How much does it cost to ship a car internationally? Most international car shipments cost between $1,000 and $5,000, with the average falling around $1,500 to $3,000 for a standard sedan. The exact price depends on the destination country, the distance from your nearest port, which shipping method you choose, and how much import duty the destination country charges. This guide breaks down every cost factor so you can budget accurately before booking.
Key findings
- Ocean freight for a sedan usually runs $1,000–$5,000, about $1,500–$3,000 to Europe and more to Australia, the Middle East or Africa.
- Freight is only part of the bill. Add port fees, the truck to the port, customs clearance and the destination country’s import duty and taxes, which can exceed the freight.
- RoRo is the cheapest method; a container costs more but protects the car fully and can carry declared belongings.
- U.S. Customs needs your paperwork 72 hours before the car sails: the title and an export filing, plus the lender’s permission if the car is financed.
- Plan on 4–9 weeks door to door, depending on the destination.
International Car Shipping Costs by Destination
Destination is the single biggest variable in international auto shipping. Ocean freight rates vary widely based on route demand, port infrastructure, and available carriers.
Here are typical price ranges for a standard sedan from a US East or West Coast port:
| Destination | Estimated Cost (RoRo) | Estimated Cost (Container) |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $1,200 – $2,000 | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| Germany | $1,300 – $2,200 | $2,000 – $3,200 |
| Australia | $2,000 – $3,500 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Japan | $1,500 – $2,800 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| United Arab Emirates | $1,800 – $3,000 | $2,800 – $4,500 |
| Nigeria | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,200 – $3,500 |
| Mexico | $600 – $1,200 | $900 – $1,800 |
| Canada | $400 – $900 | $700 – $1,400 |
These figures cover ocean freight only. You will also pay port handling fees, the trip to the port, customs clearance at the destination and import duties, each covered below.
What Shipping Method Should You Choose?
Just as with domestic ocean routes like shipping a car from San Diego to Hawaii, international auto transport uses two primary methods: RoRo and container shipping.
RoRo (Roll-On / Roll-Off)
RoRo is the most affordable and widely used method for international car shipping. The car is driven onto a vehicle carrier ship, parked and secured on one of its enclosed decks, and driven off at the destination port. No container is used.
Pros: lower cost, more frequent sailings on major routes and simpler port handling. Cons: the car must be empty of personal items, and the car must run to be driven on and off.
Best for: Standard vehicles, daily drivers, and budget-conscious shippers.
Container Shipping
Container shipping places your vehicle inside a sealed steel container. You can choose a sole-use container (your car only) or a consolidated container (shared with other vehicles, which reduces cost).
Pros: full protection and the option to load belongings with the car, as long as they are declared to customs and the destination allows them. Cons: higher cost and fewer sailings on some routes. Container sizes, loading and how many cars fit are covered in do cars fit in shipping containers.
Best for: classic and luxury cars, cars that don’t run, motorcycles and moves where you want to ship household goods with the car. For what you can and can’t leave inside, see can you put stuff in your car when shipping it.
Full Breakdown: All the Costs Involved
The quoted shipping price is rarely the total cost. International car shipping involves several distinct fees, and understanding each one prevents budget surprises.
1. Ocean Freight
This is the core cost, the fee to move the car from one port to another, and what most shippers quote as their base price. Ranges are in the table above.
2. Origin Port Handling and Terminal Fees
Before your vehicle is loaded onto the vessel, it must pass through the origin port terminal. Terminal processing fees at US ports typically run $150 to $350, depending on the port and carrier.
3. Inland Transport to the Port
Unless you drop your vehicle off at the port terminal yourself, the carrier or a domestic transport partner will need to move it from your location to the port. This adds $200 to $600 depending on your distance from the nearest active shipping port.
It works like any domestic car shipment: the farther you are from a busy export port, the more it costs. Our car shipping cost calculator estimates the truck leg from your city to the port city.
4. Destination Port Handling and Customs Clearance
At the destination country, your vehicle must clear customs. Customs clearance fees typically run $200 to $500, depending on the country and the customs broker you use. Some carriers include a basic customs clearance service; others require you to arrange it separately.
5. Import Duties and Taxes
Duties and taxes are often the largest extra cost, and the one most people leave out of the budget. They depend on the country, the car’s value and age, and whether you qualify for a relocation exemption:
| Country | Typical duty and taxes on a car from the U.S. |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 10% import duty plus 20% VAT |
| Germany and the EU | 10% import duty plus VAT (19% in Germany) |
| Australia | 10% GST, plus luxury car tax above a price threshold; most U.S.-made cars pay no customs duty under the U.S. trade agreement |
| Japan | No duty on passenger cars, but 10% consumption tax |
| UAE | 5% customs duty plus 5% VAT |
| Nigeria | Combined duty and levies of about 35% of the value, plus other charges |
| Canada | No duty on cars that qualify under USMCA, 6.1% otherwise, plus GST and provincial taxes |
Many countries waive duty and VAT if you are moving there permanently and have owned the car for a set period, often at least six months; the UK calls this Transfer of Residence relief. Rates and rules change with trade policy, so confirm the current numbers with a licensed customs broker in the destination country before you ship.
6. Marine Insurance
International ocean shipments travel further and carry more exposure than domestic routes. Marine insurance for international auto shipping typically costs 1% to 3% of the vehicle’s declared value. For a $20,000 vehicle, that is $200 to $600.
Some shippers include basic coverage in the quote. Read the policy carefully: basic cover often has a high deductible or excludes certain kinds of damage.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Overseas? Key Variables
Beyond destination and shipping method, several other factors affect your total cost.
Vehicle Size and Weight
Larger vehicles take more space on the ship and cost more. A full-size pickup or large SUV typically costs a few hundred dollars more than a standard sedan on the same route.
Vehicle Operability
A car that doesn’t run can’t be driven onto a RoRo ship, so it usually goes in a container or needs special handling, at extra cost.
Port of Departure
The busiest U.S. export ports for cars include Baltimore, New Jersey, Jacksonville, Savannah, Houston and Los Angeles. Shipping from the port nearest to you keeps the truck leg short. To get the car to the port, compare companies in Maryland, New Jersey, Jacksonville, Georgia, Houston or California.
Age and Emissions Compliance
Many countries limit which cars can be imported. Australia, for example, requires an import approval for most cars, and cars 25 years or older qualify under simpler rules than newer ones. The EU and UK may require modifications before registration. Check the destination’s vehicle import rules before you book; some cars can’t be registered at all.
Season and Vessel Availability
Shipping rates fluctuate with global container availability and fuel surcharges. Rates tend to rise during peak global shipping seasons (Q4 and early Q1). Booking 3–6 weeks in advance gives you access to better rates and more vessel choices.
Export paperwork
U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires the car’s ownership documents, usually the original title, and an electronic export filing for every used vehicle at least 72 hours before export, whatever its value or destination. Your shipper or freight forwarder usually files it for you. If the car is financed or leased, you also need a letter from the lender allowing it to leave the country.
Electric and hybrid cars
Ships treat lithium batteries as dangerous goods, so electric and hybrid cars need extra paperwork and a limited state of charge, and some routes charge more for them. Tell the shipper up front. Shipping one inside the U.S. instead? See how to ship an electric car.
International vs. Domestic Car Shipping: How Costs Compare
It is useful to understand how international costs compare to what you might pay for a long domestic route.
For context, shipping a car to another state within the U.S. costs about $500 to $2,000 on most routes; see shipping a car to another state. A long coast-to-coast route like Florida to California costs about $1,400–$1,975 for a sedan on an open carrier.
International shipping to Canada or Mexico can cost about the same as a long domestic move, but intercontinental routes cost much more. The difference is ocean freight, customs work on both ends and import duties, none of which apply inside the U.S.
How Long Does International Car Shipping Take?
Transit times for international shipping are longer than domestic routes. Here are typical ocean transit times from a US port:
| Destination | Ocean Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Mexico / Canada | 1–5 days |
| United Kingdom | 12–18 days |
| Germany | 14–20 days |
| UAE | 20–30 days |
| Australia | 25–35 days |
| Japan | 18–25 days |
| Nigeria | 20–28 days |
Add 1–2 weeks for port processing, inland transport, and customs clearance on both ends. A shipment from the US to the UK, for example, typically takes 4 to 6 weeks total from booking to vehicle pickup at the destination.
For comparison, even the longest U.S. ocean route, the mainland to Hawaii, takes about two to three weeks door to door. See shipping a car from San Diego to Hawaii.
How to Choose an International Car Shipping Company
International car shipping takes licensing and experience that many domestic car shippers don’t have. Check these before you book:
- Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license. US-based international freight forwarders must hold an OTI license issued by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). Verify any company you work with at the FMC website.
- Experience with your destination country. Customs procedures, port relationships, and import compliance vary significantly by country. A carrier experienced with your specific destination will navigate this more smoothly than a generalist.
- Transparent total cost. Ask for a full itemized quote covering ocean freight, port handling fees, inland transport, and customs clearance. A quote that only covers ocean freight will lead to budget surprises.
- Marine insurance options. Confirm what coverage is included and what the deductible is. For valuable vehicles, consider purchasing additional coverage.
- References and reviews. International shipping involves more complexity and longer timelines than domestic transport. Look for carriers with documented experience and verifiable customer reviews on international routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car internationally?
Most international car shipments cost $1,000 to $5,000 for ocean freight alone. A standard sedan from the U.S. to the UK costs about $1,200 to $2,000 by RoRo. With import duty, customs clearance and the truck to the port, the total can be much higher.
How much does it cost to ship a car international vs. domestic?
Domestic shipping within the U.S. costs about $500 to $2,000 on most routes. International shipping starts around $1,000 for nearby countries like Canada and Mexico and rises to $3,000–$5,000 or more for Australia, the Middle East or West Africa once all fees are included.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car internationally?
RoRo shipping on a flexible schedule is the most affordable option. Choosing a port close to your location reduces inland transport costs. Booking 4–6 weeks in advance gives you access to competitive rates. For nearby destinations like Canada or Mexico, prices are significantly lower than intercontinental routes.
Do I have to pay import duty when shipping a car internationally?
Usually, yes. Duties depend on the country, the car and its origin, and many countries offer relief if you are relocating with a car you have owned for a while. Under USMCA, U.S.-built cars that qualify can enter Canada without duty. Confirm with a customs broker in the destination country before you ship.
How long does it take to ship a car internationally?
Total time from booking to delivery varies by destination. The UK and Europe take 4–6 weeks. Australia takes 6–9 weeks. Canada and Mexico can be completed in 2–4 weeks. These timelines include port processing and customs clearance on both ends.
What documents do I need to ship a car overseas?
The original title, the current registration, your passport or ID and, if the car is financed, a letter from the lender. The shipper files the export information with U.S. Customs at least 72 hours before sailing. The destination country will have its own import forms.
Getting the car to the port
Most international shipments start with a truck ride to the export port. You can book it through your international shipper or arrange it yourself with a domestic car shipping company, which is often cheaper.
Find companies that serve your city in our car shipping directory, check any company’s USDOT number in our free FMCSA company lookup and use the car shipping checklist to prepare the car and document its condition before it leaves.