Can You Tow a Car Cross Country Without Driving?

Let’s be real—spending days behind the wheel isn’t everyone’s idea of a great time. Especially when you’re staring down a coast-to-coast move or trying to get your car to a new state without racking up 2,800 miles and back pain. So, can you tow a car cross country without actually driving it?

Yep. And not only can you, but you’ve got options. Some are budget-friendly. Some are bougie.

And some will save you from white-knuckling it through 12 hours of rain on I-40. The key is picking the method that matches your schedule, budget, and how much you care about your car’s paint job.

But if you want to skip the stress and keep your odometer clean, long distance car towing services make it ridiculously simple to move your vehicle from Point A to Z—no driving required. Think: concierge-level transport, without the luxury price tag.

Let’s break down how to pull this off without turning it into a road trip from hell.

Why You Might Want to Skip the Drive

Not everyone’s built for marathon drives. And sometimes, it’s just not worth it.

Maybe you’ve got two cars but only two hands. Maybe your vehicle’s a collector’s item and shouldn’t touch asphalt unless there’s a red carpet. Or maybe, you just can’t be bothered to play DJ for three days straight while your back seizes up.

Common reasons people outsource the haul:

•     You’re relocating across the country and flying instead.
•     You bought a car out of state and want it delivered.
•     Your vehicle is inoperable or needs repairs at its destination.
•     You’re moving a luxury, classic, or leased vehicle.

Bottom line? If you’d rather save time, energy, and wear-and-tear, outsourcing the drive is a no-brainer.

Option 1: Hire a Professional Auto Transport Company

This is the cheat code most people don’t realise exists. Car shipping companies handle the heavy lifting—literally.

Open vs Enclosed Transport

•     Open transport: Your car rides on a multi-car trailer, exposed to the elements. It’s cheaper, faster, and totally fine for most cars.
•     Enclosed transport: Your car travels in a covered trailer. Ideal if you’re transporting a luxury whip or classic ride and don’t want bugs in the grille.

Most transport companies offer door-to-door service, so your car gets picked up from your current address and dropped off right at the new one. It’s low effort, high reward.

Option 2: Rent a Tow Dolly or Trailer (If You’re Feeling Brave)

Want to DIY it? You can rent a car hauler from places like U-Haul. It’s cheaper upfront, but the catch is you’ll need a capable tow vehicle—and nerves of steel.

Here’s the lowdown:

•     Tow dolly: Your car’s front wheels are lifted off the ground. Great for front-wheel drive.
•     Car trailer: All four wheels are off the road. More secure, but heavier to pull.

Factor in gas, mileage, and your own driving sanity. If you’ve never towed before, let’s just say there’s a learning curve. Especially when you’re backing up. Or turning. Or breathing.

Option 3: Use a Driveaway Service

A stranger drives your car to your destination. That’s the service. It’s legit, often insured, and works well for people who don’t mind someone else behind the wheel.

Pros:

•     It’s quick.
•     You can pack stuff in your car.

Cons:

•     Someone else is racking up miles on your engine.
•     Stranger danger—though most companies vet their drivers.

Think of it like car-sitting with cross-country perks. Not for everyone, but solid in the right scenario.

Option 4: Ship It by Train

This isn’t just for commuters. Amtrak offers car shipping along the East Coast (think DC to Florida). You ride the train while your car chills in the Auto Train. No driving. No trailer. Just Amtrak snacks and legroom.

The downside? It only runs one specific route. So if your destination’s not on the map, you’re out of luck.

Still, it’s a unique option worth exploring if you’re East Coast-based and want the chillest possible move.

How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car Cross Country?

That depends on:

•     Distance
•     Vehicle size
•     Open vs enclosed transport
•     Timing and availability

On average, shipping a standard sedan across the US ranges from $900 to $1,500 with open transport. Enclosed will run you more—closer to $1,500 to $2,500.

Driveaway services and rentals might cost less upfront, but don’t forget fuel, lodging, food, and your own time. Plus, the unspoken cost of “why did I agree to this?” somewhere around hour 14 in the desert.

What to Look for in a Towing Company

Not all car shipping companies are created equal. You want reliability, insurance coverage, and solid reviews—not someone ghosting you while your Tesla’s stuck in Texas.

Here’s your quick checklist:

•     Licensing: Are they registered with the Department of Transportation?
•     Insurance: Ask what’s covered and what’s not.
•     Tracking: Can you track your vehicle en route?
•     Timeline: What’s the estimated pickup and delivery window?
•     Price transparency: No one likes surprise fees.

Pro tip: Book early, especially during peak moving seasons. Last-minute shipments tend to cost more and offer fewer options.

Can You Pack Stuff in the Car When You Tow It?

Short answer: Maybe.

Most auto shippers don’t officially allow personal items in the car during transport, but a lot of people do it anyway. If you’re sneaking in a suitcase or two, make sure it’s below the window line and doesn’t block the driver’s seat. And know that if it’s not insured, it’s on you.

Driveaway services? You’ve got more leeway, since your car’s being driven. Just don’t treat it like a moving truck.

Tips to Make Cross-Country Towing Easier

•     Prep your car: Clean it out, check for leaks, take photos, and remove custom accessories.
•     Disable toll tags: Unless you want to accidentally pay for someone else’s road trip.
•     Keep the gas tank low: A Quarter tank is the sweet spot. Enough to move, not too heavy.
•     Ask about ETA: And be flexible—weather, traffic, and other drop-offs can cause delays.

Is Cross-Country Towing Worth It?

If you’re short on time, energy, or chill, yes. The peace of mind alone makes it worth skipping the road trip roulette. Whether you’re moving house, buying a car out of state, or just want to skip 10 gas station burritos, shipping your ride is a solid flex.

And with services like long distance car towing, getting your car across the country without lifting a finger is no longer just a luxury—it’s a move that makes sense.

Final Thoughts: Skip the Miles, Keep the Style

Driving cross-country sounds romantic—until you’re two hours behind schedule and arguing with your GPS. Sometimes, it’s smarter to outsource the stress and let someone else handle the haul.

Whether you go full-service with a towing company, DIY with a trailer, or get creative with a train, the answer’s clear: yes, you can tow a car cross country without driving. And no, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ready to move your car coast to coast without the road trip headache? Explore your options, do your homework, and pick what fits your lifestyle. Your future self will thank you.