How to Ship a Tesla: Costs, Options, and What to Expect
Shipping a Tesla is straightforward: choose open transport for the best value or enclosed for maximum protection, get an instant quote, and a verified, EV-aware carrier moves your car door to door. Most Tesla shipments run from about $775 for a short open move to $3,700+ for a long-distance enclosed haul, depending on distance and transport type.
Whether you bought a Model 3 across the country, are relocating with your Model Y, or need a Plaid moved to a new garage without adding miles, ShipTesla handles it with carriers who understand electric vehicles. Below is exactly how it works, what it costs, and how to prepare your car.
Open vs. enclosed transport for a Tesla
Open transport carries your Tesla on a standard multi-car trailer. It's the most popular and cost-effective option, with the widest carrier availability and the fastest pickup times. Your car is exposed to weather and road debris in the same way it would be driving down the highway — which is perfectly fine for the vast majority of moves.
Enclosed transport carries your Tesla inside a fully covered trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and view. It's the recommended choice for new deliveries, Performance and Plaid models, wrapped or repainted cars, and any high-value Tesla you want shielded end to end. See our enclosed Tesla transport guide for a full comparison.
How much does it cost to ship a Tesla?
ShipTesla pricing is transparent and mileage-based: open transport starts at $1.05 per mile plus a $250 base; enclosed starts at $1.68 per mile plus a $350 base. Per-mile rates step down with distance — as low as $0.50/mile on long routes. Short-distance minimums apply. A few representative examples:
| Distance | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| ~500 miles | ~$775 | ~$1,190 |
| ~1,000 miles | ~$1,175 | ~$1,840 |
| ~1,500 miles | ~$1,575 | ~$2,490 |
| ~2,000 miles | ~$1,825 | ~$2,940 |
| ~2,800 miles (coast-to-coast) | ~$2,225 | ~$3,660 |
These are illustrative; your exact price depends on route, season, and vehicle condition. See the full Tesla shipping cost guide or get an instant quote in under 60 seconds for your specific move.
How it works — three simple steps
- Get a quote in minutes. Enter your vehicle, route, and open-or-enclosed preference for an instant price.
- Reserve with a refundable deposit. Your deposit is fully refundable right up until we confirm dispatch with an assigned carrier.
- Track from pickup to delivery. You'll get SMS and email updates from carrier assignment through delivery completion — no guessing.
Why ship with a Tesla specialist
- Verified, insured carriers. Every carrier is licensed, insured, and vetted to our standards before they ever touch your car.
- EV-aware handling. Soft-strap tie-downs, careful low-clearance loading, and charge-state guidance specific to electric vehicles.
- Transparent pricing. Margin-protected dispatch means a fair price for you and reliable service from the carrier — no lowball-then-vanish games.
- Proactive updates. Real status from booking to delivery, by SMS and email.
How to prepare your Tesla for transport
Charge the battery to roughly 50% — enough for loading and delivery handling without the risk of a full or near-empty pack. Remove personal items and accessories, fold in the mirrors, and be ready to share guidance on Sentry Mode and PIN-to-Drive so the carrier can load and secure the car. Note any existing cosmetic marks at pickup; your driver will complete a condition report.
How long does it take?
Most Tesla shipments take between 1 and 9 days in transit depending on distance, plus a pickup window (we ask for a minimum 72-hour window). Cross-country moves average about 7–9 days door to door. Exact times are estimates, not guarantees, because carriers route around weather and traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to ship a Tesla?
Yes. With a licensed, insured, EV-aware carrier using soft-strap tie-downs, Teslas ship safely every day. Enclosed transport adds protection from weather and road debris for extra peace of mind.
Is the deposit refundable?
Yes — your deposit is fully refundable until dispatch is confirmed. Once a carrier is assigned, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
Can you ship a Tesla that won't drive?
Often yes, but inoperable vehicles need special equipment — tell us at quote time so we assign the right carrier.