California to New Jersey Motorcycle Shipping At a Glance
| Main Corridor | Interstates across the country, then I-78, I-80 or the Turnpike into New Jersey |
| Approximate Distance | ~2,745-2,895 miles |
| Estimated Transit Time | 7-10 days after pickup |
| Popular Pickup Cities | Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento |
| Popular Delivery Cities | Newark, Trenton, Atlantic City, Jersey City |
| Transport Options | Open and enclosed, door-to-door or terminal |
| Reverse Route | New Jersey to California |
| Phone Quotes | 1-800-590-6492, answered 24 hours a day |
California to New Jersey Motorcycle Shipping Rates by Bike Type
A standard cruiser or sport bike from Los Angeles to Newark runs about $875 to $1,225 on an open carrier, and about $1,225 to $1,725 enclosed. San Diego pickups are a little closer at $875 to $1,225, and San Francisco runs about $900 to $1,275.
Central Jersey is the easy part. Trenton runs about $875 to $1,225 open from Los Angeles, and Atlantic City about $875 to $1,225. A driver can often pick up or drop off in Central Jersey without leaving a main road.
Some bikes cost more to move. Gold Wings and other tourers add $50 to $100, trikes and sidecars add $150 to $300, and a non-runner needs a winch. Tell carriers before pickup.
Spring and fall are snowbird seasons, so quotes tighten when riders move bikes between Florida and the Northeast. Summer adds beach traffic, and if your drop is east of the Garden State Parkway, a weekday is easier. See our money-saving tips for more.
| Motorcycle Type | Open Transport (Est.) | Enclosed Transport (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cruiser (Sportster, Rebel, Scout) | $875 – $1,225 | $1,225 – $1,725 |
| Sport Bike (Ninja, GSX-R, YZF-R1) | $875 – $1,225 | $1,225 – $1,725 |
| Touring / Dresser (Street Glide, Gold Wing) | $925 – $1,325 | $1,300 – $1,850 |
| Vintage / Custom (classic Triumph, bobber, chopper) | $925 – $1,325 | $1,300 – $1,850 |
Average Cost & Time to Ship from California to New Jersey
Prices here are estimates for a standard bike on an open carrier. Your own quotes depend on the bike, the calendar and where each end sits.
| Route | Distance | Transit Time | Price Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Newark, NJ | ~2,780 mi | 7-10 days | $875 - $1,225* | Get Quote |
| San Francisco, CA to Newark, NJ | ~2,895 mi | 7-10 days | $900 - $1,275* | Get Quote |
| San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ | ~2,745 mi | 7-10 days | $875 - $1,225* | Get Quote |
| Los Angeles, CA to Atlantic City, NJ | ~2,775 mi | 7-10 days | $875 - $1,225* | Get Quote |
*Price estimates were updated in October 2026. Prices are estimates only and will vary based on your motorcycle, pickup and delivery locations, transport type, and time of year. Complete the form at the top of this page or call 1-800-590-6492 to get free, no-obligation quotes from licensed carriers so you can compare real prices for your exact route before you book.
The Turnpike, I-78 and the Crossings
The Turnpike is the spine of the state, running north to south and carrying I-95 from Exit 6 up to the George Washington Bridge. I-78 and I-80 are the main roads west toward Pennsylvania, I-287 loops the northern and central suburbs, I-295 skirts Trenton, and I-195 runs from there to the Shore.
North Jersey needs more patience. Small-town streets, parked cars and low trees are tough on a tractor-trailer, and a carrier will often ask you to meet at a shopping-center lot. Port Newark and Elizabeth are close to the Turnpike, which brings truck traffic to the north, so expect some delay near them on weekday mornings.
Three crossings dominate trips to Manhattan: the Holland Tunnel, the Lincoln Tunnel and the George Washington Bridge. A delivery to or from New York City often starts or ends at a lot on the Jersey side. In the south, the Delaware Memorial Bridge connects to Delaware, and Camden and Philadelphia are a short run from I-295.
At the Shore, roads to Seaside Heights, Asbury Park and Wildwood can back up on summer weekends, holiday weekends most of all. A delivery that is easy in April can run late in July.
How Quotes Work When You Ship a Motorcycle to New Jersey
You don't have to call company after company. One request goes out to the carriers that run this route, and the offers come back to you.
1. Send one request
Fill out the quote form at the top of this page, or call 1-800-590-6492 any hour of the day. Give us your pickup and delivery cities, the year, make and model of your bike, and the date you want it picked up.
2. Carriers respond
We pass your request to carriers that run the California to New Jersey route. You can receive up to ten free quotes without calling them one at a time.
3. Compare the offers
Look at price, pickup date, and whether the carrier offers open or enclosed transport. You can look up any company you're considering on the FMCSA SAFER system.
4. Choose your company
You pick the company you want to work with. Ask that company about its insurance coverage, deposit, and payment terms before you commit.
How Your Motorcycle Is Loaded and Secured for the Trip
A good driver loads a motorcycle upright. The front wheel goes into a chock so it can't move, and soft straps go around solid points like the frame or the lower triple clamp. The straps are tightened enough to hold the bike but not so much that they bottom out the forks. Hooks stay off your bars, levers and paint.
Enclosed trailers add a roof and walls, and on a trip of nearly 2,800 miles they cover the bike for the whole run. They also help at the Shore, where salt air and sand are hard on bare metal. Go around the bike with the driver at pickup and read the condition report line by line. Hold on to it and your dated photos for the day the bike arrives in New Jersey.
California to New Jersey Motorcycle Shipping Challenges & Tips
New Jersey is small and busy, with a few predictable trouble spots. Plan for them.
North Jersey Streets
Small-town streets, parked cars and low trees are tough on a tractor-trailer. Expect to meet at a shopping-center lot.
Summer Shore Traffic
Roads to Seaside Heights, Asbury Park and Wildwood back up on summer weekends. Pick a weekday for a Shore delivery.
Coastal Storms
A nor'easter can flood low roads, as one did in Cape May and Atlantic counties in October 2025. Ask the carrier for a revised date if a storm is in the forecast.
Tip: Heading to the Race of Gentlemen?
The Race of Gentlemen runs on the beach at Wildwood in October, with pre-1947 motorcycles racing on the sand. If an old machine is headed there, think about an enclosed trailer, and book two to three weeks ahead.
Tip: Moving to McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst?
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington and Ocean counties and Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County bring a steady flow of service members. Confirm where a driver can meet you, since base access rules vary, and ask about a military discount.
Tip: Prepare Your Motorcycle
Wash it and strip it of loose items. Fuel at about a quarter tank is plenty, and the alarm should be off. Date-stamp photos of every side. Give the carrier your exact address and name a shopping-center lot nearby as a backup. Our guide to preparing a motorcycle for transport has the full checklist.
California to New Jersey Motorcycle Shipping Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship a motorcycle from California to New Jersey?
Most California to New Jersey shipments take 7-10 days once the bike is on the truck. Add a few days for pickup scheduling, and more in winter. Allow two to three weeks from booking to delivery.
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle to New Jersey from California?
A standard cruiser or sport bike from Los Angeles to Newark runs about $875 to $1,225 on an open carrier and about $1,225 to $1,725 enclosed. From San Francisco the open range is about $900 to $1,275. Real prices depend on your bike, dates and cities.
Is open or enclosed transport better for this route?
Open works for the typical bike. Enclosed is the pick for fresh paint, a classic or a long trip through a wet season. The extra cost is roughly $350 to $500.
Which New Jersey cities do carriers deliver to?
Newark, Trenton, Atlantic City and Jersey City see the most bikes. Central Jersey is easiest, and North Jersey and the Shore take more planning.
Can a carrier deliver to Manhattan from New Jersey?
Carriers often meet at a lot on the Jersey side, since city blocks are hard on a trailer. The Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel and George Washington Bridge decide how long the last leg takes.
How should I prepare my motorcycle for shipping from California to New Jersey?
Start with a clean bike, nothing loose on it and about a quarter tank. Photograph every angle with the date, write down any leak, and say so if the bike does not start.
Should I ride my motorcycle from California to New Jersey or ship it?
That works out to about 2,780 miles from Los Angeles to Newark, typically five or six long days. Count fuel, hotels and tires, and shipping the bike while you fly is often simpler.
Do I need to crate my motorcycle for this trip?
In most cases, no. Bikes ride to New Jersey on open or enclosed trailers without crates. If you want one for a show bike, expect roughly $150 to $400 extra and ask which carriers offer it.
Is door-to-door motorcycle delivery available from California to New Jersey?
Generally yes in the suburbs. In dense towns and on narrow streets, drivers often prefer a meeting point, such as a big-box lot near the highway.
Can I call for a quote at any hour?
Yes, around the clock. The number is 1-800-590-6492, and the form at the top of the page brings back up to ten quotes.
For more questions about motorcycle shipping, visit our Motorcycle Shipping FAQ page. Choosing a company? Read questions to ask your motorcycle shipping company first.
More Routes from California
- New Jersey to California Motorcycle ShippingShipping the bike back the other way.
- California to Indiana Motorcycle Shipping
- California to Hawaii Motorcycle Shipping
- California to Kansas Motorcycle Shipping
- California to Arkansas Motorcycle Shipping
- California to Nevada Motorcycle Shipping
Related Guides
- How to Ship a MotorcycleThe full process from quote to delivery.
- How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Shipping ServiceWhat to compare before you book.
- Benefits of Using a Motorcycle Delivery ServiceWhy shipping beats riding or trailering it yourself.
Helpful Links
- FMCSA SAFER SystemVerify a carrier's license and insurance status.
- California Traffic InformationRoad conditions and closures near your pickup.
- New Jersey Traffic InformationRoad conditions and closures near your delivery.
- 511NJLive road conditions and closures in New Jersey.
Call now, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-590-6492 or complete the quote form on this page to find California to New Jersey motorcycle shipping rates and when a truck will be in your area.