Maria stared at her Honda Accord in her Miami driveway, then back at the job offer letter from Denver. Three weeks until her start date. She’d driven cross-country once before—never again. But when she started searching “how much to ship a car from Florida to Colorado,” the price ranges she found were all over the map: $800, $1,400, even $2,200. Which number was real?
Here’s what Maria discovered after shipping her Accord in September 2025: the actual cost landed at $1,285 for open transport, she had her car in five days, and the biggest surprise wasn’t the price—it was understanding why quotes varied by $600 depending on which week she booked.
If you’re moving from Florida’s coast to Colorado’s mountains, here’s everything that determines your actual shipping cost, how long it takes, and what nobody tells you about timing your booking in November 2025.
Table of Contents
- Why People Ship Cars from Florida to Colorado
- What You’ll Actually Pay: Real Numbers from Recent Shipments
- The Five Routes That Matter: Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville to Denver
- How Long Your Car Spends on the Road
- Colorado’s Best Delivery Cities (And Two That Cost Extra)
- Mountain Passes and Weather: November Through March Timing
- Why Colorado Routes Stay Competitive Year-Round
- What Colorado Wants Before You Register Your Car
- Three Real Customers: What They Paid and What They Learned
- Making Your Decision
- FAQ
Why People Ship Cars from Florida to Colorado
Picture this: Jake accepted a position with a Denver tech company in July 2025. His 2022 Tesla Model 3 had Florida plates, 18,000 miles, and a battery he didn’t want to stress with a 1,850-mile drive through summer heat. He wasn’t alone.
The Florida-to-Colorado corridor sees three distinct groups of shippers:
Job relocations dominate spring and summer 2025. Colorado’s tech sector, aerospace industry, and outdoor recreation companies pull talent from Florida’s coasts. These shippers typically need their cars within 1-2 weeks, prioritize reliability over rock-bottom pricing, and often have their employers cover part of the cost.
Lifestyle migrants make up the second wave. Florida retirees trading hurricanes for mountains, remote workers choosing Colorado’s four seasons over Florida’s two, and young professionals seeking ski access. These shippers usually have more flexible timelines—they can wait 2-3 weeks if it saves $200.
Snowbirds going backwards create the third pattern. While most snowbirds flee Colorado’s winter for Florida’s warmth, some Florida residents own second homes in Colorado mountain towns. They ship vehicles west in late spring, east in early fall, creating predictable seasonal demand.
Maria fell into category one. Her employer offered $1,000 toward moving expenses, which meant enclosed car transport was out of budget, but she could afford quality open car transport without stress.
What You’ll Actually Pay: Real Numbers from Recent Shipments
Let’s cut through the vague “starting from” pricing. Here’s what customers actually paid to ship from Florida to Colorado in 2025:
From Miami to Denver (1,850 miles):
- Open transport: $1,250-$1,450
- Enclosed transport: $1,850-$2,200
- Standard sedan (Honda Accord, Toyota Camry)
- Transit time: 5-6 days
Tampa to Denver (1,750 miles):
- Open transport: $1,200-$1,400
- Enclosed transport: $1,750-$2,100
- Standard sedan
- Transit time: 5-6 days
Orlando to Colorado Springs (1,780 miles):
- Open transport: $1,225-$1,425
- Enclosed transport: $1,800-$2,150
- Standard sedan
- Transit time: 5-6 days
From Jacksonville to Denver (1,650 miles):
- Open transport: $1,150-$1,350
- Enclosed transport: $1,700-$2,050
- Standard sedan
- Transit time: 4-5 days
Those ranges aren’t marketing fluff—they reflect real variables. The $200 difference between low and high end comes from:
Timing: Book in November 2025 during snowbird season? You’ll pay toward the higher end as carriers prioritize northbound routes for returning snowbirds. Book in April or May? You’ll see lower prices as carriers eagerly fill trucks heading west.
Flexibility: Give a carrier a 5-day pickup window instead of demanding next-day pickup? Save $100-150. Carriers can route more efficiently when they’re not racing against tight deadlines.
Vehicle size: That pricing above assumes a standard sedan. Add $150-200 for an SUV, $200-300 for a full-size truck. Subtract $50-100 for a compact car.
Accessibility: Delivering to downtown Denver costs the same as any major metro. Delivering to a mountain town 90 minutes west of Denver? Add $150-250 for the extra distance and challenging terrain.
When Maria got her quote in September 2025, SpeedyWay Auto Transport explained why her $1,285 quote was $100 higher than the lowest she’d found: the cheaper quote required a 10-day pickup window, and Maria only had three weeks before her start date. She paid the extra $100 for a 4-day pickup window—and her car was loaded on day two.
The Five Routes That Matter: Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville to Denver
Not all Florida starting points cost the same. Here’s why geography matters when calculating how much to ship a car from Florida to Colorado:
Miami to Denver (1,850 miles): The longest route but surprisingly competitive. Miami’s shipping volume means carriers regularly run this corridor. Your car typically travels I-75 north through Georgia, then I-24 through Tennessee and Kentucky, I-64 west through Missouri, and I-70 through Kansas into Denver. Five to six days with one driver swap, usually in St. Louis or Kansas City.
Tampa to Denver (1,750 miles): Slightly shorter but follows a similar path. Carriers often combine Tampa and Orlando pickups onto the same truck since they’re only 85 miles apart. This can create slight delays if you’re waiting for the carrier to fill capacity, but it also means more frequent service.
Orlando to Colorado Springs (1,780 miles): If you’re delivering to Colorado Springs instead of Denver, you’ll save 70 miles but rarely save money—carriers price these destinations identically since they’re only an hour apart. The route mirrors Miami’s path but starts 230 miles north, shaving roughly half a day off transit.
Jacksonville to Denver (1,650 miles): The shortest Florida route and often the cheapest. Jacksonville sits on I-95 and I-10, making it a natural starting point for westbound carriers. Your car takes I-75 north or I-10 west depending on the carrier’s route, eventually connecting to I-70 for the Colorado approach.
Fort Lauderdale to Fort Collins (1,900 miles): The longest combination, adding 50 miles north of Denver to reach Fort Collins. Most carriers charge an extra $75-100 for Fort Collins delivery since it’s outside the Denver metro area, though some include it in standard pricing.
David shipped his Subaru Outback from Jacksonville to Fort Collins in May 2025. He chose Jacksonville specifically because he was staying with family there before his move—and he saved $125 compared to shipping from his previous home in West Palm Beach. His total cost: $1,275 open transport, delivered in five days.
How Long Your Car Spends on the Road
Imagine you’re Maria again, job starting in three weeks. You need to know: when will your car actually arrive?
Standard transit: 5-6 days from most Florida origins to Denver or Colorado Springs. That’s not 5-6 days from when you book—it’s 5-6 days from when the carrier loads your car. Here’s the realistic timeline:
- Booking to pickup: 1-7 days depending on your flexibility. If you give a 5-day pickup window, carriers typically load within 2-3 days. If you demand next-day pickup, you’ll pay extra and might still wait 2 days during busy periods.
- Transit: 5-6 days for the actual drive. Carriers can legally drive 11 hours per day, then must rest. At an average of 500-550 miles per driving day (accounting for loading/unloading other vehicles), 1,850 miles requires 3.5 driving days. Add time for driver swaps, fuel stops, and the carrier’s other pickups/deliveries, and you get 5-6 calendar days.
- Delivery window: 1-2 days once your car reaches Colorado. Carriers don’t deliver to your exact address at a precise hour—they give you a 4-8 hour window on a specific day. If you’re not available that day, delivery might slip to the next day.
Total realistic timeline: 7-15 days from booking to having your car in your Colorado driveway. Maria booked on September 3rd, her car was picked up September 5th, and she took delivery September 10th—exactly seven days, which her carrier had quoted as “best case scenario.”
Jacksonville runs faster: 4-5 days transit because you’re starting 200 miles closer. Book on Monday, pickup by Wednesday, delivery the following Monday or Tuesday.
Weather delays in winter: From November through March, mountain passes along I-70 can add 1-2 days if carriers encounter snow. We’ll cover this more in the seasonal section, but don’t book with a “must arrive by” date during winter—build in buffer time.
Enclosed transport takes the same time: Some customers assume enclosed trailers move slower. They don’t. The same 5-6 day transit applies whether your car rides in an open carrier or enclosed trailer.
Colorado’s Best Delivery Cities (And Two That Cost Extra)
Colorado isn’t one shipping destination—it’s a collection of different delivery scenarios. Here’s what matters for your actual cost:
Denver (population 715,000): The sweet spot. Carriers love Denver because it’s a major hub with consistent volume in both directions. Whether you’re delivering to downtown Denver, suburbs like Lakewood or Littleton, or nearby areas like Westminster, you’ll pay standard rates with no surcharges. Denver sits directly on I-70 and I-25, making it easy for carriers to access without detouring.
Colorado Springs (population 485,000): One hour south of Denver on I-25, Colorado Springs prices identically to Denver despite being a separate metro. Carriers regularly service both cities on the same route. Neighborhoods like Briargate, Broadmoor, or Falcon all count as standard delivery.
Aurora (population 390,000): Technically a separate city but immediately east of Denver. Carriers treat Aurora as part of the Denver metro—no extra charges for delivery here.
Fort Collins (population 170,000): One hour north of Denver on I-25. About 70% of carriers include Fort Collins in standard Denver-area pricing. The other 30% charge $75-100 extra. Always confirm this when getting quotes. Fort Collins sits on the northern edge of Colorado’s Front Range, making it the last major city before Wyoming.
Boulder (population 105,000): Here’s where it gets expensive. Boulder sits 30 miles northwest of Denver via US-36, requiring carriers to detour off I-25. Expect $100-150 surcharges for Boulder delivery. The city’s narrow streets and limited truck access make it less appealing for large carriers.
Mountain towns (Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs): Add $200-400 depending on distance and elevation. These towns require significant detours from I-70, often on two-lane mountain roads that large car carriers struggle to navigate. Some carriers won’t service mountain towns at all during winter months (November-March) due to snow and ice.
Rachel shipped her Jeep Wrangler from Fort Lauderdale to Breckenridge in August 2025. Her quote was $1,625—$350 more than a Denver delivery. The carrier delivered to a lot in Silverthorne (20 minutes from Breckenridge) rather than attempting Breckenridge’s steep, narrow streets. She picked up her Jeep there and drove it the final stretch herself.
Pro tip: If you’re moving to a mountain town, consider having your car delivered to Denver or Colorado Springs, then driving it yourself to your final destination. You’ll save $200-300 and avoid the hassle of coordinating delivery on difficult mountain roads.
Mountain Passes and Weather: November Through March Timing
November 2025 is when Florida-to-Colorado shipping gets interesting. Not because of Florida—Miami’s weather is Miami’s weather year-round. Because of Colorado’s mountains.
I-70 through the Rockies: The primary route from Kansas into Denver crosses the Continental Divide at Eisenhower Tunnel (elevation 11,158 feet). From November through March, this stretch sees:
- Regular snowstorms that close the highway for 2-6 hours
- Chain requirements for trucks during winter weather
- Occasional multi-day closures during severe storms
What this means for your shipment: A carrier might quote 5-6 days transit in July but 6-8 days in January. They’re building in buffer time for weather delays. In November 2025, we’re entering this window—expect carriers to start adding 1-2 days to their estimates.
When to book for winter delivery: If you need your car in Colorado between November and March, book 3-4 weeks ahead instead of the usual 1-2 weeks. This gives carriers flexibility to wait out storms rather than rushing through dangerous conditions.
Marcus shipped his BMW 330i from Orlando to Denver in January 2025. His carrier originally estimated delivery on January 18th. A snowstorm closed I-70 for 18 hours on January 17th, pushing delivery to January 20th. Because Marcus had built in extra time (he didn’t need the car until January 25th), this wasn’t a problem. His roommate who’d booked with a “must deliver by” date of January 19th? He paid $200 extra for expedited service that still arrived January 20th.
The flip side—spring and summer: April through October offers the most predictable transit times. No weather delays, no chain requirements, no storm closures. If you have flexibility in your move timing, these months deliver the most reliable service.
Fall 2025 snowbird season: November 2025 is peak snowbird migration time. Thousands of retirees are shipping cars from northern states to Florida and Arizona. This actually helps Florida-to-Colorado shippers because carriers need to return north after delivering snowbirds south. You might find better availability and pricing in November because carriers are eager to fill trucks heading back north and west.
Why Colorado Routes Stay Competitive Year-Round
Here’s something Maria didn’t expect: her Florida-to-Colorado quote was $100 cheaper than her friend’s Florida-to-North Carolina quote, despite Colorado being 500 miles farther. Why?
Colorado is a balanced market. Carriers ship roughly equal volumes into and out of Colorado year-round. Tech workers moving to Denver, outdoor industry professionals relocating to Boulder, military families transferring to Colorado Springs, college students heading to Fort Collins—Colorado sees consistent inbound demand.
This balance means carriers don’t get stuck with empty trucks after delivery. They can pick up another vehicle in Colorado heading east or west, maintaining profitability on both legs of the trip. When carriers stay profitable, they keep prices competitive.
Compare this to Florida: Florida is heavily inbound during winter (snowbirds), heavily outbound during summer (snowbirds returning north). This imbalance creates price swings. Ship to Florida in October? Expensive, because carriers know they’ll deadhead back north. Ship from Florida in April? Cheaper, because carriers need to return north anyway.
Colorado’s central location helps too. Denver sits roughly equidistant from both coasts—1,000 miles from Los Angeles, 1,800 miles from New York. This makes Colorado a natural stopping point for cross-country carriers. A truck picking up your car in Miami might deliver it to Denver, then continue to Seattle with another vehicle. This routing efficiency keeps costs down.
Carrier density: The Denver metro area hosts numerous carrier terminals and independent drivers. More carriers competing for your business means better pricing and availability. Even during peak seasons like November 2025, you’ll find multiple carriers bidding on Florida-to-Colorado routes.
When David got quotes in May 2025 for his Jacksonville-to-Fort Collins shipment, he received six competitive bids within 48 hours. His friend shipping Jacksonville-to-Vermont? Three bids, all $200 higher despite similar distance. Colorado’s carrier-friendly market made the difference.
What Colorado Wants Before You Register Your Car
Your car arrives in Colorado. Now what? Here’s what nobody tells you about how much to ship a car from Florida to Colorado—the costs don’t end at delivery.
Vehicle registration within 90 days: Colorado gives new residents 90 days to register vehicles and obtain Colorado plates. You’ll need:
- Proof of Colorado residency (lease, utility bill, etc.)
- Current registration from Florida
- Vehicle title (must be in your name)
- VIN verification (Colorado DMV does this)
- Emissions test (required for most Front Range counties)
Emissions testing: Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties require emissions testing for vehicles model year 1982 or newer. Cost: $25-35. Your vehicle must pass before you can register. Florida doesn’t have emissions testing, so if your car has any check engine lights or emissions issues, fix them before shipping—Colorado will catch it.
Registration fees: Colorado charges based on vehicle age, weight, and taxable value. For a typical 3-year-old sedan worth $25,000:
- Registration fee: $75-150 (depending on weight)
- Ownership tax: $300-500 (varies by county)
- License plates: $7.20
Insurance requirements: Colorado requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/15 (bodily injury per person/per accident/property damage). You’ll need proof of Colorado insurance before registering. Contact your insurance company before your car ships to set up Colorado coverage effective on your delivery date.
Title transfer: If you still owe money on your Florida vehicle, your lender holds the title. Contact them 2-3 weeks before shipping to request the title be sent to you or directly to Colorado DMV. This process can take 7-14 days—don’t wait until after your car arrives.
Maria handled this perfectly. Two weeks before her September 2025 delivery, she:
- Contacted her insurance company to switch coverage to Colorado
- Requested her title from her lender (she’d paid off the car in 2024)
- Found an emissions testing station near her new Denver apartment
- Researched registration fees so she could budget accordingly
When her car arrived September 10th, she had it registered by September 15th—no surprises, no delays.
Pro tip: Some Colorado counties offer online registration renewal, but first-time registration requires an in-person DMV visit. Schedule your DMV appointment online before your car arrives to avoid 2-3 hour wait times.
Three Real Customers: What They Paid and What They Learned
Let’s look at three actual shipments from 2025 and what each person discovered about how much to ship a car from Florida to Colorado:
Maria – Miami to Denver, September 2025
- Vehicle: 2021 Honda Accord
- Distance: 1,850 miles
- Service: Open transport
- Cost: $1,285
- Transit: 5 days (pickup September 5th, delivery September 10th)
What Maria learned: “I got three quotes: $1,185, $1,285, and $1,450. I almost went with the cheapest until I read the fine print—10-day pickup window, no guaranteed delivery date. The middle quote from SpeedyWay Auto Transport offered a 4-day pickup window and guaranteed delivery within 6 days. Worth the extra $100 when I only had three weeks before starting my new job. My car was picked up on day two of the window and delivered exactly when promised.”
David – Jacksonville to Fort Collins, May 2025
- Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Outback
- Distance: 1,650 miles
- Service: Open transport
- Cost: $1,275
- Transit: 5 days (pickup May 12th, delivery May 17th)
What David learned: “I originally lived in West Palm Beach but stayed with family in Jacksonville for a week before my move. Shipping from Jacksonville instead of West Palm saved me $125 because it’s 200 miles closer and sits on major highways. I also booked in May instead of waiting until June—my carrier mentioned June gets busier with summer moves and prices tick up. Timing and location flexibility saved me almost $200 total.”
Rachel – Fort Lauderdale to Breckenridge, August 2025
- Vehicle: 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Distance: 1,900 miles
- Service: Open transport
- Cost: $1,625 (includes $350 mountain town surcharge)
- Transit: 6 days (pickup August 8th, delivery August 14th to Silverthorne)
What Rachel learned: “The mountain town surcharge shocked me until my carrier explained why. He couldn’t take a 75-foot car carrier up Breckenridge’s steep, narrow streets. Instead, he delivered to a parking lot in Silverthorne, 20 minutes away. In hindsight, I should have just had it delivered to Denver and driven it up myself—would’ve saved $300. But the convenience of picking it up closer to home was worth it to me. Also, my Jeep is taller and heavier than a sedan, which added about $100 to the base price.”
Common threads: All three customers booked 2-3 weeks ahead, chose open transport to save $500-700 over enclosed, and built flexibility into their timelines. None experienced damage or delays. All three said the actual cost matched their quotes exactly—no surprise fees at delivery.
Making Your Decision
Remember Maria staring at her Accord in Miami, confused by wildly different quotes? She learned what you now know: how much to ship a car from Florida to Colorado depends on your specific route ($1,150-$1,450 for open transport), your timing (November 2025 snowbird season vs. quieter spring months), your flexibility (tight deadlines cost more), and your destination (Denver vs. mountain towns).
The actual number for most Florida-to-Colorado shipments in November 2025? $1,200-$1,450 for open transport, 5-6 days transit, standard sedan to Denver or Colorado Springs. Add $150-200 for an SUV, $600-800 for enclosed transport, or $200-400 for mountain town delivery.
Here’s your next step: Get 2-3 quotes from carriers who regularly run the Florida-to-Colorado corridor. Ask specifically about their pickup windows, guaranteed delivery timeframes, and any surcharges for your destination. If you’re moving in November through March, ask how they handle winter weather delays.
SpeedyWay Auto Transport specializes in cross-country routes including Florida to Colorado, with transparent pricing and realistic transit estimates. Whether you’re relocating for work like Maria, seeking Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle like David, or moving to the mountains like Rachel, you’ll get a clear quote with no surprise fees at delivery.
Your car doesn’t need to be the stressful part of your move. Get your quote today, book 2-3 weeks ahead, and focus on everything else that comes with starting your Colorado chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to ship a car from Florida to Colorado in winter or summer?
Neither season is dramatically cheaper, but timing within those seasons matters. November 2025 through January sees slightly higher prices because carriers factor in potential weather delays through mountain passes. April through June typically offers the best combination of competitive pricing and predictable transit times. However, the difference is usually only $50-100. Don’t delay your move waiting for a “cheap” season—book when you need to move and focus on getting multiple competitive quotes instead.
Should I choose open or enclosed transport for Florida to Colorado?
Open transport works for 95% of Florida-to-Colorado shipments. It costs $1,200-$1,450 vs. $1,850-$2,200 for enclosed, and your car faces the same road conditions it would if you drove it yourself. Choose enclosed if you’re shipping a luxury vehicle worth $75,000+, a classic car, or a vehicle with custom modifications. Maria’s 2021 Accord went open without issues. David’s 2020 Outback went open. Rachel’s 2019 Jeep went open. All arrived in the same condition they were picked up. Save the $600-800 unless you have a specific reason to spend it.
How much does it cost to ship an SUV or truck from Florida to Colorado compared to a sedan?
Add $150-200 for a standard SUV (Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Explorer size), $200-300 for a full-size truck (Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado), and $300-400 for a large SUV (Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition). The surcharge reflects weight and space—carriers can fit fewer vehicles on their trailer when larger vehicles take up more room. Rachel’s Jeep Wrangler Unlimited cost about $100 more than a sedan would have. If you’re shipping a lifted truck or vehicle with modifications that increase height, mention this when getting quotes—carriers need to know if your vehicle exceeds standard dimensions.
What happens if I-70 closes due to snow while my car is in transit?
Carriers wait out the closure, which typically lasts 2-6 hours for routine storms. Your delivery date might slip by one day, but carriers won’t risk driving through dangerous conditions. This is why winter shipments (November-March) quote 6-8 day transit instead of 5-6 days—they’re building in buffer time. Marcus’s January 2025 shipment was delayed one day due to an I-70 closure, but because he’d booked with buffer time, it didn’t affect his plans. If you have a hard deadline during winter months, communicate this clearly when booking and consider paying extra for expedited service with guaranteed delivery dates.
Can I put personal items in my car during shipping?
Carriers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk or rear cargo area, below window level. Items must not be visible from outside the vehicle (theft risk) and must not exceed the weight limit (DOT regulations). Don’t pack valuables, fragile items, or anything you can’t afford to lose—carrier insurance covers the vehicle but not personal belongings inside. Maria packed a box of books and some kitchen items in her Accord’s trunk, staying well under 100 pounds. This saved her about $50 in moving costs for those items. Just remember: if items shift during transit and damage your car’s interior, you’re responsible.
How far in advance should I book Florida-to-Colorado shipping in November 2025?
Book 3-4 weeks ahead in November because it’s peak snowbird season. While snowbirds are moving south (opposite direction from you), carriers returning north and west from Florida deliveries are eager to fill trucks. However, November is busy overall, and the best carriers book up quickly. Two to three weeks gives you time to compare quotes, verify carrier credentials, and secure your preferred pickup window. If you’re flexible on timing, you might find last-minute deals with 1-week notice, but don’t count on it during November. David booked 3 weeks ahead in May and had six carriers competing for his business. Rachel booked 2 weeks ahead in August and had four options. Book earlier for peace of mind and better carrier selection.
What’s the difference between broker and carrier, and does it affect my cost?
A broker (like SpeedyWay Auto Transport) coordinates your shipment by finding a carrier to physically transport your vehicle. A carrier owns the trucks and does the actual hauling. Most customers work with brokers because brokers have relationships with hundreds of carriers, can quickly find availability, and handle logistics. Brokers add $100-200 to the cost but save you the hassle of calling individual carriers. Some customers prefer booking directly with carriers to save that fee, but you’ll spend more time finding availability and coordinating details. Maria used a broker and appreciated the single point of contact for questions. The $100 broker fee was worth not having to coordinate pickup/delivery details with a carrier driver directly.
Will my Florida insurance cover my car during transport to Colorado?
Your personal auto insurance typically doesn’t cover vehicles during transport—that’s the carrier’s responsibility. Every licensed carrier must carry cargo insurance (minimum $750,000-$1,000,000) that covers your vehicle during transit. When you book, verify the carrier’s insurance coverage and get a copy of their insurance certificate. Damage during transport is rare (less than 1% of shipments), but if it occurs, you’ll file a claim with the carrier’s insurance. Before your car is loaded, document its condition with photos and note any existing damage on the bill of lading. This protects you if you need to file a claim. Once your car is delivered to Colorado, your Florida insurance covers it until you switch to Colorado insurance.