It’s getting easier to ship a car abroad from the UK. But there are a lot of things to think about. Whether you are moving overseas, selling a car abroad, or buying a sports car from the UK, knowing how to export a vehicle can save you from making expensive mistakes. How much does it cost to ship a car overseas? In this article, we explain everything you need to know about pricing, shipping methods, hidden fees, and the timeline. So you can find the cheapest way to ship a car internationally.
Comparing RoRo with Container Shipping Costs Overseas
When you ship a car to a different country, you have the option between RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) and container shipping. Each choice comes at a price, with varying degrees of security.
RoRo Shipping
With RoRo shipping, you roll your car onto the ship, and it rolls off when it’s delivered. It’s also an affordable way to protect regular cars. But the car is still sitting out in the elements, facing wind, salt, and rain. Thus, luxury car owners might want to go for one of the safer options. The RoRo shipping cost overseas from the UK starts at £500 for Europe and more as the distance increases.
Container Shipping
Customs clearance, on the other hand, is where your vehicle is put inside a sealed metal container for shipping. This protects it from the elements and accidental scratches from neighboring vehicles. For high-value vehicles and classic cars, it’s a better choice. As a rough estimate, container shipping a car overseas costs between £1,500 and £5,000, contingent upon where it’s going.
If safety is more important, container shipping is the way to go. But if you’re trying to save money and the car isn’t overly valuable, RoRo works just fine.
Vehicle Size and Type Impact on Shipping Cost
The type and size of your car also play a role. It’s cheaper to ship a compact hatchback than a large SUV or van. Larger vehicles are going to take up more space and may need a larger container or special handling, so the cost goes up.
Luxury cars also increase costs. These cars often need to be transported more securely and with more insurance coverage, as well as a lot more paperwork. International vehicle shipping cost goes up according to the size, weight, & fragility of the car.
If you’re moving a McLaren, Aston Martin, or Rolls-Royce, you may also use a custom crate or even fly your vehicle. Air freight. Although air freight is the fastest route for car shipping overseas, it can cost several times more than sea freight.
Fastest Routes to Ship a Car Overseas in 2025
Air freight is the fastest method to ship your car globally. It is also costly, but it is useful for infrequent or time-sensitive deliveries.
The fastest route cost car shipping overseas involves air transport from London Heathrow. However, expect to pay upwards of £10,000 depending on your vehicle’s size and destination.
If you’re not in a rush, sea freight is much cheaper. RoRo ships and containers leave weekly or biweekly from UK ports.
The average cost to ship a car overseas in 2025 by sea ranges between £800 and £2,000 for most destinations.
How to Calculate Overseas Car Shipping Fees?
It is common for people to ask how to calculate overseas car shipping costs accurately. Are there hidden fees in overseas car shipping?
Begin by stating the destination, car size, and the shipping services you are looking for. Then, factor in:
- Port’s handling charges (UK and destination)
- Customs clearance and duties
- Transport port – your end destination
- Insurance
- Examination and cleaning fee (For some countries, such as New Zealand/Australia)
Real Shipping Costs: What to Expect
Here’s a quick guide based on 2025 estimates for RoRo shipping cost or container shipping cost:
| Destination | Shipping Method | Estimated Cost |
| Europe | RoRo | £500–£800 |
| Middle East | RoRo or Container | £1,200–£2,500 |
| USA (East Coast) | Container | £1,500–£2,800 |
| Australia/New Zealand | Container | £2,500–£5,000 |
| Africa | RoRo | £800–£1,500 |
These estimates are based on current car shipping rates from the UK to abroad and may change with fuel prices, port congestion, or seasonal demand.
Container Car Shipping Cost Overseas UK
The container car shipping cost overseas UK varies depending on whether you use a shared or private container. Share a service container, and the space is shared with other cars. This can be as much as 30% cheaper, but it will take longer to get there on other bookings.
Final Thoughts
Transporting vehicles is not just for businesses anymore. Whether you need to move abroad or sell a car you already own that is in another country, knowledge of how much it will cost and what you’ll need to do will ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible.
If it’s 2025, you have lots of alternatives to choose from to accommodate your budget, vehicle type, and timescale. If you need help and want the best, use a reputable service like Ascope Shipping.
We help with car exports, documentation, customs, modifications, etc. So you don’t have to worry about anything. You can trust Ascope Shipping for affordable car shipping from the UK. The company has more than 15 years of experience.
FAQs
What factors affect the cost of shipping a car internationally?
Several factors influence pricing:
- The Type of transportation (RoRo, container, air freight, etc.)
- Import taxes and fees
- Level of insurance coverage
- Seasonal demand
- Your vehicle size and weight
- The rules or costs of the destination country
How long does it take to ship a car overseas from the UK?
On average, it takes:
- 1–2 weeks to Europe
- 3–5 weeks to the USA
- 6-8 weeks to Australia (and New Zealand)
- Air cargo could take delivery down to a few days.
What documents are required to ship a car overseas?
You need the following:
- V5C registration certificate (logbook)
- An invoice or a bill of sale is proof of ownership
- Passport or photo ID
- Insurance documents
- Export declaration
- Import permit (for certain countries)
Check with the recipient country’s customs rules always before shipping.
