Northbound, book by early March for a spring return. Early booking also gives you time to gather documents and compare quotes. Use our snowbird vehicle transport checklist to prepare.

Most frequently asked questions

How much does snowbird auto transport cost?

On open transport, Toronto to Florida typically runs about $1,800 to $2,600, Ontario to Arizona about $1,600 to $2,400, and Vancouver to Phoenix or Los Angeles about $1,250 to $1,800. Prices rise in peak season and for larger vehicles or enclosed transport.

How long does Canada-to-US snowbird car shipping usually take?

Most shipments to southern states take 7 to 14 days door to door. Ontario to northern Florida can be under a week; Ontario to Arizona usually 10 to 14 days; BC to Arizona or California 4 to 8 days.

What documents do I need?

Your original registration or title (keep it in the glove box), a valid passport, insurance that covers you in the US, and proof that you’ll return to Canada. US Customs lets a nonresident’s car stay in the US for personal use for up to one year. See what US Customs requires from Canadian snowbirds.

Is insurance included in the quoted price?

Standard cargo insurance is included. You can ask about extra coverage for a high-value vehicle when you request your quote.

Can I ship an electric vehicle or hybrid as a snowbird?

Yes. EVs and hybrids ship on open or enclosed trailers. Some carriers charge a little more for heavier EVs, so mention the model when you book.

What if my car won’t start on pickup day?

Non-running vehicles can still ship, but they need a winch, which adds to the price. Tell us when you book so the right equipment arrives.

Can I leave luggage in the car?

No. Remove all personal belongings before pickup. They aren’t covered by insurance and can cause problems at customs.

Do I pay duty when my car comes back to Canada in spring?

No. A Canadian-registered car returning home isn’t an import, so there’s no duty, GST or RIV.

Shipping your car as a snowbird keeps your winter routine smooth, so you can focus on the sunshine instead of highway miles. Every route and vehicle is different, so the most accurate number comes from a personalized quote. Learn more about our snowbird auto shipping service or read our snowbird car transport guide.