Car Shipping Costs from the UK to Turkey — 2026 Prices by Port

Shipping a car from the UK to Turkey in 2026 starts from £645 via RoRo to Autoport Izmit — the cheapest and fastest port. But Turkey’s import rules are unlike any other destination in this series. Most UK customers ship on a temporary basis using a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) — and that is by design, because permanent import carries a Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV/SCT) that can exceed 150% of the vehicle’s value. This guide covers all four Turkish ports, port selection by destination, the CPD process, and the complete tax picture — so you can plan your costs accurately before booking.

What Are the 2026 RoRo Shipping Prices from the UK to Turkey — by Port?

Important: Mersin is container shipping only — no RoRo service operates to Mersin. The prices above for Mersin are dedicated container (FCL) costs.

What’s included in freight prices: UK port handling, ocean freight to Turkish arrival port, Bill of Lading, and UK export documentation. Not included: Turkish import duties, ÖTV/SCT tax, KDV (VAT), Carnet de Passages fee, port handling, and Turkish clearing agent fees.

Which Turkish Port Is Right for Your Destination?

Autoport Izmit — Istanbul, Ankara & North-West Turkey

Autoport Izmit is Turkey’s premier dedicated automotive terminal, located in Kocaeli Province on the Gulf of Izmit — approximately 80 km east of Istanbul city centre. It was purpose-built for vehicle handling with covered multi-level storage, dedicated RoRo berths, and 24/7 security.

Choose Autoport Izmit if: your destination is Istanbul (if you don’t need direct city delivery), Ankara, Bursa, north-west Turkey, or anywhere requiring efficient motorway access from the Sea of Marmara region.

→ Car Shipping to Autoport Izmit

Istanbul (Yenikoy Port) — Istanbul City

The Port of Yenikoy serves Istanbul directly, with the lowest entry price on the Turkey route at from £645 for a standard saloon.

Choose Istanbul if: your destination is Istanbul itself — for direct city delivery without the 80 km overland transfer from Izmit.

→ Car Shipping to Istanbul

Izmir (Alsancak Port) — Aegean Coast

Vehicles arrive at Alsancak Port, approximately 3 km from Izmir city centre. From here, the Aegean coast is easily accessible: Cesme (~85 km), Kusadasi (~80 km), Bodrum (~240 km), and Ephesus/Selcuk (~80 km).

Choose Izmir if: your destination is the Aegean coast — Izmir city, Bodrum, Kusadasi, Cesme, Dalyan, or Ephesus. Shipping to Izmit and driving 480 km to Izmir adds cost, time, and mileage.

→ Car Shipping to Izmir

Mersin — Southern & Eastern Turkey (Container Only)

Mersin is a major Mediterranean port that serves as a crucial hub for southern and eastern Turkey, and as a transit gateway for onward movement to the Middle East and Central Asia. No RoRo service operates to Mersin — all shipments use dedicated container (FCL). Prices start from £1,385 for a small car, the same price as a large SUV, reflecting the fixed container cost structure.

Choose Mersin if: your destination is Adana, Gaziantep, the Turkish Riviera (Antalya area), or southern/eastern Turkey.

→ Car Shipping to Mersin

Should I Ship to Autoport Izmit or Izmir — How to Decide?

This is the most common port question on the Turkey route. Here is the clearest comparison:

Practical rule: If you are heading to the Aegean coast, shipping to Izmir saves ~380 km of expensive Turkish overland transport — even at the higher freight cost, it is typically cheaper in total. If you are going to Istanbul or inland Turkey, Autoport Izmit is faster, cheaper, and more frequently served.

What Is the Carnet de Passages (CPD) and Do You Need One?

For most UK customers shipping a car to Turkey, the CPD is the essential document — obtain it before your vehicle sails.

A Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) is an international customs document that acts as a guarantee to Turkish customs that your vehicle will be re-exported. It allows duty-free temporary import into Turkey for up to 24 months.

How the CPD works:

• Issued in the UK by the AA or RAC (the two UK-authorised issuing bodies)
• Stamped by Turkish customs at the arrival port when your vehicle is cleared
• Must be re-stamped at Turkish customs upon departure — failure to do this is treated as a permanent import and triggers full duty and tax liability
• Valid for 24 months from the date of entry — the vehicle must be exported before this expires
• Cannot be extended; cannot be obtained after the vehicle has sailed

CPD fees (AA or RAC) are charged separately and are not included in Ship Cars Ltd’s freight quote.

The CPD must be obtained before your vehicle departs the UK. It cannot be arranged retroactively. AA Carnet de Passages → | RAC Carnet →

What Is Turkey’s Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) — and Why Does It Make Permanent Import So Expensive?

This is the most important number in Turkish vehicle importing — and the reason most UK buyers choose temporary import.

Turkey’s Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV — Özel Tüketim Vergisi / SCT) is a tiered tax on imported vehicles calculated on the vehicle’s CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) and engine capacity. The rates are among the highest in the world.

Turkey’s import tax stack for permanent import:

The real-world impact: On a vehicle with a CIF value of £10,000, the combined Customs Duty, ÖTV, and KDV can easily total £12,000–£20,000 — exceeding the value of the vehicle itself. Permanent import is typically practical only for high-value vehicles where the tax burden remains proportionate, or for individuals qualifying for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief.

Verify current tax rates with the Turkish Ministry of Trade at ticaret.gov.tr.

Who Can Import a Car to Turkey Permanently — Transfer of Residence Rules?

For UK nationals permanently relocating to Turkey, the Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme may allow duty-free or reduced-rate import of one personal vehicle.

ToR eligibility criteria:

• You must have lived outside Turkey for at least 2 years before relocating
• The vehicle must have been owned and used by you for at least 6 months before shipping
• You must be establishing permanent residency in Turkey
• Necessary permits and declarations must be obtained before shipping — not after arrival

Apply through the Turkish Customs and Trade Ministry and your nearest Turkish consulate in the UK before booking. A licensed Turkish customs broker is strongly recommended to manage the ToR application.

Turkish Customs and Trade Ministry: ticaret.gov.tr

What Documents Do You Need to Ship a Car to Turkey from the UK?

UK export documents:

• V5C logbook — original (do not leave in the vehicle)
• Passport copy — photo page of vehicle owner
• Purchase invoice — proof of vehicle value
• Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) — obtained from AA or RAC before sailing

Ship Cars Ltd handles the UK export declaration on your behalf.

Turkish port documents (at arrival):

• Original Bill of Lading
• V5C logbook (original)
• Passport (original)
• Carnet de Passages (CPD) — stamped by Turkish customs at arrival port
• Proof of insurance valid for Turkey
• Turkish Customs Declaration Forms

→ Full checklist: Documents Required for Exporting a Vehicle from the UK

How Does Ship Cars Ltd Handle UK-to-Turkey Shipments?

Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete UK-side process for all four Turkish ports:

• UK-wide vehicle collection — trade plate driver (MOT required) or transporter from any UK postcode
• UK export customs declaration — handled on your behalf
• ~4 sailings per month to Turkey — weekly or fortnightly to Autoport Izmit and Istanbul; monthly to Izmir; ~4× monthly container to Mersin
• CPD guidance — Ship Cars Ltd advises on obtaining your Carnet from the AA or RAC and the timing sequence before sailing
• Port selection advice — Izmit vs Istanbul vs Izmir vs Mersin based on your Turkish destination address
• Marine insurance: Total Loss at 1% of vehicle value; Comprehensive at 1.5% (vehicles under 10 years)
• EV container shipping — £295 hazard surcharge applies; EVs cannot travel via RoRo

Get your free Turkey shipping quote → — personalised response within 24 hours Contact Ship Cars Ltd → | Tel: 01495 320540

Pre-Booking Checklist — Turkey

• Have you obtained your Carnet de Passages (CPD) from the AA or RAC? (Cannot be obtained after the vehicle sails)
•  Have you chosen the right port? (Izmit/Istanbul for north/west; Izmir for Aegean coast; Mersin for south/east)
• Is your vehicle driveable? (Required for RoRo — Mersin is container only regardless)
• Have you reduced fuel to a quarter tank and cleared all personal belongings?
• Are you planning to re-export the vehicle within 24 months? (If not, budget for ÖTV + KDV which can exceed the vehicle’s value)
• If permanently relocating, have you confirmed ToR eligibility with the Turkish Customs Ministry?

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping Costs UK to Turkey 2026

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Turkey in 2026?

RoRo shipping starts from £645 to Istanbul and £800 to Autoport Izmit for a standard saloon. Izmir (Aegean coast) starts from £981. Mersin is container-only and starts from £1,385 for both small and large vehicles. These are port-to-port sea freight costs only. Turkish import duty, ÖTV/SCT tax, KDV (20% VAT), Carnet de Passages fee, and clearing agent costs are all additional.

What is the Carnet de Passages (CPD) and do I need one for Turkey?

Yes, for temporary imports. The Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) is issued by the AA or RAC in the UK and allows duty-free temporary import into Turkey for up to 24 months. It is stamped at your arrival port and must be re-stamped when you export the vehicle. It must be obtained before your vehicle sails — it cannot be arranged retroactively. Contact the AA or RAC as soon as your sailing is confirmed.

Why is permanent car import to Turkey so expensive?

Turkey’s Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV/SCT) applies to all permanently imported vehicles and can range from 45% to over 150% of the vehicle’s CIF value, depending on engine capacity and value. Combined with Customs Duty (up to 50%) and KDV (20% VAT on the combined total), the total tax burden can easily exceed the value of the vehicle itself. Most UK buyers use temporary import with a CPD instead.

Should I ship to Autoport Izmit or Izmir?

Choose Autoport Izmit (from £800, 15 days, ~4× monthly) for Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, and north-west Turkey. Choose Izmir Alsancak (from £981, 21–24 days, 1× monthly) for the Aegean coast — Bodrum, Kusadasi, Cesme. Shipping to Izmit and driving 480 km to Izmir adds significant cost and time; direct Izmir shipping is almost always cheaper in total for Aegean destinations.

Is there a RoRo service to Mersin, Turkey?

No. There is no RoRo service to Mersin. All vehicle shipments to Mersin use dedicated container (FCL). Container prices start from £1,385 for both small and large vehicles. Mersin is best for southern and eastern Turkey, including Adana, Gaziantep, and the Turkish Riviera.

Can I ship an electric vehicle to Turkey from the UK?

Electric vehicles cannot travel via RoRo due to maritime battery fire-safety regulations. EVs must be shipped by dedicated container only, with a £295 hazard surcharge and battery below 50% charge at loading. For Turkish import, EVs are also subject to significant ÖTV/SCT if permanently imported — confirm Turkish EV import regulations with a Turkish customs broker before shipping.

All freight prices are indicative port-to-port sea freight costs for standard vehicles and are subject to change. Turkish import duty, ÖTV/SCT, KDV, and destination charges are not included. Verify current Turkish customs regulations at ticaret.gov.tr. CPD (Carnet de Passages): AA theaa.com | RAC rac.co.uk. Last verified: October 2026.

Related reading on ShipCars.co.uk:

• Car Shipping to Turkey — Full Route Guide
• Car Shipping to Autoport Izmit
• Car Shipping to Istanbul
• Car Shipping to Izmir
• Car Shipping to Mersin
• Car Shipping to Greece
• Car Shipping to Cyprus
• RoRo vs Container Car Shipping
• Complete Guide to Import Duties When Shipping a Car Overseas
• International Car Shipping Costs from the UK