Quick Answer
Direct Connect Auto Transport provides door-to-door car shipping between Texas and Arizona via the I-10 corridor, one of the most efficient auto transport routes in the country.
Open transport costs $750–$1,150, enclosed transport runs $1,100–$1,600, and transit time averages 2 to 4 days across roughly 1,000 miles. This route serves snowbirds migrating between Dallas/Houston and Scottsdale/Phoenix, corporate relocations between two of the fastest-growing Sun Belt economies, and military PCS moves between Fort Bliss and Fort Huachuca.
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2026 Cost to Ship a Car from Texas to Arizona
The average transit time for vehicle transport from Texas to Arizona is 2 to 4 days via the I-10 corridor, and pricing reflects the route’s efficiency and high carrier volume.
2026 Rate Benchmarks:
- Open Transport: $750–$1,150
- Enclosed Transport: $1,100–$1,600
Per Mile Rate: $0.85–$1.10 (average distance ~1,000 miles)
City-to-City Pricing Snapshot
| Route | Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Transit Time |
| Houston → Phoenix | ~1,180 mi | $850–$1,150 | $1,200–$1,600 | 3–4 days |
| Austin → Tucson | ~870 mi | $750–$1,050 | $1,100–$1,450 | 2–3 days |
| San Antonio → Mesa | ~850 mi | $750–$1,000 | $1,100–$1,400 | 2–3 days |
| El Paso → Tucson | ~320 mi | $450–$700 | $700–$1,000 | 1–2 days |
| Dallas → Phoenix | ~1,070 mi | $800–$1,150 | $1,150–$1,550 | 2–4 days |
For a detailed breakdown of the Dallas to Phoenix corridor specifically, see our Dallas to Phoenix Car Shipping Route Guide.
Prices reflect standard operable sedans in 2026. SUVs, trucks, EVs, and inoperable vehicles may adjust higher. Enclosed estimates include the 40–60% premium over open transport.
Related: Arizona Car Shipping Services & Costs | Texas Car Shipping Services
How Long Does Texas to Arizona Auto Transport Take?
This route is straightforward. No mountain passes, no congested urban bottlenecks mid-route, and carriers cover 400–500 miles per day on the I-10.
Realistic timeline breakdown:
- Dispatch window (matching your vehicle to a carrier): 1–3 days
- Transit time (once picked up): 2–4 days
- Total door-to-door: 3–7 days depending on season and flexibility
The El Paso to Tucson leg is the shortest at just 320 miles and often delivers in 1–2 days. Houston to Phoenix is the longest at roughly 1,180 miles but still typically completes within 4 days.
During peak snowbird months (October–November for TX→AZ, April–May for AZ→TX), dispatch windows stretch because carrier demand spikes. Book 2–3 weeks ahead during those months for the best scheduling.
Why the I-10 Corridor Makes This Route So Efficient
Most people don’t think about why one route costs less than another. For Texas to Arizona, it comes down to geography and carrier economics.
Interstate 10 runs a nearly straight line from Houston through San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, and into Phoenix. Carriers running this corridor rarely deadhead (drive empty) because there’s consistent demand in both directions year-round, snowbirds going west in fall, returning east in spring, and corporate relocations flowing both ways throughout the year.
That two-way demand means carriers fill trucks more efficiently. Fuller trucks equal lower per-vehicle costs, which translates directly to lower quotes for you. It’s why Texas to Arizona averages $0.85–$1.10 per mile, while routes with less carrier traffic (say, Montana to Arizona) can run $1.50+ per mile for the same distance.
Direct Connect Auto Transport ships vehicles from Houston to Phoenix in approximately 3 days using this corridor, making it one of our most reliable and cost-effective routes.
Peak Seasons and Price Surges on the Texas–Arizona Route
Pricing on this route isn’t static, it follows predictable seasonal patterns driven primarily by snowbird migration.
Texas → Arizona (peak: October–November)
Snowbirds and seasonal residents head to Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tucson as temperatures cool in the desert and heat fades in Texas. Carrier demand on westbound I-10 surges, and rates can climb 15–20% above summer baselines.
Arizona → Texas (peak: April–May)
The return migration. Seasonal residents head back east as Arizona summer approaches. Eastbound demand spikes, and the same rate premiums apply.
Lowest rates: June–September
Counterintuitive because it’s the hottest period, but both states see reduced relocation activity. Carrier availability is highest, dispatch is fastest, and pricing drops to the low end of the range. If your timeline is flexible, this is when to book.
Booking strategy: During peak months, book 2–3 weeks ahead to lock in a carrier. During off-peak, 1–2 weeks is usually sufficient.
Desert Heat Considerations: What Most Companies Don't Explain
Both Texas and Arizona routinely hit 110°F+ during summer, and pavement temperatures can exceed 150°F. Here’s what that actually means for car shipping, and what your transport company should be telling you.
What heat does during transit:
- Tire pressure increases — tires inflated at sea level in Houston expand at higher Arizona elevations and temps. Carriers account for this, but ensure your tires are at manufacturer specs before pickup.
- Battery strain — extreme heat accelerates battery discharge. For EVs and hybrids, charge to 30–50% before pickup (not full — heat + full charge stresses lithium-ion cells).
- Fluid evaporation — coolant and windshield washer fluid levels should be topped off. Low coolant in a hot engine bay during loading/unloading can cause issues.
- Interior damage risk — leather dashboards and seats can crack if already worn. More importantly, remove anything that melts (electronics, medications, plastics, wax products).
When enclosed transport is worth the premium on this route:
Luxury vehicles, exotics, classics, anything with matte paint or custom vinyl wraps, and show cars heading to Scottsdale events. The enclosed trailer maintains lower interior temperatures and eliminates dust and debris exposure entirely. For standard daily drivers, open transport handles the heat just fine. Your car would endure the same conditions driving itself across I-10.
Related: Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport | How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Military & PCS Car Shipping: Fort Bliss ↔ Fort Huachuca
The El Paso to Sierra Vista/Fort Huachuca corridor is one of the most common Army transfer routes in the Southwest. Direct Connect Auto Transport works with military families regularly and understands the unique requirements of PCS vehicle shipments.
What military families need to know for this route:
- Distance: El Paso (Fort Bliss) to Sierra Vista (Fort Huachuca) is approximately 320 miles, one of the shortest military transport corridors, typically completing in 1–2 days.
- Base access: Both installations may require advance coordination for on-base pickup or delivery. Gate access, vehicle passes, and driver clearance can add 1–2 days to scheduling. Provide your report date and we’ll work backward.
- PCS documentation: Have your orders accessible. If using a Personally Procured Move (PPM), keep receipts and transport documentation for reimbursement.
- Flexible scheduling: PCS timelines shift. We build flexibility into military bookings because we know orders change, report dates move, and housing timelines don’t always align with vehicle arrival.
As a veteran-owned company, Direct Connect understands military moves aren’t just logistics, they’re family transitions. We prioritize clear communication and timeline flexibility for every service member.
Related: Military Car Shipping Services
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship a car from Texas to Arizona?
The average transit time for car shipping from Texas to Arizona is 2 to 4 days via the I-10 corridor. The route covers approximately 1,000 miles, and carriers typically cover 400–500 miles per day. Add 1–3 days for dispatch (matching your vehicle to a carrier), making the total door-to-door timeline 3–7 days depending on season.
What is the cheapest way to ship my car to Arizona from Texas?
Open carrier transport is the most cost-effective option, running $750–$1,150 in 2026 compared to $1,100–$1,600 for enclosed. To save further, book at least 2 weeks in advance, offer flexible pickup/delivery windows, and ship during off-peak months (June–September). Door-to-door is standard for this route, though terminal-to-terminal can save $50–$100 if available in your area.
Does the heat in Texas and Arizona affect car shipping?
Yes. Extreme temperatures can increase tire pressure, strain batteries (especially EVs), and accelerate fluid evaporation. We recommend topping off coolant, checking tire pressure, and removing heat-sensitive items from the vehicle before pickup. For luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles, enclosed transport provides climate protection during the hottest months.
Can I ship personal items in my car during transport?
Most carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal items stored in the trunk below the window line. However, personal belongings are not covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance policy. We recommend removing valuables and anything that could shift, melt, or sustain heat damage during transit.
Is this route available in both directions?
Yes. Direct Connect Auto Transport ships vehicles both Texas to Arizona and Arizona to Texas. Pricing and transit times are similar in both directions, though seasonal demand can affect rates, westbound is more competitive in spring/summer, eastbound in fall/winter.
Ship Your Car Between Texas and Arizona with Direct Connect
Direct Connect Auto Transport has been shipping vehicles along the I-10 corridor for over 24 years. As a veteran-owned company with an A+ BBB rating, we provide transparent pricing, no bait-and-switch quotes, and reliable service on one of the country’s most efficient auto transport routes.
📞 Call (800) 980-2222 💻 Get your free Texas to Arizona car shipping quote
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