If you’re moving the car to Australia from the UK, you might think it’s a huge job, but in fact, it’s a simple process once you know the process and timescales. Whether you’re moving overseas, selling a car, or you’re shipping a classic vehicle to a buyer in the southern hemisphere, it’s important to know how long it takes to ship a car from the UK to Australia. Let’s find out. We’ll also learn some additional tips to ensure that you have an easy and stress-free experience when shipping your car.
Shipping Methods from the UK to Australia
You can send a car from the UK to Australia in one of two ways:
- Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) shipping
- Container shipping
Here’s a breakdown of both and how they factor into your overall shipping timeline.
RoRo Car Shipping to Australia
RoRo stands for Roll-on Roll-off. This is a process of loading directly onto a vessel deck. It’s among the most readily available and least expensive options.
- Ships sail from the larger UK ports of Southampton.
- You’ll have the option of shipping your car directly to the port, or the shipping company will pick it up.
- It is rolled onto a dedicated car-carrying ship and lashed down.
RoRo car shipping duration UK to Australia varies from around 40 days to 46 days, depending on the arrival port (Melbourne, Brisbane, or Fremantle) and the next sailing schedule.
Container Shipping for Cars to Australia
This technique is to place the vehicle in the container. You can select a shared or exclusive container. Forwarders. For example, nearly all of the modern shipping firms now employ the R-Rak system when securing more than one vehicle in a 40ft container.
The average container shipping time from the UK to Australia is the same as for RoRo, generally 41 – 45 days, depending on the ship’s schedule and route.
UK to Australia Car Shipping Time in 2025
If you’re planning ahead, it’s good to know the UK to Australia car shipping time 2025. Current timetables record the departure of most vessels every 7-10 days bound for the UK, and it is anticipated that times in transit will continue at around 6-7 weeks.
This time includes:
- Booking your shipping slot
- Driving the car onto the ship
- The sea journey itself
- Unloading and customs inspection in Australia
Note that delays can occur because of port congestion, customs, or weather.
How Long to Ship a Car From the UK to Australia?
It depends on the destination. Here we have created a table to help understand the estimated time of shipping from the UK to Australia. Have a look:
| Destination Port | Average Time in Days |
| Melbourne | 41–43 days (approximately) |
| Brisbane | 44–46 days (approximately) |
| Fremantle | 40–42 days (approximately) |
| Port Kembla | 43–45 days(approximately) |
These times refer only to the sea transit. You should also add a few extra days for pre-shipment checks, customs processing, and quarantine inspection upon arrival.
How to Get My Car Shipped from the UK to Australia Guide
Get a Quote
Reach out to Ascope Shipping. You will get a customised quote.
Shipping Method
Select between RoRo and container shipping. It depends on your budget and requirements.
Car Inspection
We scrub your car up and down for a quarantine inspection.
Paperwork
We help to get your documents ready. For example, proof of ownership, export documents, Australian import approval, etc.
Drop-off or Collection
Deliver your car to a port or pick it up from your door.
Shipment
Your automobile is completely loaded and shipped.
Arrival in Australia
Once it arrives, it goes through customs and quarantine checks.
Pickup
You or your agent collects the car at the destination port. Simple!!!!!!
How Much Is the Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Australia?
When budgeting for your shipment, it helps to understand the car shipping UK to Australia cost. Prices depend on vehicle type, shipping method, and destination.
Here’s a general idea:
RoRo shipping costs from about £1,901 for a saloon.
Container shipping with a shared R-Rak system begins at around £1,500.
The service is more expensive for SUVs or vehicles that are larger still, as much as £3,099 in some cases. The best way to receive a quote is to ask for one tailored to your car’s dimensions and final destination.
Customs and Inspection in Australia
This means that before you ship, you’ll need to apply for Vehicle Import Approval through the ROVER system in Australia. Without it, your car does not have legal permission to enter the country.
When the car gets to us, it will be checked for:
- Insects, seeds, or soil
- Animal or plant material
- Dirt and sand underneath
That’s why it’s important to clean the vehicle thoroughly before you ship.
FAQs
How Much Cost to Ship a Car?
Shipping costs depend on the type of vehicle and method. RoRo shipping for a car starts from £1,901, while container shipping begins at £1,500. For SUVs, RoRo can cost up to £3,099, and container options start from £1,690. Final prices vary based on vehicle size and destination. It’s best to get an exact quote from Ascope Shipping.
Conclusion
The article at least gives you some idea of how long it takes to ship a car from the UK to Australia. Regardless of whether you decide to go RoRo or container shipping, the preparation is key for car shipping. Acquire the right documents and choose the best vehicle shipping option for your car type, along with your wallet. Trustworthy auto shipping services like Ascope Shipping will walk you through the entire process with 15 years of experience.
