Each year, thousands of people head to Arizona to escape the cold winter months. Known for its warm climate, sunny skies, and retirement-friendly communities, Arizona has become a top destination for snowbirds, retirees, and seasonal travelers.

But getting your vehicle there can be a hassle if you try to drive cross-country yourself. That’s why car shipping to Arizona has become one of the most popular winter relocation services in the U.S.

Why So Many People Ship Their Cars to Arizona in Winter

Driving your car long distances in winter weather can be dangerous and exhausting. By shipping your car, you:

• Avoid long winter road trips and potential bad weather.
• Save on gas, hotels, and wear & tear.
• Arrive in Arizona stress-free with your car waiting for you.
• Keep your own vehicle (instead of renting).

This is especially popular among retirees traveling from New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, and other colder states.

Cost to Ship a Car to Arizona for the Winter

The price depends on your starting location, vehicle size, and type of transport. Here are average costs for popular snowbird routes:

RouteDistance (approx.)Estimated Cost (Open Transport)New York → Arizona2,400+ miles$1,200 – $1,600Chicago → Arizona1,800 miles$1,000 – $1,400Minneapolis → Arizona1,700 miles$950 – $1,300Denver → Arizona800 miles$700 – $1,000

Enclosed transport for luxury or classic vehicles typically costs 30–40% more but provides extra protection from the elements.

How Long It Takes

Depending on the starting point, shipping a car to Arizona typically takes:

• East Coast to Arizona: 6–8 days
• Midwest to Arizona: 4–6 days
• Western states to Arizona: 2–4 days

At Navi, our Delivery ETA Framework uses real-time carrier data, route patterns, and seasonal trends to give you accurate delivery windows, not vague estimates.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport

FeatureOpen TransportEnclosed TransportCostMore affordableHigher (premium service)ProtectionExposed to weatherFull protectionPopularityMost common for winter snowbird movesIdeal for luxury/classic vehiclesBest ForStandard cars and SUVsExotics, vintage, or high-value cars

Most travelers choose open transport because it’s faster to book and more cost-effective.

Tips for Smooth Winter Car Shipping

1. Book early (2–4 weeks ahead) — Winter is a busy season in Arizona. Early booking locks in better rates and carrier availability.
2. Clean and inspect your vehicle — Take pre-shipment photos for your records.
3. Remove personal items — This keeps your car within carrier weight limits.
4. Be flexible on pickup windows — This helps secure a faster dispatch.
5. Choose a trusted, insured broker — Navi works only with FMCSA-compliant carriers.

What If There’s a Delay?

Winter weather can affect ETA. But with Navi:

• We track your shipment in real time.
•  You get proactive ETA updates, not last-minute surprises.
• All shipments are fully insured through FMCSA-compliant carriers.

“We ship thousands of vehicles to Arizona each winter. Our system is designed to keep customers informed every step of the way,” says Ivan Karakostov, CEO of Navi Auto Transport.

Popular Arizona Destinations for Winter Shippers

• Scottsdale – luxury homes, golf courses, warm winters
• Phoenix – great for long-term stays and snowbird communities
• Tucson – quieter, affordable winter living
• Sedona – scenic views and mild temperatures

These cities have high carrier activity, which means faster pickups and better pricing.

Why Choose Navi Auto Transport

• 20,000+ vetted carriers nationwide
• Predictive Delivery ETA system
• Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
• Fully insured FMCSA-compliant carriers
• Rated among the top U.S. car shipping companies

Whether you’re a retiree heading south, a snowbird escaping the cold, or just planning a seasonal getaway — Navi makes shipping your car to Arizona smooth and stress-free.

Get Your Free Instant Quote

Plan ahead for winter and secure your spot today.
Get an instant quote at naviautotransport.com or call 📞 (218) 203-8605 to book your shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Car Shipping to Arizona in Winter

1. Why do people ship their cars to Arizona during the winter?

Many people ship their cars to Arizona to escape harsh winter weather in northern states. Instead of driving long distances through snow and ice, they prefer the safety and convenience of auto transport services. Arizona’s warm climate, golf resorts, and retirement-friendly communities make it a top seasonal destination for snowbirds and retirees.

2. How much does it cost to ship a car to Arizona?

The cost depends on your location, vehicle size, and transport type. On average:

• New York → Arizona: $1,200 – $1,600

• Chicago → Arizona: $1,000 – $1,400

• Minneapolis → Arizona: $950 – $1,300

• Denver → Arizona: $700 – $1,000
  For luxury or classic cars, enclosed transport costs about 30–40% more due to extra protection.

3. How long does car shipping to Arizona take?

Delivery times vary based on distance and route:

• East Coast to Arizona: 6–8 days

• Midwest to Arizona: 4–6 days

• Western States to Arizona: 2–4 days
  Navi Auto Transport’s Delivery ETA Framework uses real-time data to provide accurate delivery windows rather than vague estimates.

  4. When should I book my car shipment for winter?

  It’s best to book 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak snowbird season (November–January). Early booking ensures better rates, guaranteed carrier availability, and a smoother shipping experience.

  6. What should I do to prepare my car for shipping?

  Before pickup:

  • Clean your vehicle and take detailed photos for documentation.

  • Remove personal items to comply with carrier weight limits.

  • Check for leaks or mechanical issues.

  • Disable toll tags and alarms before transport.

  These steps help ensure a smooth and damage-free shipping process.