Starting college is a major milestone—and for many students, having access to a car on campus can be a game-changer. Whether it’s for grocery runs, weekend trips, part-time jobs, or the comfort of home on wheels, having your own vehicle provides freedom and convenience. But if you’re heading to school far from home, the idea of driving hundreds or thousands of miles to get it there isn’t always practical. That’s where car shipping for college students comes in.
Shipping a car to or from college is easier than most families expect, and it can actually save time, money, and stress compared to a long drive. Instead of planning a multi-day road trip—possibly through unfamiliar cities or unpredictable weather—you can book a transport service that picks up the vehicle from your home and delivers it directly to your campus or nearby location.
This is especially helpful for students attending school out of state or across the country. For example, if you’re moving from New Jersey to Arizona or from Michigan to Florida, driving could take several days. Factor in the cost of gas, food, hotels, and lost time—and suddenly, shipping your car becomes the smarter option.
Most families opt for door-to-door service, where the carrier picks up the car from your driveway and drops it off as close to the dorms or apartment as legally and safely possible. In cases where the college campus restricts large trucks or the roads are too narrow, the driver will arrange a nearby meeting point—like a large parking lot or a street near campus.
When it comes to choosing between open and enclosed car transport, open carriers are the most affordable and widely used option. They’re perfectly safe for most daily-use vehicles, and since they’re more common, scheduling tends to be easier. Enclosed shipping offers extra protection for high-value or specialty cars, but comes at a higher cost and may take longer to arrange.
Before shipping, students and parents should prepare the vehicle by cleaning it, checking for any maintenance needs, and taking photos to document its condition. Make sure to remove all personal items from the car, as most carriers don’t allow luggage or valuables to be shipped inside and they aren’t covered by transport insurance.
Booking early is also important—especially in late summer and early fall, when thousands of students are headed to campus. Carriers fill up quickly during this back-to-school season, and waiting too long can lead to higher prices or limited pickup dates. Ideally, book two to three weeks in advance to secure the best options.
Some parents wonder whether they need to be present at pickup or delivery. In short—no, but someone does. You can assign a trusted adult or friend to be available when the car is collected or dropped off. That person should inspect the car, sign the delivery paperwork, and confirm the condition.
From a cost perspective, prices for student car shipping vary depending on distance and route. A typical coast-to-coast shipment might cost between $1,000 and $1,300 for open transport. Shorter routes—say, a few hundred miles—could range from $500 to $800. Some companies offer student discounts or group rates if multiple vehicles are going to the same school.
When the semester ends, you can ship the car back home just as easily—or schedule a round-trip shipment in advance to save time and money later. This is especially useful if your student doesn’t plan to keep the car on campus over winter break or summer.
Ultimately, shipping a car to college is about more than convenience—it’s about peace of mind. It allows students to arrive fresh, focused, and ready to start their new chapter, while parents can rest easy knowing their child didn’t just drive 1,500 miles solo. It’s one less thing to worry about during a busy and emotional transition—and protects the vehicle’s condition, including vulnerable parts like windshields and windscreens, from potential road damage on a long journey.
