Guide · Updated October 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Overseas? Typical Prices by Route
Shipping a car by RORO from the UK to the USA typically costs £987–1,240 in sea freight, and a motorhome costs two to three times as much. The price depends on the route, the vehicle's size and weight, the method (RORO, shared or sole-use container, or flat rack) and the ports. Destination port charges, customs clearance, any import duty and taxes, and marine insurance are extra. The ranges below come from our own customer quotes over the last 90 days; you get instant pricing in about 2 minutes.
Cheapest method
RORO for a vehicle that can be driven
Priced by
Size (length, width, height) and weight
RORO price includes
Sea freight, BAF, LSL and the bill of lading
Extra
Destination charges, customs, duty and taxes, insurance
Container
Costs more; sealed, takes belongings and non-runners
Quote
Emailed in about 2 minutes
What does it cost on the main routes?
Typical RORO sea freight, from our customer quotes in the last 90 days (the lower and upper quartiles, so most quotes fall in this range):
- UK to the USA
- Car £987–1,240; motorhome £2,310–3,280
- USA to the UK
- Car US$1,405–1,580; motorhome US$2,860–3,980
- UK to Canada
- Car £1,240–1,340; motorhome £2,550–3,510
- Canada to the UK
- Car US$1,350–1,470; motorhome US$2,860–3,980
- Europe to the USA
- Car €950–1,270; motorhome €2,700–3,810
- USA and Canada to Europe
- Car US$1,400–1,510; motorhome US$2,520–3,440
- UK and Europe to Australia
- Car US$1,820–2,350; motorhome US$4,920–7,240
- Europe to South Africa and Namibia
- Car US$1,350–1,690; motorhome US$3,490–5,070
- Europe to Kenya and Tanzania
- Car US$1,250–1,620; motorhome US$3,480–5,120
- UK to Cyprus
- Car £1,000–1,155; motorhome £2,740–3,505
- Europe to Colombia
- Car US$1,560–1,560; motorhome US$3,270–4,780
- Panama to Colombia (Darien Gap)
- Car US$440–590; motorhome US$1,300–1,940
Taller, longer and heavier vehicles cost more: a 4x4 or van usually sits between the car and motorhome figures, and expedition trucks and machinery are priced by size. Route pages show every vehicle type.
What is included in a RORO price?
- Sea freight from the loading port to the arrival port
- Bunker adjustment factor (BAF) and low-sulphur levy (LSL), the fuel surcharges
- The bill of lading
- Export documents and port charges at loading on most UK and European routes (shown on each route page)
BAF, LSL and exchange rates move, so quotes are valid for 14 days and are confirmed when you book.
What costs extra?
- Destination port and terminal charges
- Paid at the arrival port, often to the local agent; estimated in your quote
- Customs clearance at destination
- Through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own
- Import duty and taxes
- Only on permanent imports, and only where no relief applies; for example 10% duty and 20% VAT into the UK
- Marine insurance
- Not included unless stated; from €300 for a single trip up to €50,000 value
- Storage
- If the vehicle stays at the port beyond its free time
- Cleaning or pest treatment
- Where the destination requires it, such as Australia, New Zealand and the USA
How much does a container cost?
A sole-use container costs more than RORO but the vehicle travels sealed, it can carry belongings, and non-runners are no problem. Sharing a container with another shipper splits the cost. Examples from our current tariffs: a 20ft from the UK to Australia £1,995 (40ft high cube £2,650); a 20ft from the UK to Durban £2,611 (40ft high cube £3,924); a 20ft from the UK to Mombasa or Dar es Salaam £2,000, including export costs, loading and customs clearance; a 20ft from the US East Coast to a UK port from US$3,780 all-in.
How can I keep the cost down?
- Choose RORO if the vehicle runs and you do not need to ship belongings
- Measure accurately: you pay for the measured size at the port if it is larger than declared
- Deliver in the smallest configuration: mirrors folded, racks and accessories removed if you can
- Share a container if you want container security for less
- Book 1–3 months ahead: bookings open when schedules are released and close 2 weeks before sailing
- Check whether you qualify for duty relief, such as transfer of residence, before you ship
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to the USA?
Typical RORO sea freight is £987–1,240 from a UK port, based on our quotes in the last 90 days. US import costs (customs entry, ISF, EPA and DOT filing) are about US$450 on top.
Is RORO cheaper than a container?
Usually, yes, for a vehicle that can be driven. A container costs more but is sealed, takes belongings and non-runners, and sharing one splits the cost.
Why do motorhomes cost more to ship?
Shipping is priced by size and weight. A motorhome takes up far more space on the ship than a car, so it costs roughly twice as much or more.
Does the price include insurance?
No, marine insurance is not included unless stated. We can arrange it, from €300 for a single trip for a value up to €50,000.
How do I get an exact price?
Fill in our quote form, which takes about 2 minutes, and you get instant pricing for your vehicle, route and dates.
Official sources
This guide summarises the rules as published in October 2026. Rules change; we confirm what applies to your vehicle when we quote.
Related routes and guides
Member of
IVSS is a member of BIFA, the British International Freight Association, and FIATA, the international federation of freight forwarders.
Get your quote in about 2 minutes
Questions about your import? Call +44 203 787 4201, Monday to Friday.