The Cheapest Countries to Ship a Car From the UK in 2026

Shipping a car from the UK overseas doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Based on ShipCars’ current published route rates, the cheapest destinations are in southern Europe — Spain, Portugal, and Italy — where port-to-port costs for a standard saloon start from £495 via RoRo. Mediterranean and long-haul destinations follow, with Australasia at the higher end. Below, we rank 10 popular destinations by Ship Cars’ published shipping cost and break down what you’ll actually pay once duties and taxes are included. Get a free quote for your specific vehicle and destination.

How We Ranked These Destinations

We used ShipCars’ own published port-to-port sea freight rates for a standard saloon (e.g. Ford Focus, VW Golf) shipped via RoRo where available, pulled directly from each route page. All figures reflect ShipCars’ pricing as published in November 2026 — your actual quote will depend on your vehicle’s size, weight, shipping method, departure port, and the time of year.

Crucially, the cheapest shipping cost doesn’t always mean the cheapest total cost. Import duty, VAT or sales tax, vehicle compliance, and registration fees at the destination can add thousands of pounds on top of the sea freight. We’ve included headline duty and tax rates for each country so you can compare the real landed cost — not just the shipping price.

For an exact quote tailored to your vehicle and route, request a free quote from ShipCars.

The 10 Cheapest Countries to Ship a Car From the UK

1. Spain — From £495

Port: Valencia (also Barcelona, Vigo) Methods available: RoRo, container Approximate transit time: 5–8 days from UK south-coast ports

Spain is one of the UK’s busiest car shipping lanes, driven by the large British expat community on the Costas and in the Balearics. Valencia is the primary vehicle port, with competitive rates and frequent departures — and ShipCars’ published rate makes it the cheapest destination on this list.

Import duty and taxes: EU duty of around 6.5% plus 21% Spanish VAT (IVA). Spain also levies a vehicle registration tax (IEDMT) based on CO₂ emissions — ranging from 0% for low-emission vehicles up to 14.75% for high emitters. Returning Spanish residents transferring residence from the UK may be exempt from both duty and registration tax under the change-of-residence relief. Check with Spain’s Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) for current rules.

Key consideration: Left-hand-drive country. UK cars must pass an ITV inspection (Spain’s MOT equivalent) and headlights may need adjusting. Long-term, many expats find it more practical to sell in the UK and buy locally.

Verdict: The cheapest destination on ShipCars’ network with one of the shortest transit times. Total landed cost depends heavily on your car’s emissions rating and whether you qualify for residence relief.

2. Portugal — From £863

Port: Setúbal (near Lisbon) Methods available: RoRo, container Approximate transit time: 5–8 days

Portugal’s proximity to the UK keeps shipping costs low, and Setúbal is a major vehicle-handling port with frequent sailings. This is a popular route for British retirees and expats relocating to the Algarve.

Import duty and taxes: EU customs duty of around 6.5% applies, plus 23% Portuguese VAT (IVA) on the combined value. Portugal also charges vehicle registration tax (ISV), which varies based on engine size, CO₂ emissions, and age — it can be significant for larger or newer vehicles. Returning Portuguese residents may qualify for an ISV exemption. Verify current rates with Portuguese Customs (Autoridade Tributária).

Key consideration: Portugal is a left-hand-drive country. Your UK right-hand-drive car is legal to drive but may be less practical long-term, and resale value will be lower than a local LHD equivalent.

Verdict: Very competitive shipping and a short transit, but factor in ISV registration tax — it can add substantially to total cost depending on your vehicle.

3. Italy — From £734

Port: Livorno, Palermo (Sicily), Salerno, Savona Methods available: RoRo, container Approximate transit time: 7–12 days

Italy offers several port options depending on your final destination. Livorno is the most competitive for central Italy (from £734), rising to £935 for Palermo (Sicily). Mainland ports are generally cheaper; select the port closest to your destination.

Import duty and taxes: EU customs duty of around 6.5% plus 22% Italian VAT (IVA). Italy charges a provincial registration tax (IPT) which varies by province and vehicle power — typically €150–€250 but can be higher. Vehicles must also pass a revisione (Italian MOT). See Italian Customs (Agenzia delle Dogane) for current import procedures.

Key consideration: Left-hand-drive country with narrow historic streets — a right-hand-drive car can be genuinely impractical in many Italian cities.

Verdict: Strong value for mainland destinations. EU duty and VAT apply, but registration taxes are more modest than Spain or Portugal. Port choice makes a meaningful cost difference.

4. Cyprus — From £910

Port: Limassol Methods available: RoRo, container Approximate transit time: 10–14 days from Southampton/Tilbury

Cyprus is one of the most popular routes for British expats. Limassol is well served by regular RoRo and container sailings from UK south-coast ports, with ShipCars’ RoRo rates starting at £910 for a small car, rising to £1,140 for a larger vehicle.

Import duty and taxes: Cyprus follows EU customs rules. For vehicles imported from the UK (now a non-EU country post-Brexit), you can expect customs duty of around 6.5% on the vehicle’s value plus 19% VAT on the combined value (vehicle + duty + shipping). However, returning Cypriot residents and EU citizens transferring residence may qualify for duty-free import of their personal vehicle — check with Cyprus Customs for current eligibility rules.

Key consideration: Cyprus drives on the left (like the UK), so right-hand-drive British cars are road-legal without conversion. This makes Cyprus particularly attractive for shipping rather than buying locally.

Verdict: RHD compatibility is a major advantage. Possible duty relief for residents adds further value — Cyprus remains one of the best-value destinations for British expats.

5. Greece

Port: Piraeus (Athens) Methods available: RoRo, container Approximate transit time: 10–14 days

Greece is a popular destination for British retirees and property owners, particularly on the islands. Piraeus is the main vehicle port, with onward ferry connections to the Greek islands.

Import duty and taxes: EU duty of around 6.5% plus 24% Greek VAT (one of the highest in the EU). Greece also applies a vehicle registration tax based on engine size, emissions, and age — it can be substantial for larger vehicles. Check the Greek Customs Authority (AADE) for current rates.

Key consideration: Left-hand-drive country. If your destination is a Greek island, budget for an additional domestic ferry crossing from Piraeus — costs and schedules vary by island.

Verdict: Shipping cost is competitive, but Greece’s high VAT rate (24%) and registration tax push the total landed cost higher than other Mediterranean options.

6. UAE (Dubai / Abu Dhabi) 

Port: Jebel Ali (Dubai), Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi) Methods available: RoRo, container Approximate transit time: 18–22 days

The UAE is a major destination for UK car exports, both for British expats relocating and for vehicle traders. Jebel Ali is one of the world’s largest vehicle-handling ports with excellent RoRo frequency from UK ports.

Import duty and taxes: The UAE charges a flat 5% customs duty on the vehicle’s CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) and 5% VAT. There is no additional registration tax — just standard vehicle registration fees (typically a few hundred dirhams). This makes the UAE one of the most tax-friendly destinations for car imports. Verify current procedures with UAE Customs (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security).

Key consideration: The UAE drives on the right (left-hand drive). Right-hand-drive UK vehicles are currently permitted in the UAE for personal use but may face restrictions — confirm with the relevant emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) before shipping.

Verdict: The UAE’s low 5% duty and 5% VAT make it one of the cheapest destinations by total landed cost. Ideal for higher-value vehicles where the tax saving is significant.

7. South Africa — From £1,048

Port: Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth Methods available: RoRo, container Approximate transit time: 18–25 days

South Africa is a well-established UK shipping lane with regular RoRo services to Durban (the busiest vehicle port). ShipCars’ rate starts at £1,048 for a small car to Durban via RoRo — container options are also available to Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

Import duty and taxes: South Africa charges customs duty of 25% on passenger vehicles plus 15% VAT on the duty-inclusive value — making it one of the more expensive destinations for total landed cost. Used vehicles may also face additional requirements including a Letter of Authority from the NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications). Returning South African residents may qualify for a rebate. See SARS (South African Revenue Service) for current rates.

Key consideration: South Africa drives on the left — your UK right-hand-drive car is road-legal without conversion. That’s a genuine advantage and can make shipping worthwhile despite the high duty.

Verdict: Shipping costs are competitive, but 25% import duty plus 15% VAT significantly increases the total cost. The right-hand-drive compatibility is a major plus.

8. USA — From £986

Port: Baltimore, Jacksonville, New York, Brunswick, Charleston, Galveston, Los Angeles/Tacoma Methods available: RoRo, container Approximate transit time: 14–21 days (East Coast), 28–35 days (West Coast)

The USA offers competitive port-to-port shipping rates, particularly to East Coast ports. ShipCars’ published rates start from £986 (Baltimore via RoRo) rising to £1,818 for West Coast ports (Tacoma). The wide range reflects the significant distance between US coasts — always specify your destination port when quoting.

Import duty and taxes: US customs duty on passenger vehicles is 2.5% of the declared value — one of the lowest in the world. There is no federal VAT, but state sales tax applies in most states (0–10%+ depending on the state). However, the vehicle must meet US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA emissions requirements, which can require expensive modifications or may make some UK vehicles ineligible entirely. Vehicles over 25 years old are exempt from FMVSS. See US CBP (Customs and Border Protection) for current import rules.

Key consideration: Compliance with FMVSS is the critical barrier — not cost. Many modern UK cars cannot be legally imported to the US without major modification. Classic cars (25+ years old) are the sweet spot for UK-to-US shipping.

Verdict: Low shipping rates to the East Coast and only 2.5% duty make the USA very affordable — but only if your vehicle meets or is exempt from US safety standards. Classic car shipping to the US is a particularly strong use case.

9. Australia — From £1,475

Port: Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle (Perth), Brisbane Methods available: Container (shared and sole-use), RoRo Approximate transit time: 35–45 days

Australia is one of the most popular UK car shipping destinations. ShipCars’ rate starts at £1,475 via shared container — notably, on this route container is priced more competitively than RoRo (£1,779), so shared container is the recommended starting point for most standard vehicles.

Import duty and taxes: Australia charges 5% customs duty plus 10% GST on the duty-inclusive value. However, the real cost barrier is vehicle compliance. The vehicle must meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs), which may require a RAWS (Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme) workshop to assess and modify the vehicle — costing anywhere from AUD 2,000 to AUD 15,000+. Some vehicle types are on the approved list; others are effectively impossible to import. Australia also has strict biosecurity rules — the vehicle must be professionally cleaned to meet quarantine standards, or it will be cleaned (and possibly fumigated) at the border at your expense. Verify your vehicle’s eligibility with the Australian Department of Infrastructure and the Department of Agriculture (biosecurity).

Key consideration: Australia drives on the left — your UK right-hand-drive car is compatible. However, ADR compliance is the make-or-break factor. Check eligibility before shipping, not after.

Verdict: Moderate shipping and low duty rates, but compliance and biosecurity costs can significantly increase the total. Best for vehicles on the approved import list or specialist/classic vehicles where the value justifies the process.

10. New Zealand — From £1,475

Port: Auckland, Lyttelton (Christchurch), Wellington Methods available: Container (shared), RoRo Approximate transit time: 40–50 days

New Zealand is the furthest major destination from the UK, which is reflected in the shipping cost. ShipCars’ rate starts at £1,475 via shared container, with RoRo available from £1,577. Auckland handles the majority of vehicle imports.

Import duty and taxes: NZ charges customs duty of up to 10% on used vehicles (varies by vehicle type) plus 15% GST. New Zealand also levies a compliance inspection fee and may require specialist testing to meet NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) standards. Like Australia, biosecurity inspection is compulsory — all vehicles are inspected on arrival and must be clean. The new Clean Car Standard may also affect import fees depending on the vehicle’s emissions. Check with NZ Customs and NZTA.

Key consideration: New Zealand drives on the left — UK right-hand-drive vehicles are fully compatible. Compliance requirements are generally less onerous than Australia’s, making NZ a comparatively easier destination for importing a UK vehicle.

Verdict: Tied with Australia on starting shipping cost, but lower compliance barriers and a right-hand-drive-friendly market. Factor in duty, GST, and compliance for the true total.

Quick Comparison: Shipping Cost vs Total Landed Cost

All shipping costs are ShipCars’ published port-to-port rates for a standard saloon, accurate as of November 2026. Your actual quote depends on vehicle size, method, season, and exact route. Duty and tax rates are headline figures — verify with the destination country’s customs authority before shipping. Get an exact quote for your vehicle.

What Makes Car Shipping to Some Countries Cheaper Than Others?

Four main factors determine the price difference between destinations:

1. Distance and sailing time. The further the port, the more it costs. European destinations (5–14 days) are roughly half the price of Australasia (35–50 days). This is the single biggest cost driver.

2. Route frequency and shipping volume. High-demand routes with regular sailings (Spain, UAE, Australia) benefit from competition and economies of scale. Less popular routes with irregular schedules tend to be more expensive per vehicle.

3. RoRo availability. RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) shipping is typically the cheapest method for driveable vehicles because cars share deck space on a specialist vehicle carrier. However, on some long-haul routes (such as Australia), shared container can be more cost-effective — always compare both options when quoting.

4. Port infrastructure and handling fees. Major vehicle-handling ports like Jebel Ali, Southampton, and Bremerhaven are efficient and cost-effective. Smaller or congested ports may add surcharges.

Seasonal patterns also matter. Summer months (June–August) tend to see higher demand on European routes, which can push prices up. The January–March window is often quieter and cheaper for many destinations.

The Cheapest Shipping Method: RoRo vs Container

For budget-conscious shipping, RoRo is usually the cheapest option on European routes. On longer routes such as Australia and New Zealand, shared container can be similarly priced or cheaper — always request both options. Choose sole-use container shipping when you need maximum protection for a classic, luxury, or non-running car, or when you want to include personal belongings.

Beyond Shipping: The Hidden Costs That Change the Ranking

The sea freight quote is only the starting point. These additional costs can significantly change which destination is actually cheapest:

Import duty and VAT/sales tax — The biggest variable. The UAE’s combined 10% (5% + 5%) versus South Africa’s effective 40%+ (25% duty + 15% VAT on top) can mean thousands of pounds difference on the same car. Always calculate the tax before comparing shipping quotes.

Vehicle compliance and modification — Some countries require your vehicle to meet local safety or emissions standards. In Australia, ADR compliance through a RAWS workshop can cost AUD 2,000–15,000+. In the USA, FMVSS modifications (if your car is eligible at all) can be similarly expensive. In the EU, you generally just need headlight adjustment and a local MOT equivalent.

Registration and road tax — Varies enormously. Portugal’s ISV and Spain’s IEDMT are based on emissions and can add thousands to a larger vehicle. The UAE’s registration is a flat, modest fee.

Inland delivery from port — If you choose port-to-port shipping, you’ll need to arrange collection from the destination port. This can be a few hundred pounds for a domestic delivery or minimal if you collect in person.

Marine/transit insurance — Typically 1.5–2.5% of the vehicle’s declared value. Essential regardless of destination. ShipCars includes insurance options with every quote.

UK-side costs — UK collection to the departure port, DVLA permanent export notification, and any pre-shipment preparation. These are the same regardless of destination.

Is It Cheaper to Ship Your Car or Buy One Abroad?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer depends on three things:

Ship your car when:

• Your car is right-hand drive and you’re going to a left-hand-drive country (Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan) — buying a RHD car locally is expensive or limited
• Your vehicle has high UK value but would be hard to replace abroad (classic, modified, specialist, or sentimental)
• You’re relocating temporarily and will bring the car back
• The destination has high local car prices (e.g. Singapore, some Middle Eastern states)

Consider buying locally when:

• You’re going to a left-hand-drive country and your UK car is RHD — it will be impractical and worth less at resale
• Your car’s value is low relative to the shipping + duty cost (if shipping costs more than the car is worth, it rarely makes sense)
• Import compliance is expensive or impossible (e.g. modern UK cars to the USA)
• The local used-car market offers good value (e.g. USA, Germany, Japan)

As a rough guide: if the total landed cost (shipping + duty + tax + compliance) exceeds 50–60% of what the car would cost to buy locally, buying abroad is usually the more practical choice. Get a quote to compare the numbers for your specific vehicle.

How to Get the Cheapest Car Shipping Quote

If you’ve decided to ship, here’s how to keep costs down:

1. Choose RoRo over container on European routes — typically 20–40% cheaper. On long-haul routes like Australia, compare shared container too — it can match RoRo pricing while offering better protection.
2. Be flexible on dates — shipping lines adjust pricing by demand. If you can ship outside peak summer months, you may save 10–15%.
3. Compare port-to-port vs door-to-door — port-to-port is cheaper. If you can arrange your own collection at the destination port, you’ll save on inland delivery.
4. Book early — last-minute bookings on popular routes (especially UAE, Australia, and Spain in summer) often cost more.
5. Get a proper quote, not an estimate — online calculators give rough ranges. A proper quote from a shipping company accounts for your exact vehicle dimensions, weight, method, and route. Get a free, no-obligation quote from ShipCars — we’ll give you the exact cost for your vehicle and destination.

FAQs — Cheapest Car Shipping From the UK

What is the cheapest country to ship a car to from the UK?

Based on Ship Cars’ published port-to-port rates, Spain (Valencia) is the cheapest destination, with shipping starting from £495 for a standard saloon via RoRo. Portugal and Italy follow closely. European destinations are generally cheapest due to shorter distances and frequent sailings.

What is the cheapest method to ship a car from the UK?

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is usually the cheapest method for driveable vehicles on European routes. On longer hauls such as Australia and New Zealand, shared container can be similarly priced. Your shipping company will advise on the most cost-effective option for your specific route and vehicle.

Does the shipping quote include import duty and taxes?

No. Car shipping quotes are port-to-port sea freight only. Import duty, VAT or sales tax, vehicle registration fees, compliance costs, inland delivery, and insurance are separate. These additional costs vary significantly by country and can sometimes exceed the shipping cost itself. Always calculate the total landed cost before deciding.

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Europe?

European destinations are the cheapest to ship to from the UK. Ship Cars’ published rates start from £495 for Spain, £734 for Italy, and £863 for Portugal. Cyprus starts from £910. Road transport via drive-on/drive-off ferry is also available for closer destinations like France and the Netherlands.

Can I ship personal belongings inside my car?

With RoRo, personal items are generally not permitted inside the vehicle. With container shipping (particularly sole-use containers), you can usually load personal belongings inside the car and in the remaining container space — making it a cost-effective way to combine vehicle and household shipping. Check with your shipping provider for specific rules and weight limits.

How long does it take to ship a car from the UK?

Transit times vary by destination: European ports take 5–14 days, the Middle East around 18–22 days, Africa 18–30 days, the US East Coast 14–21 days, and Australasia 35–50 days. These are sailing times only — allow additional time for customs clearance at both ends.

Do I need to notify the DVLA before exporting my car?

Yes. If you’re permanently exporting your vehicle from the UK, you must notify the DVLA by filling in the relevant section of the V5C registration certificate (logbook) and sending it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD. You’ll also need the V5C to clear customs at the destination. See gov.uk guidance on exporting vehicles.

Is it worth shipping a cheap car abroad?

Generally, if the total cost of shipping plus import duties and taxes exceeds 50–60% of the cost of buying a similar car locally at your destination, buying abroad is more practical. Shipping makes more financial sense for higher-value vehicles, right-hand-drive cars going to RHD countries, classic or specialist vehicles, and temporary relocations.

Ready to Find Out What It’ll Cost for Your Car?

Every vehicle and destination is different. The figures in this guide reflect Ship Cars’ published rates to help you compare — your actual cost depends on your car’s exact dimensions, weight, shipping method, and route.

Get a free, no-obligation quote from ShipCars →

We’ll give you an exact price for your vehicle, your destination, and your preferred shipping method — with no hidden fees.