Shipping a car to or from Orlando costs between $500 and $1,500 depending on distance, vehicle type, and time of year. Orlando’s central location in Florida, combined with direct access to I-4, I-75, and the Florida Turnpike, makes it one of the state’s most accessible and affordable cities for auto transport. Carriers run through Orlando constantly, which keeps pickup windows short and pricing competitive.

Direct Connect Auto Transport has coordinated Orlando car shipments for over 24 years. As a veteran-owned company with an A+ BBB rating, we verify every carrier for FMCSA registration and active insurance before dispatch. Call 800-575-9911 for a free quote or use our online quote calculator.

Orlando Car Shipping at a Glance

Cost Range: $500 to $1,500 for most routes
Transit Time: 1 to 2 days within Florida, 3 to 7 days cross-country
Highway Access: I-4, I-75, Florida Turnpike (Central Florida hub)
Peak Demand: June through August (summer relocations), October through December (snowbirds arriving)
Off-Peak Savings: January through March and September through October (10% to 20% lower)
Carrier Availability: Excellent year-round due to Central Florida’s high shipping volume

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to or from Orlando?

Orlando sits in the geographic center of Florida, roughly equidistant from Jacksonville to the north and Miami to the south. This central position means shorter routes to most Florida cities and competitive pricing on cross-country corridors.

Route	Open Transport	Enclosed Transport	Transit Time
New York to Orlando	$850 to $1,250	$1,300 to $1,850	3 to 5 days
Chicago to Orlando	$800 to $1,200	$1,250 to $1,750	4 to 6 days
Los Angeles to Orlando	$1,050 to $1,500	$1,600 to $2,300	6 to 8 days
Atlanta to Orlando	$450 to $700	$750 to $1,100	1 to 2 days
Philadelphia to Orlando	$800 to $1,150	$1,200 to $1,700	3 to 5 days
Dallas to Orlando	$750 to $1,100	$1,150 to $1,650	4 to 5 days
Boston to Orlando	$900 to $1,300	$1,400 to $1,900	4 to 6 days
Within Florida (Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville)	$250 to $500	$450 to $800	1 to 2 days

Why Is Orlando a Central Hub for Florida Car Shipping?

Central Highway Access

I-4 connects Orlando directly to Tampa and Daytona Beach, I-75 runs south to Naples and north to Atlanta, and the Florida Turnpike feeds into Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Carriers moving vehicles anywhere in Florida typically pass through or near Orlando, creating natural pickup and delivery opportunities with short wait times and competitive pricing.

Rapid Population Growth

Orlando’s metro area of 2.7 million residents is growing fast, consistently ranking among the top U.S. destinations for domestic migration. Job growth in technology, healthcare, defense contracting, and hospitality drives a steady stream of relocations from northern and western states year-round.

Tourism and Seasonal Demand

Orlando attracts over 75 million visitors annually. While most visitors fly, a significant number ship vehicles for extended stays, seasonal residences, and corporate relocations tied to the tourism and hospitality industry, adding consistent volume to an already busy auto transport market.

What Are the Best and Worst Months to Ship a Car to Orlando?

Orlando has two peak seasons that affect pricing differently than South Florida cities.

Summer season

Summer (June through August) is Orlando’s busiest shipping window. Families relocating before the school year, college students moving to University of Central Florida (UCF), Rollins College, or Full Sail University, and corporate transfers all converge during these months. Expect rates 15% to 20% above off-peak pricing.

Snowbird season

Snowbird season (October through January) drives a second wave. While snowbirds primarily target South Florida, many seasonal residents settle in the greater Orlando area, particularly in communities around Kissimmee, Clermont, and The Villages (about 60 miles northwest). Carriers running southbound during this period are busy, which tightens availability.

Best value months:

January through March (after holiday demand subsides) and September through October (between summer and snowbird peaks). Shipping during these windows can save you 10% to 20% on the same route.

Spring break (March) creates a brief demand spike but primarily affects South Florida more than Orlando.

What Type of Transport Works Best for Orlando Shipments?

Open transport

Open transport handles the vast majority of Orlando shipments and is the right choice for sedans, SUVs, trucks, and family vehicles. Orlando’s climate is warm and generally dry outside of afternoon summer thunderstorms, making weather exposure minimal. If you are shipping a daily driver or a vehicle you use regularly, open carrier transport is the most cost-effective option.

Enclosed transport

Enclosed transport makes sense for high-value vehicles, classics, exotics, and show cars. Orlando hosts several major automotive events and auctions throughout the year, and the surrounding area has a growing collector community. If your vehicle is valued above $75,000 or requires protection from road debris and UV exposure, enclosed vehicle shipping is the better investment.

Not sure which option is right for you? Call us at 800-575-9911 and our team will recommend the best transport method for your specific vehicle.

Who Needs Orlando Car Shipping?

Relocating Families and Professionals

Orlando’s job market is expanding in tech, healthcare, simulation/defense (the I-4 corridor houses major defense contractors), and hospitality management. If you are moving to Orlando for work, shipping your vehicle saves you 15 to 20+ hours of driving from most northern cities.

Snowbirds and Seasonal Residents

Many seasonal residents choose the greater Orlando area over South Florida for its lower cost of living, proximity to attractions, and access to both coasts. The Villages, one of the largest retirement communities in the country, sits just northwest of Orlando and generates significant seasonal shipping volume.

College Students

UCF enrolls over 70,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the country by enrollment. Parents shipping vehicles to campus in August and back home in May is a consistent seasonal pattern. Full Sail University and Valencia College add to this demand.

Online Car Buyers

If you purchased a vehicle through CarMax, Carvana, AutoTrader, or Facebook Marketplace from a seller in another state, DCAT delivers door-to-door to your Orlando address.

Military Families

Orlando does not have a major active military base within city limits, but Naval Support Activity Orlando (training command) and proximity to Patrick Space Force Base (about 50 miles east) generate PCS-related shipping demand. As a veteran-owned company, DCAT offers military discounts for all service members.

How Does the Orlando Car Shipping Process Work?

1. Get your quote

Call 800-575-9911 or use our online calculator. Provide pickup and delivery zip codes, vehicle details, and preferred transport type.

2. Book and schedule

Your DCAT coordinator assigns a verified carrier and confirms pickup timing. Most Orlando pickups are scheduled within 1 to 3 days of booking during off-peak periods.

3. Pickup inspection

The carrier arrives at your door. You walk the vehicle together, document the condition with photos, and sign the Bill of Lading.

4. Real-time tracking

Monitor your vehicle’s location throughout transit with DCAT’s GPS tracking system.

5. Delivery and sign-off

At delivery, complete a final inspection comparing against the pickup documentation. Sign off, and you are done.

How Should You Prepare Your Car for Shipping?

Wash and photograph your vehicle from all angles before pickup. Remove personal belongings (most carriers allow one small bag under 100 lbs in the trunk). Keep gas between one-quarter and one-half full. Disable SunPass, E-ZPass, and alarm systems. Remove or secure loose accessories. Leave one key set with the driver.

For vehicles picked up in gated communities (common in Celebration, Lake Nona, and Windermere), arrange gate access for the carrier in advance.

Request your Free Quote Now

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book Orlando car shipping?

During off-peak months, 1 to 2 weeks is usually sufficient. During summer (June through August) or snowbird season (October through January), book 3 to 4 weeks ahead for best pricing and availability.

Can large carriers access Orlando neighborhoods?

Most Orlando-area neighborhoods have wide suburban streets that accommodate full-size carriers without issues. Downtown Orlando and some older neighborhoods near College Park or Thornton Park may require meeting at a nearby accessible location.

Does DCAT offer military discounts?

Yes. As a veteran-owned company, we offer discounts for active duty, veterans, and military families. Call 800-575-9911 for your rate.

Is it cheaper to ship or drive from New York to Orlando?

Shipping starts around $850 for open transport. Driving the 1,080 miles costs $250 to $400 in fuel and tolls, plus 16+ hours of driving and a hotel stay. When you factor in time, wear on your vehicle, and convenience, shipping is competitive and saves 2 to 3 days.

What happens if a hurricane affects my shipment?

Your DCAT coordinator monitors the weather in real time. If a storm impacts the route, we communicate updated timing immediately. Most shipments proceed normally during hurricane season; delays only occur when conditions are actively unsafe.

Calculate Your OPEN AUTO CARRIER TRANSPORTATION ENCLOSED AUTO TRANSPORT CARRIERS CLASSIC CAR SHIPPING SERVICES MOTORCYCLE SHIPPING RV SHIPPING SERVICES Shipping Cost