Shipping a car from the UK to Australia can be worthwhile if the vehicle is valuable, specialist, classic, sentimental or difficult to replace after you move. The shipping price is only part of the total cost, though. You also need to consider Australian vehicle import approval, customs duty, GST, possible Luxury Car Tax, biosecurity checks, cleaning, insurance and onward delivery. This guide explains the main shipping options, likely costs and key questions to ask before requesting a quote.
This isn’t legal, tax or customs advice. Import rules change and depend on the vehicle, its ownership history, the import pathway, the customs valuation and Australian regulations. Check official Australian Government guidance and speak with a specialist before you ship.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Australia from the UK?
The cost to ship a car from the UK to Australia usually starts from around £1,100 to £2,000+ for basic sea freight options such as shared container or RoRo shipping, depending on the vehicle and destination. Container shipping can cost more but gives extra protection and may be better if you’re shipping household goods as part of the same relocation. Import duty, GST, Luxury Car Tax, quarantine inspection, cleaning, insurance and delivery charges may also apply, so the best way to budget is to request a tailored quote before shipping.
Key Takeaways
- The cost to ship a car from the UK to Australia depends on vehicle size, shipping method, destination, insurance, documentation and import requirements.
- RoRo shipping is often cheaper, but container shipping usually offers more protection.
- Container shipping may be better if you want to ship a car and household goods as part of the same move.
- Australia usually requires vehicle import approval before the car can be imported.
- Customs duty, GST and Luxury Car Tax may apply depending on the vehicle and import pathway.
- Australian biosecurity rules are strict, so the vehicle must be cleaned carefully before shipping.
- Get a personalised quote before deciding whether shipping your car is worth it.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Australia?
Car shipping cost depends on the vehicle, the shipping method, the destination and the service level, so the table below shows guide pricing rather than fixed figures. Taxes and import costs are separate from the freight charge.
| Shipping Option | Typical Cost Direction | Best For | Notes |
| Shared container car shipping | From around £1,100-£1,500+ | Standard cars where cost matters | Car shares container space, pricing varies by destination and size |
| RoRo shipping | From around £1,600-£2,000+ | Running vehicles that can be driven on and off the ship | Often cheaper than sole-use container, but personal goods usually can’t be left inside |
| Sole-use container | Higher than shared or RoRo | Higher-value, classic, prestige or non-standard vehicles | More protection and control, but higher cost |
| Car plus household goods container | Quote-based | Relocating families shipping a vehicle and home contents | May be practical when moving a full household |
| Door-to-door vehicle shipping | Quote-based | Customers wanting collection, shipping and delivery support | Costs more than port-only but reduces admin |
These are guide prices, not PSS fixed prices. Port, route, vehicle size, shipping method and final delivery all affect the cost, so a tailored quote is the only way to get an accurate figure.
What Affects the Cost of Shipping a Car to Australia?
The cost of shipping a car to Australia depends on more than the freight rate. Vehicle size, shipping method, UK collection address, Australian destination, insurance cover, cleaning requirements and import charges can all affect the final landed cost, so it is important to assess the full picture before deciding whether to ship.
Vehicle Size and Weight
Larger vehicles usually cost more to ship because they take up more space and may require different loading arrangements. SUVs, vans, 4x4s and modified vehicles can be more expensive than smaller cars, especially if their height, width or weight limits the shipping methods available.
Weight can also influence handling costs at collection, loading and delivery. A standard car is usually easier to move through the shipping process, while heavier or non-standard vehicles may require extra equipment, specialist handling or a different transport plan.
Shipping Method
The shipping method has a direct effect on price. RoRo shipping is often the lower-cost option where the route and vehicle type are suitable, because the car is driven onto the vessel and secured for transit.
Container shipping usually costs more, but it can provide additional protection and may be more appropriate for classic cars, high-value vehicles, non-running vehicles or cars being shipped alongside other goods. Shared container shipping can reduce the cost where available, while a sole-use container gives more control but carries a higher price because the space is reserved for your vehicle.
UK Collection and Australian Delivery Location
Port-to-port shipping can look cheaper at first because it excludes collection and final delivery. However, it also means you need to arrange transport to the UK port and onward movement from the Australian port yourself.
Door-to-door shipping costs more because the service includes collection, port handling, freight coordination and delivery at the destination. For relocations, that extra cost often makes the process easier to manage because fewer separate providers are involved and the total route is planned before the vehicle leaves the UK.
Destination Port or City
Costs can vary depending on where the vehicle arrives in Australia and where it needs to go afterwards. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide all involve different routing, port handling and onward transport considerations.
The destination city matters because Australia is geographically large, and inland delivery can add cost even after the vehicle has cleared the port. A quote should therefore be based on the final delivery location, not just the arrival port.
Insurance or Shipment Protection
International vehicle shipping should include a clear discussion about insurance cover before booking. Basic liability may not reflect the full value of the vehicle, particularly if you are shipping a classic car, prestige model, modified vehicle or car with sentimental value.
More comprehensive cover usually requires an accurate declared value and clear condition records before departure. Taking photographs before collection and confirming what is included in the policy helps reduce confusion if damage is identified at the destination.
Cleaning and Biosecurity Preparation
Australia has strict biosecurity requirements, so vehicle cleaning is not just a presentation issue. Dirt, soil, plant matter, seeds, leaves, insects, animal material or contamination on the vehicle can lead to inspection, cleaning costs or clearance delays.
Used vehicles should be cleaned thoroughly before shipping, including wheel arches, tyres, underbody areas, interior spaces, boot compartments and any places where mud or organic material can collect. Good preparation reduces the risk of biosecurity problems and makes the inspection process more straightforward when the vehicle arrives.
Import Duties, GST and Luxury Car Tax
Import duties, GST and Luxury Car Tax can significantly affect the total landed cost of shipping a car to Australia. These charges sit outside the basic freight price, so they should be reviewed before deciding whether shipping the vehicle makes financial sense.
The amount payable depends on the vehicle’s value, age, origin, import status and whether Luxury Car Tax applies. These costs can change the economics of the move, especially for higher-value vehicles, so they should be considered alongside freight, insurance, cleaning, compliance and registration expenses.
Household Goods Shipping
If the car is being shipped as part of a wider household move, the cost may be affected by container use, route planning and scheduling. In some cases, coordinating the vehicle with household goods can make the overall move easier to manage, but it does not automatically reduce the vehicle’s import, cleaning or compliance costs.
The best approach is to price the vehicle separately, then review how it fits into the wider relocation plan. This gives you a clearer view of whether shipping the car supports the move financially or whether selling in the UK and buying in Australia would be more practical.
RoRo vs Container Shipping: Which Is Best for Shipping a Car to Australia?
The two main methods suit different vehicles and budgets.
RoRo Car Shipping
RoRo means roll-on, roll-off, so the car is driven onto and off the vessel. It’s often cheaper for standard running vehicles and is usually port-based. Personal belongings generally can’t be shipped inside the vehicle, and it’s less suitable for non-running, high-value or delicate cars.
Container Car Shipping
The vehicle is loaded into a shipping container, either shared or sole-use. It offers more protection than RoRo and is often preferred for classic, prestige or valuable vehicles. It can work better when you’re shipping a car and household goods as part of one relocation, though it costs more than basic RoRo in many cases.
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| RoRo shipping | Standard running cars | Often cheaper, simple for port-to-port | Less protection, usually no personal goods inside, port-based |
| Shared container | Cost-conscious shipping with more protection | More protection than RoRo, cheaper than sole-use | Shared space, availability and timing may vary |
| Sole-use container | Prestige, classic, valuable or specialist vehicles | Highest control and protection | Higher cost |
| Car plus household goods container | Families relocating with a vehicle and home contents | Combines relocation logistics | Requires careful packing, planning and quote confirmation |
Can You Ship a Car and Household Goods Together to Australia?
It may be possible to ship a car and household goods as part of the same relocation plan. The exact setup depends on container space, vehicle size, household-goods volume, packing requirements and customs rules, and personal items shouldn’t simply be packed loose inside the car. A removals company should advise how goods need to be packed, inventoried and declared.
If you’re relocating to Australia and also shipping furniture, boxes or personal belongings, it helps to work with a company that handles both vehicle shipping and household removals. PSS can advise whether your car and household goods should travel separately, in a shared container, or as part of a larger container shipping plan, alongside its removals to Australia service.
Is It Worth Shipping Your Car to Australia?
It depends on the vehicle and the total landed cost. Shipping may be worthwhile for classic, high-value, specialist or sentimental vehicles, or models that are expensive to replace in Australia. It may not be worth it for low-value cars once shipping, duty, GST, inspection, cleaning, insurance and registration-related costs are added up. Compare the UK resale value, the Australian replacement cost and the total import cost, and check whether the vehicle is eligible for import before you decide.
Shipping your car may be worth it if you’ve owned the vehicle long enough to qualify under the relevant import pathway, the car is valuable, rare, classic or sentimental, the Australian replacement cost is high, you’re already shipping household goods, and the total landed cost still makes financial sense. Selling before you move may be better if the vehicle is low value, the import costs are too high, the vehicle isn’t eligible for import, or you don’t want to handle inspections, compliance and registration steps.
What Documents Do You Need to Ship a Car to Australia?
The documents you’ll likely need include vehicle import approval, proof of identity, proof of ownership, the V5C logbook, a purchase invoice or valuation, passport and visa details where relevant, shipping documents, a customs declaration, insurance documents, cleaning or quarantine documentation if required, import pathway documents, and registration or compliance documents after arrival.
This isn’t an exhaustive legal checklist, and requirements change, so confirm the current list with the relevant Australian Government sources before you ship.
Vehicle Import Approval: What UK Owners Need to Know
You usually need approval before importing a road vehicle into Australia, and the import pathway depends on the vehicle and your circumstances. Don’t ship before checking eligibility, because import approval is separate from shipping logistics, and approval doesn’t automatically remove taxes, inspection, cleaning or registration requirements.
Before you book vehicle shipping, check whether your car can legally be imported into Australia. Shipping a vehicle before confirming eligibility can create expensive problems at the destination.
Import Duty, GST and Luxury Car Tax When Shipping a Car to Australia
Imported vehicles may be subject to customs duty, GST usually applies to imported goods, and Luxury Car Tax may apply if the vehicle value exceeds the relevant threshold. Duty, GST and LCT are separate from the shipping quote, and the exact amount depends on the vehicle value, customs valuation, freight, insurance, tariff classification and any applicable concessions.
| Cost or Tax | What It Means | Note |
| Customs duty | Tax based on the customs value and classification of the vehicle | Rate depends on vehicle type and import rules |
| GST | Goods and Services Tax on imported goods | Usually part of the landed-cost calculation |
| Luxury Car Tax | May apply to vehicles above the LCT threshold | Relevant for prestige or higher-value cars |
| Quarantine or biosecurity fees | Inspection or cleaning-related costs | Can apply if the vehicle isn’t clean or needs attention |
| Port and handling fees | Destination-side handling costs | Check whether included in the quote |
| Registration / compliance costs | Costs after arrival before road use | Rules vary by state or territory |
Check official guidance or speak to a customs or import specialist, before relying on any figure.
Cleaning and Biosecurity Rules for Vehicles Entering Australia
Australia has strict biosecurity requirements, and cars should be professionally cleaned before shipping. Pay attention to wheel arches, tyres, underbody, engine bay, boot, interior carpets and any area that can hold soil, seeds, insects or plant matter, and clean outdoor accessories too. Biosecurity inspection can cause delays or additional cleaning costs if contamination is found.
A car that looks clean at a glance may still fail biosecurity inspection if there’s soil or organic matter underneath, inside the wheel arches or around the engine bay. Check current guidance from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry before you ship.
How Long Does Car Shipping to Australia Take?
Timelines vary by shipping method, port, vessel schedule, route, customs clearance, biosecurity inspection and onward delivery. Sea freight commonly takes several weeks, and you should plan for shipping time plus customs and quarantine clearance rather than to an exact date.
| Stage | What Happens |
| Quote and booking | Customer confirms vehicle details and preferred shipping method |
| Collection or port delivery | Vehicle is collected or delivered to port |
| Cleaning and preparation | Vehicle is prepared for export and biosecurity expectations |
| Loading | Vehicle is loaded by RoRo or container |
| Sea freight | Vehicle travels to Australia |
| Arrival and clearance | Customs and biosecurity checks take place |
| Final delivery or collection | Vehicle is delivered or collected after clearance |
How to Prepare Your Car Before Shipping to Australia
Confirm vehicle import eligibility first, then remove personal items unless advised otherwise. Clean the car thoroughly, including the underside and wheel arches, check for fluid leaks, photograph the vehicle before shipping, and disable alarms if required. Leave only the required amount of fuel if instructed, gather your V5C, proof of ownership and ID documents, confirm insurance or shipment protection, and ask what happens after arrival in Australia.
How to Compare Car Shipping Quotes to Australia
Make sure quotes are like-for-like and compare RoRo, shared container and sole-use container properly. Check whether the quote is port-to-port or door-to-door, ask whether customs clearance support and Australian destination charges are included, and ask about insurance, who handles cleaning, quarantine inspection and onward delivery, and whether household goods can be coordinated in the same plan.
| Quote Item | What to Check |
| Shipping method | RoRo, shared container or sole-use container |
| Service level | Port-to-port, door-to-port, port-to-door or door-to-door |
| Vehicle details | Size, weight, value, running condition and modifications |
| Import support | Guidance on approval, customs and documentation |
| Destination charges | Port, handling, clearance and delivery fees |
| Biosecurity | Cleaning and inspection guidance |
| Insurance | Whether cover is included or optional |
| Household goods | Whether car and removals can be coordinated |
| Timelines | Estimated sailing and clearance time |
Why Choose PSS for Car Shipping to Australia?
PSS is a strong option for customers relocating to Australia who want help coordinating both vehicle shipping and household removals. Instead of treating the car as a separate freight problem, PSS can help you understand the best shipping option based on your vehicle, destination and wider move.
PSS offers a dedicated car shipping to Australia service, international car shipping from the UK, and shipping to major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, with container shipping options and support for personal effects and household goods. With international removals experience behind it, PSS can coordinate the whole move. Request a free quote and guidance from the vehicle shipping team.
Final Thoughts: Get a Car Shipping Quote Before You Decide
Shipping a car to Australia can make sense, but only after you’ve checked eligibility and the total landed cost. Compare the cost of shipping against duties, GST, possible Luxury Car Tax, cleaning, insurance and onward delivery. If you’re also moving household goods, ask whether the vehicle and removals can be coordinated. Use our international removals cost calculator for an estimate, then request a tailored quote from PSS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Australia?
As a guide, car shipping from the UK to Australia can start from around £1,100 to £2,000+ depending on the shipping method, destination, vehicle size and service level. Import costs, GST, duty, insurance and biosecurity fees may be extra.
What is the best way to ship a car to Australia?
The best method depends on your vehicle and budget. RoRo can be cost-effective for standard running cars, while container shipping offers more protection and may be better for classic, prestige or higher-value vehicles.
Can I ship a car and household goods together to Australia?
It may be possible to coordinate car shipping and household goods shipping as part of the same relocation. The best option depends on vehicle size, household-goods volume, container space and customs requirements.
Do I need import approval to bring a car into Australia?
In most cases you need to check eligibility and obtain vehicle import approval before importing a road vehicle into Australia. Always check current Australian Government guidance before shipping.
What taxes apply when importing a car to Australia?
Imported vehicles may be subject to customs duty, GST and possibly Luxury Car Tax. The exact amount depends on the vehicle value, tariff classification, freight, insurance and any applicable concessions.
Can I leave personal belongings inside my car during shipping?
Usually personal belongings shouldn’t be packed loose inside the car, especially for RoRo shipping. Ask your shipping company how household goods should be packed, inventoried and declared.
How long does car shipping to Australia take?
Car shipping to Australia by sea usually takes several weeks, but the total timeline depends on the route, port, sailing schedule, customs clearance, biosecurity inspection and final delivery.
Where can I get a car shipping quote to Australia?
You can request a tailored car shipping quote from PSS Removals based on your vehicle, shipping method, destination and whether you’re also moving household goods.
