Vehicle shipping cost in Canada is one of those numbers that varies so widely it’s almost useless without context. Quotes for the same route can differ by $400 or more depending on the carrier, the season, and a handful of details about your vehicle that most people don’t think to mention upfront. This guide gives you realistic 2026 price ranges for the most common Canadian routes, explains exactly what drives the cost up or down, and helps you compare quotes accurately so you’re not surprised when the invoice arrives.
Vehicle Shipping Prices in Canada: What to Expect in 2026
The cost to ship a vehicle between Canadian provinces generally runs between CAD $600 and $2,200 for standard open transport, depending on distance and vehicle type. Shipping vehicles from one province to another in Canada typically costs between $500 and $1,500, with shorter routes under 300 km coming in below $500 and coast-to-coast distances of 4,000–5,000 km exceeding $2,000.
Here are realistic price ranges for the most common Canadian routes in 2026, based on open transport for a standard sedan or compact SUV:
| Route | Approx. Distance | Open Transport (CAD) | Enclosed Transport (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto → Montreal | ~540 km | $600–$850 | $900–$1,200 |
| Toronto → Calgary | ~3,400 km | $1,200–$1,600 | $1,800–$2,400 |
| Toronto → Vancouver | ~4,400 km | $1,400–$1,900 | $2,100–$2,800 |
| Vancouver → Calgary | ~970 km | $700–$950 | $1,050–$1,400 |
| Halifax → Toronto | ~1,850 km | $900–$1,200 | $1,350–$1,800 |
| Edmonton → Toronto | ~3,500 km | $1,250–$1,650 | $1,900–$2,500 |
| Vancouver → Toronto | ~4,400 km | $1,400–$1,900 | $2,100–$2,800 |
These are starting-point estimates for a standard-sized running vehicle with door-to-door delivery. Trucks, SUVs, inoperable vehicles, and peak-season bookings all push prices higher. Metropolitan Logistics provides car shipping across Canada with transparent pricing — call +1 (365) 829 5000 for a specific route quote.
What Determines Vehicle Shipping Cost in Canada
Six factors shape your actual quote. Understanding each one helps you reduce costs where possible and avoid surprises.
Distance — the biggest variable
Distance is the primary cost driver. For routes between 1,000 and 2,000 km, the estimated rate runs approximately CAD $0.85 per kilometre. Longer routes cost less per kilometre because carriers spread fixed costs across more distance — but the total price is still higher.
The typical rates for land-based transport use a per-kilometre bracket system, with the rate per kilometre decreasing as total distance increases. For example, a 500 km move costs more per kilometre than a 3,000 km move, even though the total invoice is lower.
Open vs. enclosed transport
This is the single biggest decision that affects your price after distance. Open transport loads your vehicle onto an uncovered multi-car carrier — the same type used to deliver new vehicles to dealerships. Enclosed car shipping costs 30–40% more than open shipping on the same routes.
For most everyday vehicles — sedans, trucks, family SUVs — open transport is the practical choice. For luxury vehicles, classics, low-clearance sports cars, or any vehicle where paint and finish protection matters, enclosed transport is worth the premium. Metropolitan Logistics offers enclosed vehicle transport for clients who need that level of protection.
Vehicle size and type
Larger vehicles take up more space on the carrier and weigh more, both of which increase cost. A full-size pickup truck costs more to ship than a compact sedan on the same route. Vehicle size, the deck space it occupies, and its weight all factor into the final rate.
Non-running vehicles add a meaningful surcharge. Non-running vehicles average approximately $300 more than running vehicles, reflecting the longer load times and specialized equipment — winches or forklifts — required for inoperable units.
Door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal
Door-to-door delivery picks up your vehicle at your specified address and delivers it directly to the destination address. Terminal-to-terminal service requires you to drop off and pick up at carrier depots. Terminal service is typically $100–$200 cheaper, but adds inconvenience at both ends and limits your flexibility on timing.
For most Canadian shipments, door-to-door is worth the premium — especially on long routes where the terminal may be an hour away from your actual origin or destination.
Season and timing
Summer is the peak season for vehicle transport. June, July, and August see the highest demand, with prices and wait times at their highest. Spring moves — particularly April and May, when snowbirds return and students relocate — also push rates up.
October and November are slower months with good carrier availability and lower rates. Booking during these periods can reduce costs and often allows scheduling of enclosed transport at a lower premium.
Winter shipping is possible year-round in Canada, but weather delays in mountain passes, reduced daylight hours, and some carriers reducing operations in extreme cold can extend timelines. Budget an extra 2–4 days on cross-country routes in January and February.
Pickup and delivery location
Urban pickup and delivery — Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal — is the baseline. Rural or remote locations often require a smaller truck to reach the final address, adding $75–$200 to the total. Similarly, locations with access restrictions (low-clearance parking structures, narrow rural roads) take more driver time and add cost.
Vehicle Shipping Cost by Province: Key Routes
Ontario shipping costs
Ontario is the most active vehicle shipping market in Canada, with high carrier density and competitive pricing on the Toronto corridor. Local moves within Ontario — Toronto to Ottawa, Toronto to London, Toronto to Windsor — typically run CAD $400–$700 for open transport. Longer moves from Toronto to Atlantic Canada or Western Canada follow the national rate benchmarks in the table above.
Metropolitan Logistics provides vehicle shipping across Canada with pickup from Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, and surrounding GTA communities.
British Columbia shipping costs
Vancouver-originating shipments face slightly higher rates than Ontario because of Rocky Mountain routing. Mountain passes add driver time, restrict certain carrier types in winter, and reduce load efficiency. Expect a 10–15% premium on routes from Vancouver compared to equivalent Ontario routes.
Alberta shipping costs
Alberta — particularly Calgary and Edmonton — is a major vehicle shipping hub, both as an origin for eastbound vehicles and a destination for imports from Vancouver. The Calgary–Toronto route is one of the most competitive in Canada due to volume. Edmonton shipments cost slightly more than Calgary due to the additional distance north.
Atlantic Canada shipping costs
Halifax, Fredericton, and Moncton-originating shipments carry a premium over central Canadian routes due to lower carrier frequency on the Maritimes corridor. Expect to add $150–$300 over comparable-distance Ontario routes for Atlantic Canada pickup or delivery.
Additional Costs That Don’t Appear in the Base Quote
The base rate covers the transport itself. These items are either separate charges or variables that can change your invoice significantly.
Fuel surcharge — Most carriers apply a fuel surcharge on top of the base rate, adjusted periodically based on diesel prices. In 2026, this typically runs 10–18% of the base rate. Confirm whether the quote you receive includes or excludes this.
Insurance — Standard carrier liability covers damage up to a limit, but the limit and coverage terms vary by carrier. If you’re shipping a high-value vehicle, verify that the carrier’s coverage matches your vehicle’s value — or purchase supplemental coverage. Ask specifically what’s covered and what the claims process looks like before booking.
Expedited service — Standard bookings have a pickup window of 3–7 days. Expedited shipping, which prioritizes your vehicle for faster pickup, typically adds CAD $200–$500 to the total cost.
Non-running surcharge — As noted above, inoperable vehicles add approximately $300+ for specialized loading equipment.
Oversize surcharge — Lifted trucks, vehicles with roof racks, and units exceeding standard dimensions may require special positioning on the carrier or a larger vehicle type, adding $75–$200 to the quote.
Open vs. Enclosed Vehicle Shipping: Which Is Right for You?
Most Canadians shipping everyday vehicles don’t need enclosed transport — the cost premium isn’t justified. However, there are specific situations where enclosed is the right choice.
Choose open transport when: your vehicle is a standard sedan, SUV, or truck in regular use; the route is under 2,000 km; you’re focused on cost; or the vehicle is already a daily driver that accumulates normal wear.
Choose enclosed transport when: you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or collector vehicle; the vehicle has a low ground clearance that makes open loading risky; you’re shipping during Canadian winter on mountain routes; or the vehicle’s resale value makes paint and finish protection worth the premium.
Metropolitan Logistics offers both options. Our car shipping service covers open and enclosed carriers across all major Canadian routes.
How to Get an Accurate Vehicle Shipping Quote
A quote that doesn’t reflect your actual situation isn’t useful. When requesting a quote, have this information ready:
Vehicle details: make, model, year, running or non-running, any modifications that affect dimensions (lift kits, roof racks, oversized mirrors).
Route: exact pickup address and delivery address, not just city names. Rural delivery adds cost; having the precise address allows the carrier to assess access.
Timeline: your preferred pickup window and any hard delivery deadlines. Flexible timing is cheaper. Guaranteed delivery dates carry a premium.
Transport type preference: open or enclosed. If you’re unsure, ask for both quotes.
Door-to-door or terminal: most clients choose door-to-door for convenience, but if you’re near a major terminal and flexible on timing, terminal-to-terminal saves money.
Once you have quotes, compare them line by line. The base rate, fuel surcharge, and insurance should all appear separately. Requesting a fully itemized invoice rather than a lump-sum quote helps avoid surprise charges and makes comparing different providers straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a vehicle across Canada? Cross-country vehicle shipping in Canada (Toronto to Vancouver or equivalent distance) typically costs CAD $1,400–$1,900 for open transport on a standard vehicle. Enclosed transport on the same route runs $2,100–$2,800. Prices vary by season, vehicle size, and whether door-to-door delivery is included.
What is the cheapest way to ship a vehicle in Canada? Open transport with terminal-to-terminal service, booked during off-peak season (October through February), is the most cost-effective combination. Flexible pickup windows also reduce cost by allowing carriers to optimize their routes.
How long does vehicle shipping take across Canada? Toronto to Vancouver typically takes 7–10 business days for standard open transport. Shorter routes like Toronto to Montreal take 2–4 business days. Expedited service reduces transit time but adds cost.
Is vehicle shipping by train cheaper than by truck in Canada? Rail-based vehicle shipping in Canada runs approximately $0.40–$0.60 per kilometre, compared to roughly $0.85 per kilometre for truck on mid-distance routes. However, rail service has limited terminal locations across Canada and longer transit times due to rail schedules. For most Canadians, road transport is more practical despite the higher per-kilometre rate.
Does vehicle size affect shipping cost? Yes. Larger and heavier vehicles — full-size trucks, SUVs, vans — cost more than compact cars on the same route because they occupy more carrier deck space and add weight. Expect to pay 15–25% more for a full-size pickup versus a compact sedan.
What documents do I need to ship a vehicle within Canada? For domestic Canadian shipping, you typically need proof of vehicle ownership, a valid photo ID, and current vehicle registration. Some carriers also require proof of insurance. Remove personal items from the vehicle before pickup — most carriers don’t cover contents, and extra weight can affect the quote.
The Bottom Line
Vehicle shipping cost in Canada depends on five factors above everything else: distance, open versus enclosed transport, vehicle size, door-to-door versus terminal service, and season. For most domestic moves on the Toronto–Calgary–Vancouver corridor, open transport with door-to-door service runs $1,200–$1,900. Shorter regional moves within a single province come in at $600–$900. Enclosed transport adds 30–40% on any route.
The most important step before booking is getting an itemized quote — one that separates the base rate, fuel surcharge, and any accessorial fees so you can compare providers on equal footing.
Metropolitan Logistics provides car shipping across Canada with open and enclosed carriers, door-to-door service from all major Canadian cities, and transparent pricing with no hidden line items.
Request a quote or call +1 (365) 829 5000 — give us your pickup city, destination, vehicle make and model, and we’ll provide a specific, itemized quote within 24 hours.
Related reading:
- How Car Shipping Works in Canada
- Enclosed Vehicle Transport Ontario
- How to Transport Vehicles Across Country in Canada
- Car Shipping Services Canada