Car shipping cost guide
There is no single price to ship a car to the Florida Keys, because the price depends on a handful of factors you can understand and, in some cases, control. In-N-Out Keys is a veteran-owned, family-operated carrier and broker serving the entire Florida Keys, and this guide explains how pricing works before you ask for a quote.
The short answer
A car shipped to the Keys usually costs more than the same distance on the mainland, because the final stretch down the Overseas Highway is slower, carriers deadhead back off the islands, and fewer trucks run those routes. The exact price depends on where the car starts, what it is, how it rides, and when you ship. Rather than invent a number, we explain what moves it up or down, give you some typical estimate ranges, and then quote your actual route.
The main factors that set the price
- Distance. A move from South Florida is a short haul. One from New England, the Midwest, or the West Coast is a long one, and price rises with miles, though not in a straight line.
- Vehicle size and weight. A compact sedan takes less space and weight than a full-size truck or SUV. Oversized or heavy vehicles can cost more.
- Open or enclosed. Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars and offer more protection, so they cost more. See our open versus enclosed guide.
- Running condition. A non-running car needs a winch or special loading and may add to the price.
- Season. Fall (south) and spring (north) are snowbird peaks. Prices tend to rise when demand does. See our seasonal shipping page.
- Timing flexibility. A flexible pickup window gives us room to find the best carrier. A rush date or an exact pickup time can add cost.
- Pickup and delivery access. Gated communities, tight streets, and Old Town Key West can need special handling.
- Fuel and market conditions. Fuel costs and the number of available trucks both shift over time.
Typical estimate ranges
The ranges below are typical estimates only, based on general industry patterns. They are not quotes and they are not guarantees. Actual prices vary by season, vehicle, and carrier availability, and they can be lower or higher than these ranges.
| Route (open carrier, standard sedan) | Typical estimate |
|---|---|
| South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale) to the Upper Keys | Roughly $300 to $700 |
| Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa) to the Keys | Roughly $500 to $900 |
| Southeast states (Georgia, the Carolinas) to the Keys | Roughly $800 to $1,400 |
| Northeast and Mid-Atlantic (NJ, PA, New England) to the Keys | Roughly $1,100 to $2,000 |
| Midwest and West Coast to the Keys | Roughly $1,300 to $2,600 |
As a rule of thumb, enclosed transport commonly runs about a third to a half more than open, and larger vehicles and Key West or Lower Keys deliveries can add to the number. These are rough ranges to help you budget. The only number that counts is the one in your quote.
Why the Keys cost more
Three things set the Keys apart. First, the road: the 113-mile run down US-1 is slower than mainland highway, with bridges, speed zones, and weekend traffic. Second, the return trip: a carrier who delivers in Key West usually drives an empty or partly empty truck back off the islands. Third, access: many Keys streets cannot take a full-size car hauler, so deliveries sometimes need a smaller truck or a meet point. A company that understands this, like a direct carrier for all of Florida, can plan for it up front instead of surprising you later.
How to keep the cost down
- Be flexible. A pickup window of a few days beats an exact date.
- Ship outside the snowbird peak if you can. Mid-summer is typically calmer than November or April.
- Choose open transport unless the car really needs enclosed.
- Make access easy. A meeting point near a major road can save time and money.
- Book early. More notice gives more options.
- Be honest about the car. Mention modifications, non-running status, or oversized parts at the start so the quote does not change later.
Quotes, payment and what to watch for
Be cautious of any quote that is far below the rest, since a price that is too good to be true can lead to a carrier that never shows up. Ask what is included, how and when payment is due, and how delivery windows are handled.
Every carrier accepts COD, but not every carrier takes billed payments, so paying on delivery lets us line up the best carrier for your route. See our pay on delivery page for the full process.
Ready for a real number? Use our quote page. If you are starting from the Northeast, our pages on New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New England cover those routes in detail. You can also review shipping to the Keys from out of state and our Florida Keys routes.
Get a Free Quote →Call (754) 714-2439
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to the Florida Keys?
It depends on distance, vehicle, open or enclosed transport, season, and timing. Typical estimates run from a few hundred dollars from South Florida to roughly $1,100 to $2,000 or more from the Northeast, but these are estimates, not quotes. Request a quote for your route.
Is it cheaper to ship open or enclosed?
Open transport is usually the more economical option. Enclosed commonly runs about a third to a half more, and gives extra protection.
Why is shipping to the Keys more expensive than the mainland?
The Overseas Highway is slower, carriers often return empty from the islands, and some streets need special handling.
When is the cheapest time to ship?
Off-peak times, such as mid-summer, are typically calmer than the snowbird peaks in fall and spring. Flexible dates also help.
Are there hidden fees?
We aim to tell you everything that affects the price up front, including access issues and non-running vehicles. Ask what is included in any quote you receive.
How and when do I pay?
Every carrier accepts COD, but not every carrier takes billed payments, so paying on delivery lets us line up the best carrier for your route.
Related pages
- Request a free quote
- Pay on delivery car shipping
- Open vs. enclosed car shipping
- Car shipping to the Keys from out of state
- Seasonal auto shipping
- Florida Keys auto shipping routes
- Auto shipping
- Request a free quote
In-N-Out Keys LLC · USDOT 4120018 · MC 1583555 · Veteran-owned and family-operated · Interstate carrier and broker, and a direct carrier for all of Florida · Serving the entire Florida Keys · (754) 714-2439
