Shipping a car from the UK to Canada is one of the most straightforward international vehicle shipping routes available. The Atlantic crossing is shorter than most people expect, Canadian customs rules are clear, and both RoRo and container options run on regular sailing schedules. Whether you are relocating, sending a vehicle to family, or importing a UK-spec car, this guide covers everything you need to know before booking.
⚡ Quick Answer: You can ship a car from the UK to Canada for £550–£1,400 depending on method and destination port. RoRo shipping to Halifax takes 2–3 weeks at sea. Container shipping costs more but fully encloses the vehicle. Canadian customs (CBSA) charges 6.1% import duty plus 5% GST on most UK vehicles. Get a free quote from Ascope Shipping in 24 hours.
UK to Canada Car Shipping: Costs at a Glance
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo to Halifax | £550–£850 | 2–3 weeks | Running vehicles, budget shipping |
| RoRo to Montreal | £600–£900 | 2–3 weeks | Central Canada delivery |
| Sole-use container | £1,000–£1,400 | 2–3 weeks | Classic, high-value, non-running cars |
| Groupage container | £650–£950 | 3–4 weeks | Shared space, cost saving |
Costs above are for sea freight only and exclude Canadian import duties, GST, and inland delivery. Contact Ascope Shipping for a door-to-port quote including all fees.
RoRo vs Container: Which Is Better for Canada?
RoRo shipping is the most popular method for the UK to Canada route. Your vehicle is driven onto the vessel, secured on the car deck, and driven off at the Canadian port. It is the cheapest option and suits any standard running vehicle — saloon cars, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles. The main limitation is that personal items cannot be left inside the vehicle for RoRo shipments.
Container shipping places your vehicle inside a sealed 20ft or 40ft steel container. This is the right choice for classic cars, non-running vehicles, or situations where you want to pack personal effects alongside the car. A groupage container — shared with other vehicles — reduces cost while still providing full enclosure. For a detailed method comparison see our guide to container vs RoRo shipping.
⚡ Quick Answer: For most standard running vehicles going to Canada, RoRo is the better choice — it is cheaper and faster to process at port. Choose container shipping if your vehicle is non-running, a classic, or a high-value car worth more than £15,000.
Which Canadian Port Does My Car Arrive At?
The two main arrival ports for UK vehicle shipments to Canada are Halifax (Nova Scotia) and Montreal (Quebec). Halifax is the most common and fastest option — it is the closest major Canadian port to the UK and handles the majority of RoRo vehicle imports. Montreal is an alternative for customers whose final destination is Ontario, Quebec, or further inland.
- Halifax, Nova Scotia — fastest sea transit, most departures, best for Atlantic Canada and Eastern Ontario
- Montreal, Quebec — good for Central Canada, Ontario, and Quebec destinations
- Vancouver, British Columbia — available for Western Canada, though transit time is longer (4–5 weeks) as vessels route through Panama
Canadian Import Duties and Taxes
🌐 Short Answer: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) charges 6.1% import duty on most passenger vehicles imported from the UK, plus 5% federal GST. Provincial sales tax (PST or HST) is also payable depending on the province. Returning Canadian residents who have lived abroad for at least 12 months may qualify for duty-free importation under the Settler Tariff.
- Import duty: 6.1% of the vehicle’s value
- Federal GST: 5% of the vehicle’s value plus duty
- Provincial tax (PST/HST): Ontario HST 13%, British Columbia PST 7%, Quebec QST 9.975%
- Customs broker fee: typically CAD $150–$300
Returning residents duty exemption: If you have lived outside Canada for at least 12 consecutive months and are returning to live there, you may import your vehicle duty and tax free under the Settler or Returning Residents tariff. The vehicle must have been owned and used by you abroad for at least six months before your return.
Documents Needed to Ship a Car to Canada from the UK
- V5C logbook — UK vehicle registration document proving ownership
- Valid passport or photo ID — for both shipper and importer
- Bill of Lading — provided by Ascope Shipping once booked
- CBSA Form BSF186 — Vehicle Imported for Personal Use declaration (completed at destination)
- Transport Canada compliance or exemption — vehicles 15+ years old are generally exempt under the Vintage Vehicle provision
Right-hand drive vehicles can be imported into Canada. Vehicles over 15 years old are generally exempt from Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). For newer RHD UK cars, a Transport Canada exemption application may be required. Ascope Shipping will flag this when you request a quote. You can also read our full international car shipping guide for a complete overview of UK export documentation.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Car from the UK to Canada
- Request a quote — contact Ascope Shipping with your vehicle details, UK location, and Canadian destination. We confirm the cost, method, and nearest sailing date within 24 hours.
- Book and confirm sailing — we book your vessel space and issue a booking confirmation with the port cut-off date.
- Prepare your vehicle — reduce fuel to a quarter tank, remove all personal items (RoRo), clean the vehicle thoroughly, and ensure it is in driveable condition.
- Deliver to UK port — drop your vehicle at the agreed departure port by the confirmed cut-off date. We can arrange collection from your address if preferred.
- Submit documents — send your V5C and passport copy to Ascope Shipping. We prepare the Bill of Lading and all shipping instructions.
- Sea transit — your vehicle sails. Track progress in real time using the Bill of Lading number on the shipping line’s website.
- Canadian customs clearance — your customs broker handles CBSA clearance at Halifax or Montreal. Import duty and GST are paid at this stage.
- Collection or delivery — once cleared, collect from port or arrange onward road delivery to your final Canadian address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Canada?
Sea transit to Halifax or Montreal is 2–3 weeks from UK ports. Canadian customs clearance typically takes 3–7 working days. Total door-to-door time is usually 3–5 weeks.
Can I ship a right-hand drive car to Canada?
Yes. Vehicles over 15 years old are generally exempt from CMVSS under the Vintage Vehicle provision. Newer right-hand drive vehicles may require a Transport Canada exemption or compliance modifications. We advise on this when you request a quote.
Do I pay duty to import my own car to Canada?
In most cases yes — 6.1% import duty plus 5% GST applies. However, Canadian residents returning after 12+ months abroad may qualify for the Settler tariff, exempting the vehicle from duty and GST if owned and used abroad for at least six months.
Which is the best Canadian port to ship my car to?
Halifax is the most common with the most frequent sailings from UK ports, suiting Atlantic Canada and Eastern Ontario. Montreal suits Central Canada and Quebec. Vancouver covers Western Canada but has a 4–5 week transit via Panama.
Can Ascope Shipping arrange door-to-door delivery to Canada?
Yes. We handle UK collection, port handling, sea freight, and can coordinate with Canadian partners for delivery from port to your final address. Email sales@ascopeshipping.co.uk for a full door-to-port quotation.
Related Services & Guides
- International Car Shipping — all destinations from the UK
- RoRo Shipping — cheapest method for running vehicles
- Container Shipping — fully enclosed, ideal for classic and high-value cars
- Groupage Shipping — share a container and reduce costs
- Shipping Prices — free quote in 24 hours
- Car Shipping to USA — popular North American alternative
- Car Shipping to Australia — longest UK shipping route
- Car Shipping Transit Times — all destinations compared
- What Is RoRo Shipping? — complete beginner guide
- Container vs RoRo Shipping — method comparison guide
Ready to Ship Your Car to Canada?
Ascope Shipping — Hull-based UK specialists with 712+ Trustpilot reviews. RoRo to Halifax from £550. Free quote in 24 hours.
