Car Shipping to Nigeria Cost 2026: UK to Lagos Prices
Quick Answer: Shipping a car from the UK to Nigeria in 2026 costs from £795 by RoRo, from £995 in a shared container and from £1,285 in a dedicated 20ft container. Transit to Lagos takes about 24 days, with weekly sailings. Nigerian duty and port charges are paid separately on arrival.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Nigeria in 2026?
Guide prices start at £795. The method you choose changes the price more than any other factor.
| Method | Guide price (from) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo | £795 | Running petrol or diesel cars |
| Shared container (LCL) | £995 | Added protection, non-runners |
| Dedicated 20ft container (FCL) | £1,285 | High-value cars, EVs, hybrids |
For example, a Golf-sized car in a shared container is £995. A large car such as a Range Rover in a dedicated container is £1,285.
These are indicative sea-freight prices from UK ports. They do not include Nigerian duty, port charges or clearing agent fees.
Which Shipping Method Is Best for Nigeria?
RoRo is the cheapest option. Your car is driven onto the vessel and secured below deck. It is only for vehicles that run under their own power.
Container shipping costs more but protects the car better. A shared container splits the space with another vehicle. A dedicated container gives you the whole unit. Our guides on RoRo shipping and container shipping explain each method in detail.
Can I Ship a Hybrid or Electric Car to Nigeria?
Not by RoRo. Hybrid and electric vehicles are not allowed on RoRo vessels because of maritime safety rules. They must go by container.
Electric vehicles carry a £295 hazard surcharge. The battery should be charged to around 50% at most when loaded. Tell us the vehicle type at the quote stage so we book the right service.
What Is Not Included in the Shipping Price?
The guide price covers sea freight from the UK. Budget separately for:
- Nigerian import duty and levies, paid to Nigeria Customs
- Port and terminal charges at Lagos
- Clearing agent fees in Nigeria
- UK collection, if we collect from your address
- Marine insurance, which is optional but strongly recommended
Cheap quotes often leave these out. Read why in our guide to the hidden costs of cheap shipping and our price breakdown for RoRo, LCL and FCL.
What Import Duty Will I Pay in Nigeria?
Nigeria is the biggest cost after freight. Industry reports from June 2026 put the combined import duty and levy at around 40% for passenger cars and SUVs. Rates have changed several times, so confirm the current figure with the Nigeria Customs Service before you ship.
Duty is not based on your purchase invoice. Nigeria Customs uses a VIN-based valuation system, so the chassis number sets the assessed value. Accurate paperwork matters, because a mismatch can delay release.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Nigeria?
Sea transit is about 24 days. Allow longer for clearance on arrival.
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Sailing frequency | Weekly (four times a month) |
| Sea transit to Lagos | About 24 days |
| Clearance after arrival | 7–14 working days |
Port storage charges can build up if clearance runs late. Have your duty payment and documents ready before the vessel arrives.
Which Ports Do You Use for Nigeria?
We sail from Southampton and Tilbury in the UK. Cars arrive in Lagos at Tin Can Island Port or Apapa Port. The arrival port is confirmed when you book. See our RoRo sailing schedule for upcoming departures.
What Is the Age Limit for Cars Going to Nigeria?
We generally cannot ship vehicles older than 15 years. Nigerian rules on the age of imported used cars are stricter in some reports and change often. Check the current limit with Nigeria Customs before you buy or book, so you don’t pay freight on a car that cannot clear.
What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car to Nigeria?
UK documents:
- Original V5C logbook
- Passport
- Proof of address
- Purchase invoice
- DVLA permanent export notification
Nigerian documents:
- Bill of Lading
- Import Declaration Form
- Proof of duty payment
- NCS clearance certificate
- Passport
- Transfer of Residence documents, if applicable
Our UK documents guide lists every UK requirement. For the V5C export step, see the DVLA.
How Can I Keep the Cost of Shipping to Nigeria Down?
- Choose RoRo if your car is roadworthy and not electric or hybrid
- Confirm age eligibility before you book
- Prepare all documents before the vessel sails to avoid storage charges
- Ask for a quote that shows what is and is not included
How Does Ship Cars Ltd Help?
Ship Cars Ltd is a UK-based vehicle shipping company with weekly sailings to Lagos. We help you by:
- Handling UK export documentation
- Offering RoRo, shared container and dedicated container options
- Collecting your car from your UK address if needed
- Matching the method to your car, including hybrids and EVs
- Explaining what you will need for Nigerian clearance, so there are no surprises on arrival
- Giving a clear quote that shows exactly what is included
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Nigeria?
RoRo starts from £795. A shared container starts from £995 and a dedicated 20ft container from £1,285. These prices cover sea freight only. Nigerian duty and port charges are extra.
How long does shipping a car to Nigeria take?
Sea transit to Lagos takes about 24 days, with weekly sailings. Clearance in Nigeria then takes 7–14 working days, so allow roughly five to seven weeks from sailing to collection.
Can I ship an electric or hybrid car to Nigeria?
Yes, but only by container. RoRo does not accept them. Electric vehicles have a £295 hazard surcharge and need a battery charge of around 50% or less.
Is RoRo or container cheaper for Nigeria?
RoRo is cheaper, from £795 against £995 for a shared container. Container shipping is better for protection, non-running cars and EVs.
What is the age limit for shipping a car to Nigeria?
We generally cannot ship vehicles over 15 years old. Nigeria Customs rules may be stricter, so check the current limit before you buy or book.
Which port will my car arrive at in Lagos?
Your car arrives at Tin Can Island Port or Apapa Port. We confirm which one when you book.
Get Your Free Nigeria Shipping Quote
Prices change with sailing dates and vehicle details. Get My Free Nigeria Quote in 24 Hours → or call 01495 320540. You can also contact our team or read our Nigeria shipping guide.
