International Car Shipping Costs from the UK

The cost to ship a car internationally from the UK depends on several factors: the destination, the size and height of the vehicle, the shipping method chosen (RoRo or container), and market conditions at the time of booking. As a starting point, saloon car shipping costs from the UK range from approximately £765 for shorter routes such as Cyprus, up to £1,995 for longer or more complex lanes such as New York. All quoted prices are estimates — valid for 30 days from the date of issue — and an up-to-date fixed quote is always recommended before booking.

What Affects the Cost of Shipping a Car?

Understanding what drives the price helps you plan your budget accurately and make the right decisions about method and timing. ShipCars’ car shipping costs are based on the following key factors:

Destination and Route

The most significant cost driver is where your vehicle is going. Shorter routes with high-frequency sailings — such as the UK to Cyprus or West Africa — are typically more affordable than long-haul lanes to Australia, New Zealand, or the USA. Routes with strong return traffic often attract more competitive rates from shipping lines.

Vehicle Size and Height

Shipping costs are rated according to the size and dimensions of your vehicle. Saloon rates are based on a vehicle height up to 1.6 metres. Vehicles over 1.6 metres — including 4x4s, SUVs, vans, and larger vehicles — are rated at a higher category, typically up to 2.0 metres. As a general rule, a 4×4 or SUV will cost approximately £250 to £300 more than a standard saloon on the same route.

Shipping Method — RoRo vs Container

The method you choose directly affects the price. RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is generally the most cost-effective option for a standard running vehicle. Container shipping — either shared or sole-use — offers greater protection for classic, high-value, or non-running vehicles, and in some cases a shared container can actually be more competitive than RoRo on specific routes.

Market Conditions

Shipping rates are not fixed indefinitely. Fuel price movements, currency fluctuations between GBP and USD (in which most shipping lines invoice), and the volume of traffic on a given route all affect pricing. This is why ShipCars quotes are valid for 30 days — and why getting a fresh quote close to your shipping date is always the right approach.

Indicative Car Shipping Costs by Destination

The table below shows starting rates for a standard saloon car from the UK. All figures are indicative estimates sourced from ShipCars’ published rates. Rates for 4x4s, SUVs, and larger vehicles will be higher. Prices exclude destination port charges, import duties, taxes, and local clearance fees unless otherwise stated.

Prices are subject to change. Request a current fixed quote for your specific vehicle and destination.

Destination not listed? Get a free quote and our team will provide a current rate for your specific route.

Australia Car Shipping Costs

For a standard saloon car shipped to Australia — covering Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Fremantle — costs start from approximately £1,450.00 via shared container, or £1,495.00 via RoRo. Australia requires strict biosecurity compliance before and on arrival, which can affect overall costs. Full details on shipping a car to Australia.

USA Car Shipping Costs

Car shipping costs to the USA start from approximately £1,195.00 for a standard saloon. New York (East Coast) is priced from £1,995.00 reflecting the specific port and routing. West Coast destinations are available — contact our team for a current rate. Full details on shipping a car to the USA.

Cyprus Car Shipping Costs

Cyprus (Limassol) is one of the most cost-effective international shipping routes from the UK. Saloon car shipping starts from £765.00; SUV and 4×4 rates start from £955.00. Full details on shipping a car to Cyprus.

What Is and Is Not Included in the Quoted Price?

This is one of the most important things to understand before comparing quotes from any shipping company. Ship Cars quotes are typically priced to the destination port  meaning the price covers the sea freight from the UK port to the destination port, but local charges at destination are paid by the vehicle owner on arrival.

What is typically included in a Ship Cars sea freight quote:

• Sea freight from UK departure port to destination port

• Standard port handling charges at the UK end

• Export documentation preparation

What is typically NOT included and is paid locally:

• Import duties and taxes at destination (varies by country and vehicle)

• Destination port handling and release charges

• Local customs clearance fees

• UK collection (priced separately — see below)

• Marine transit insurance (recommended — priced separately)

Door-to-door rates are available for some destinations, though local charges such as duties and taxes will still apply. Always confirm with our team exactly what is covered in your quote.

UK Vehicle Collection Costs

Ship Cars can collect your vehicle from anywhere in the UK using either a car transporter or a fully insured trade plate driver. The plate driver service is generally the more cost-effective collection option, and collection can normally be arranged within 48 hours of receiving your completed booking form.

A typical collection from London to Southampton costs on average £145.00. Collection costs from other locations will vary depending on distance to the departure port. If you are arranging to drop your vehicle at the port yourself, you will need a valid shipping note and delivery instructions sent to you in advance — Ship Cars provides these as standard. Vehicles arriving at the port without a valid shipping note will be denied access.

If collecting via plate driver, ensure there is sufficient fuel in the vehicle. If a plate driver needs to purchase fuel on the way to the port, this will be charged at cost.

How to Get an Accurate Car Shipping Quote

Indicative rates give you a useful starting point for budgeting, but the most accurate cost for your specific shipment depends on:

• Your exact vehicle make, model, and height

• Your preferred departure date and destination port

• Whether you need UK collection or will drop the vehicle at port

• Whether you want marine insurance arranged

• Current rate availability on the specific sailing

All of the above are factored into a fixed, itemised quote from ShipCars. Quotes are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping Costs

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

Shipping a standard saloon to Australia starts from approximately £1,450.00 via shared container or £1,495.00 via RoRo. 4x4s and SUVs are typically £250–£300 more. These are indicative rates — request a current quote for your vehicle and sailing date.

Why do car shipping costs vary so much?

Rates change based on fuel prices, currency movements (most shipping lines invoice in USD), vessel capacity on a given route, and the volume of traffic being shipped. A quote from 6 months ago may no longer reflect the current market — always get a fresh quote close to your shipping date.

Is a 4×4 more expensive to ship than a saloon?

Yes. Vehicle height is the primary sizing factor. Saloon rates apply to vehicles up to 1.6 metres in height. Vehicles over 1.6 metres — 4x4s, SUVs, and larger vehicles — are rated at a higher category. The difference is typically £250 to £300 more than the equivalent saloon rate on the same route.

Are import duties included in the shipping cost?

No. Import duties, taxes, and destination customs clearance fees are paid locally on arrival of your vehicle. These vary by country and by the individual vehicle’s specifications and age. Ship Cars can advise on what to expect for your destination, but these costs are not part of the shipping quote.

How long is a Ship Cars quote valid?

All Ship Cars car shipping quotes are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Shipping rates are subject to change based on market conditions, so a quote should be requested close to your intended shipping date.

Get Your Car Shipping Quote Today

Ship Cars provides fixed, itemized quotes for car shipping from the UK to destinations worldwide. No hidden fees, no vague estimates — just a clear breakdown of what you are paying and why.

Get a Free Quote — or call us on 01495 320540 to speak with our team directly.