Los Angeles to Miami is one of the longest single routes in the continental U.S., roughly 2,700 miles of road from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Here’s what to know before you ship a car between them.
The Route
Most carriers take I-10 nearly the whole way: east out of Los Angeles through the Inland Empire, across the desert to Phoenix and Tucson, through El Paso and San Antonio, along the Gulf Coast through Houston, Baton Rouge, Mobile and Pensacola, then down the Florida peninsula to Miami. It’s a well-traveled lane, and many carriers load and unload along it.
Distance and Transit Time
Distance: about 2,700 miles of road, city to city.
Transit time and price: both depend on your exact pickup and delivery addresses, the vehicle, open or enclosed, and the time of year. Long-haul drivers follow federal hours-of-service rules, so this is a trip of many days. You’ll get the pickup window and estimated transit time with your quote.
Things That Affect This Route
- Season. Fall and early winter are busy heading into Florida as snowbirds arrive, and spring is busy heading back out.
- Hurricane season. June through November on the Gulf Coast and in South Florida. A storm can delay a delivery for safety.
- Summer desert heat. Hard on paint and interiors for high-value cars on open trailers.
- Pickup in LA. Hillside streets and traffic mean many pickups happen at a nearby wide street or lot. See Los Angeles car shipping.
- Delivery in Miami. Condo towers and tight streets often mean meeting at a garage entrance or open lot. See Florida car shipping.
Open or Enclosed?
For an everyday car, open transport is the standard. On a coast-to-coast trip through desert sun and Gulf storms, enclosed is worth a look for an exotic, classic or freshly painted car.
Moving the Other Way?
Miami to Los Angeles runs the same route in reverse. If you’re becoming a California resident, plan for registration, a VIN verification and usually a smog check after the car arrives. More on California car shipping.