- Los Angeles → Denver
- 979 mi
- Transit
- 2–4 days
- Open carrier
- $1,330
What it costs
Prices for a running sedan with standard pickup, as of Oct 27, 2026, calculated the same way as the quote on this page. SUVs, pickups and inoperable vehicles cost more, and you can price those exactly with the quote tool.
| Route | Miles | Open | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles → DenverCA → CO | 979 | $1,330 | $1,900 | 2–4 days |
| San Diego → Colorado SpringsCA → CO | 955 | $1,315 | $1,875 | 2–4 days |
| San Francisco → DenverCA → CO | 1,118 | $1,415 | $2,025 | 3–5 days |
| Sacramento → Fort CollinsCA → CO | 1,042 | $1,445 | $2,035 | 3–4 days |
| Irvine → AuroraCA → CO | 981 | $1,335 | $1,900 | 2–4 days |
The route
From Southern California, carriers usually take I-15 through Las Vegas into Utah, then I-70 east through Glenwood Canyon, over Vail Pass and through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Denver. Los Angeles to Denver is 979 miles.
When I-70 is closed or snowbound, trucks reroute on I-40 and I-25 through Albuquerque or on I-80 through Wyoming. Bay Area loads usually take I-80 through Salt Lake City and Wyoming, then come south on I-25 from Cheyenne.
When to book
Summer is the busiest season: Los Angeles to Denver is about $1,415 for a July pickup and $1,320 in February. From September through May, Colorado requires commercial trucks on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison to carry chains, and a storm can close the mountain passes for hours.
Good to know
Colorado gives new residents 90 days to register. You'll need a VIN verification on form DR2698, which a licensed dealer, an emissions testing station or law enforcement can complete, and cars registered in the Denver metro and northern Front Range may need an emissions test.
Questions about California to Colorado car shipping
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Colorado?
About 2–4 days after pickup for Los Angeles to Denver.
Will mountain weather delay my delivery?
It can, from fall through spring. Drivers wait out closures on I-70 or take a longer route around the mountains. Your dispatcher will tell you if the delivery date moves.
Do you deliver to mountain towns?
Yes. Towns off I-70 and the Front Range add a charge for the distance from the main carrier routes, and in winter the driver may meet you in a lot by the interstate if your road isn't safe for a full-size carrier.