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How To Ship A Car By Train: Guide and Costs

By Susan Doktor MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE

February 27, 2023

Moving long distance is a time-consuming task, sometimes made more complicated when you need to get your car to your new destination. That’s especially true when you own more than one car.

With everything else you have to do, we don’t blame you if you don’t relish the idea of driving your car from the east coast to the west by yourself. Fortunately, there are several approaches you can take to car shipping. One of the most popular is rail transport. In this article we’ll review a few of your auto transport options to help you find a reputable car shipping company and the most cost-effective car transport solution.

How does car transport by train work?

Car transport by rail, also known as auto transport by rail or car carrier service by rail, is a process where cars are transported over long distances on specially designed trains.

Car transport by rail is a popular way to move cars over long distances, especially for car manufacturers and dealerships that need to move large numbers of vehicles across the country. It’s also a more environmentally friendly way to transport cars — compared to transporting them by truck — since trains are able to carry more cars at once and are more fuel-efficient. Auto shipping by rail is generally considered a cheaper and safer way to get your car from one place to another, too.

Let’s take a look at how to plan your vehicle shipping step by step. It’s a pretty straightforward process.

Pros and cons of shipping a car by train

Lower cost per ton than truck transport
More energy-efficient than truck transport
Less chance of your car being in an accident
You can ship your personal belongings inside your car
Choice of enclosed transport or open transport

Less flexibility in drop-off and pick-up locations
Doesn't offer door-to-door transport
Vehicle size limitations may be imposed

How to ship a car by train: step by step

Research and choose a reliable auto shipment company

If you’d like to arrange for your car to be shipped on your own, without going through a middle man, your choices are limited. Nowadays, only Amtrak’s Auto Train Service provides this opportunity directly to consumers. What’s more, Amtrak offers only one route. You can drop off and pick up your car in Lorton, Virginia (in the Washington DC area) or Sanford, Florida (a city near Orlando). Unless you currently live and are moving near one of these designated Amtrak car shipping locations, you’re going to be stuck driving your car for what could be quite a long distance. In addition, Amtrak requires people who are shipping their vehicles to purchase a passenger ticket — go figure!

That’s why many people turn directly to car shipping companies. Car shipping companies work with multiple rail companies — including CSX Transportation, Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway — to find you a simple way to transport your vehicle. Space is limited on auto rail cars and most of it is sold to car manufacturers and dealerships. An auto shipment company can squeeze you into an available slot on a train, though you may not be able to choose exactly the drop-off and delivery date you want.

Most major moving companies can also arrange for your car to be shipped for you by one of their affiliated auto transport companies. If you’re shipping your car, be sure to inquire of any mover you’re considering whether auto transport services are among its capabilities. You may decide it’s more convenient to let your mover handle the details of transporting your car, rather than working directly with an auto shipper. You can expect your mover to mark up the cost of auto shipping, so you’ll pay a bit more for this convenience.

Generally, rail transport is more cost-effective than truck transport. If you’re environmentally conservative, the option may be better aligned with your values. Check to see whether your mover offers both train and truck transport. Also inquire whether you have a choice between open and enclosed rail transport and decide which you prefer. Open transport will expose your car to the elements, but it’s typically cheaper by about 50% than truck transport. If you own a classic or luxury car, enclosed carrier transport is recommended.

Finally, ask your mover or car shipping company for a binding quote for the option you prefer. It makes sense to shop around and compare several companies’ costs and services.

Schedule pickup of your vehicle

When shipping your car by rail, you’ll need to be a little flexible. Most auto transport companies won’t guarantee you a pick-up date. That’s because they’re at the mercy of train schedules and train capacity.

It’s likely you’ll be asked to provide the earliest date your car can be picked up. The amount of time it will take to ship your car varies, mostly on the basis of how far your pick-up location is from your drop-off location. Intrastate shipping — say about 500 miles or less — will take a couple of days. A medium-distance move might take the better part of a week. If you’re shipping your car across the country, expect the process to take up to 2 weeks.

As you can see, it’s best to plan ahead and be sure your car is delivered by the date you need it to be.

Prepare the car

Here a couple of tips on how to prepare your car for shipping:

Take photos of your car — from all angles — before you ship it. That way, if it’s damaged during transit and you have to file a claim, you’ll be able to document the condition of your car pre-shipment.
Ask you mover if you can lock your car during transit. You’ll have to provide a key if locking is allowed. Locking your car is preferable, especially if it’s carrying your belongings, to minimize the chance of theft.
Check your car tires before you ship it and make sure they’re filled to their proper capacity. You don’t want your car to arrive at its destination with flat tires. You may want to have your car battery tested, as well. If your battery is weak, it can lose its charge when your car sits undriven for a week or more. That’s especially true in cold weather.
Some alarm systems are quite sensitive. A big bump in the road can cause some alarms to go off. So be sure to disable your car’s alarm when you drop it off for transit.

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Load the car

One of the most common questions people ask about auto transport is whether you can pack the car with your belongings before you drop it off. The answer is a bit complicated. There’s nothing illegal about transporting a car full of stuff. But some shipping companies prohibit it because they don’t want to be liable for any loss or damage to your items.

If your shipping company allows you to pack your car, the vehicle can serve as an extension of your moving truck. That’s a convenience many consumers appreciate. But take care to pack non-essential, inexpensive items only in your car. Remove any valuables and important papers before you drop your car off at its departure station. Don’t ship medication, fragile items or items that have sentimental value, either. In addition, bear in mind that the road to your destination can be bumpy. Pack your car to minimize shifting of items during transit.

Track the shipment using the rail carrier’s tracking system

Not knowing where your car is at any moment in time can be disconcerting. To put your mind at ease, ask your auto shipper whether they offer a way to track your car as it makes its way to your destination. Some shippers offer a way to track your vehicle in real time online. Others will provide updates on your car’s journey by phone, and some don’t offer any tracking services at all.

Receive the car

Your auto shipping company will alert you when your car arrives at its destination train station. As a safety precaution, it’s best to pick up your car as soon as possible after it arrives. That way, you minimize the potential for theft or damage. Some rail transport companies will require you to pick up your car by a certain date to avoid storage fees.

Pay for the shipment

Offloading happens quickly once your car has arrived at its destination. When you pick up your car, you’ll be required to pay all shipment fees on the spot. Most carriers accept payment by credit card, cashier’s check or cash. Be wary of any company that asks you to pay a deposit before your car ships. That’s a sign that the company may not be on the up and up. Before choosing an auto transport company, you may also want to check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot and Google to learn more about the company’s reputation.

How to ship a car by train FAQs

Is it cheaper to ship a car by train or truck?

Generally speaking, shipping your car by rail is the less expensive option. Your final car shipping costs will depend on the weight of your car, the distance it will travel and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Rail service from New York to California will cost more than a short hop to a neighboring state. Shipping a Volkswagen Beetle will cost less than shipping a Ford F150. Motorcycle shipping costs will be lower still. Not surprisingly, it costs more to ship a car when fuel prices are high. The cost of shipping a standard vehicle by rail from coast to coast varies between $600 and $1,000.

What are the benefits of shipping my car by train?

Shipping your car by train will likely save you some money versus shipping it by truck. It's also the more environmentally friendly way to go. Train accidents are far less common than truck accidents. In addition, you may be able to pack your personal items on a train. Having a little extra room can be helpful when you're moving.

Is it safe to ship my car by train?

On average, there are about 1,704 train derailments per year. Compare that to the number of semi truck accidents — about 388,000 per year — and you'll see that car shipment via rail is the safer option.

Can I ship multiple vehicles on the same trip?

Absolutely. Sometimes, you'll also receive a discount when you ship more than one vehicle.

How long does it take to ship a car by train?

The length of time it takes to ship a car from point A to point B varies, depending on the distance between the two points. It can also vary by carrier. Train transit may take a little more time than truck transit because trains run on a set schedule. Expect to wait a few days for your car's arrival if you're shipping your car 500 miles or less. Shipping a car cross country may take up to 2 weeks.

How we chose the best way to ship a car by train

To come up with the facts and tips we provide in our guide, we researched the ins and outs of vehicle transport both by rail and truck. We consulted with moving companies and dedicated car transport services. We researched shipping costs and the factors that affect them. We also requested shipping quotes from a range of car transport services.

Summary of our guide to shipping a car by train

Shipping your car via rail offers several advantages. Train transport costs less than truck transport. It’s a great option for people who value sustainability because it’s the more fuel-efficient choice. Finally, train transport is generally considered a safer way to ship your vehicle. For consumers who are looking for a safe, environmentally friendly and cost-effective vehicle transport method, shipping a car by train checks all of the boxes.