Short answer: Shipping a car from New Jersey to Florida usually costs about $800 to $1,350 for a standard sedan on an open carrier. The trip covers roughly 900 to 1,300 miles down the I-95 corridor, so it takes about 2 to 5 days after pickup. It’s one of the busiest snowbird routes in the country, so prices rise in fall (southbound) and spring (northbound). Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead in peak season. For an exact price, get a free quote.
Every year thousands of New Jersey residents spend the winter in Florida, and many move there for good. Car carriers run the I-95 corridor between the two states every day, which keeps pickups quick and prices competitive for most of the year.
This guide covers costs by city, transit times, the snowbird calendar, and how shipping compares with driving or taking the Auto Train.
Route at a Glance: New Jersey to Florida
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 900 to 1,300 miles, depending on your cities |
| Main highway | I-95 from the New Jersey Turnpike through Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia |
| Open carrier cost | About $800 to $1,350 for a sedan |
| Enclosed carrier cost | Usually 40% to 50% more than open |
| Transit time | About 2 to 5 days after pickup |
| Busiest months | October to December southbound, March to May northbound |
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from New Jersey to Florida?
Most customers pay $800 to $1,350 for a sedan on an open carrier. South Florida is the longest leg, so Miami and Fort Lauderdale cost more than Jacksonville or Orlando.
| Route | Approx. distance | Open carrier (sedan) |
|---|---|---|
| Jersey City to Jacksonville | ~890 miles | $800 to $1,100 |
| Newark to Orlando | ~1,020 miles | $850 to $1,200 |
| Trenton to Tampa | ~1,080 miles | $850 to $1,250 |
| Cherry Hill to Fort Myers | ~1,150 miles | $900 to $1,300 |
| Newark to Miami | ~1,270 miles | $950 to $1,350 |
These are typical market ranges, not fixed prices. What changes your quote:
- Season: Prices climb noticeably during snowbird peaks, when Florida-bound trucks fill up weeks ahead.
- Vehicle size: SUVs, pickups and vans cost more than sedans.
- Open or enclosed: Enclosed transport keeps a classic or luxury car out of the weather and road salt, for about 40% to 50% more.
- Running condition: A car that doesn’t run usually adds $100 to $200 for winching.
- Location: Pickups near the Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway are quickest. Shore towns and rural northwest New Jersey can take a little longer.
Get your exact New Jersey to Florida price in minutes
Call Now: + (832) 886-1321 Get a Free Instant QuoteHow Long Does It Take?
Most shipments take 2 to 5 days on the road after pickup. Jacksonville and Orlando are often delivered in 2 to 3 days, and Miami or the Keys in 3 to 5. Pickup usually happens within 1 to 4 days of your first available date, and sooner outside the snowbird peaks.
Snowbird Season: When to Book
- Heading south (October to December): Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Late October and the weeks before Thanksgiving are the busiest.
- Heading north (March to May): Demand reverses. Book early for April, when many seasonal residents return.
- Cheapest windows: Summer and early fall, when snowbird traffic is low. See the cheapest time of year to ship a car.
Planning a round trip each year? Our snowbird car shipping page explains how to book both legs, and how far in advance to book covers timing in detail.
Ship, Drive or Take the Auto Train?
| Option | What it involves | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ship your car | Door-to-door pickup in New Jersey and delivery in Florida. You fly down. | Anyone who’d rather skip a two-day drive |
| Drive | About 15 to 20 hours of driving, usually over 2 days, plus a hotel night, fuel and tolls | People who want the car with them on arrival |
| Amtrak Auto Train | Runs from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida. You still drive about 230 miles from North Jersey to Lorton, and pick up the car in Sanford, near Orlando. | Central Florida destinations if you want to travel with your car |
Pickup and Delivery Tips
- Dense North Jersey streets: Full-size carriers can’t reach every block in Hoboken, Jersey City or Newark. Your driver may meet you at a nearby lot or wide road.
- Florida communities: Many 55+ and gated communities restrict large trucks. Ask your HOA about access, or plan to meet the driver at the entrance.
- Prepare the car: Wash it, photograph every side, leave about a quarter tank of fuel and remove personal items. Our preparation checklist has the full list.
Moving to Florida for Good?
- Florida insurance: You’ll need Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability coverage of at least $10,000 each.
- VIN verification and registration: Out-of-state vehicles need a VIN verification (form HSMV 82042). New residents must title and register within 10 days of becoming a resident.
- New Jersey plates: The New Jersey MVC asks you to surrender your plates before you cancel your New Jersey insurance.
Confirm current rules with the Florida tax collector’s office and the New Jersey MVC before you move.
How to Ship Your Car from New Jersey to Florida
- Get a quote: Share your ZIP codes, vehicle and dates. Get an instant quote or call (832) 886-1321.
- Book with no upfront payment: We assign a vetted, insured carrier on the I-95 corridor.
- Pickup and inspection: The driver inspects the car with you and notes its condition on the bill of lading.
- Delivery: Inspect the car, sign the report and pay the driver.
Ready to ship your car from New Jersey to Florida?
Call Now: + (832) 886-1321 Get a Free Instant QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from New Jersey to Florida?
Most sedans cost about $800 to $1,350 on an open carrier, depending on your Florida city and the season. Enclosed transport usually costs 40% to 50% more.
How long does it take to ship a car from New Jersey to Florida?
About 2 to 5 days after pickup. North and Central Florida are usually reached in 2 to 3 days, and South Florida in 3 to 5.
When should snowbirds book car shipping to Florida?
Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead for October to December trips south, and for March to May trips north. Those are the busiest weeks of the year on this route.
Is the Auto Train cheaper than shipping?
It depends on your destination and how many people travel. The Auto Train ends in Sanford near Orlando, and you still drive to Lorton, Virginia. Shipping is door to door, so it’s often simpler for South Florida.
Can someone else hand over my car?
Yes. Any adult you trust can sign the inspection report at pickup or delivery for you.
