Shipping a car from the USA to Europe can seem overwhelming, but with Ship Overseas, the process is straightforward and stress-free. With nearly 40 years of experience, we guide you step-by-step to ensure a successful experience. You can start by getting a free quote, providing details like the car’s Year/Make/Model, Pickup Zip Code or Departure Port, and the Destination Country in Europe. Ship Overseas services cover a wide range of European countries, from Albania to the UK.
The cost of shipping a car to Europe starts at $790 and varies based on factors such as the departure location in the USA (East Coast is cheaper than West Coast), the size of the vehicle (compact cars are cheaper than SUVs or trucks), and whether you drop off the car at the port or opt for a pickup service. While dropping off the car yourself is more affordable, having it picked up is more convenient, though you’ll need to arrange your own travel back home if you choose to meet at the port. Ship Overseas offers reliable support and detailed information to make the process seamless.
Why Choose Ship Overseas?
✓ Decades of Expertise – No guesswork, just reliable shipping.
✓ Transparent Process – Clear communication at every step.
✓ Competitive Pricing – Fair rates with no hidden fees.
✓ Real-Time Tracking – Monitor your vehicle’s journey
Ready to Ship?
Get your free quote today and let us handle the rest!
Shipping a Car to Europe with U.S. plates: Driving in Europe is convenient but requires proper authorization, insurance, and documentation. Temporary import rules allow for up to 6 months of use, with exceptions for students and professionals. Shipping options vary by cost and speed, with RoRo being the most affordable and air freight the fastest. Always work with a trusted shipping partner and prepare in advance for a smooth experience.
Authorization and Fees: Starting from 2021, U.S. citizens must request online authorization and pay a fee to drive in Europe with U.S. plates.
Temporary Vehicle Import: EU countries have similar regulations for temporary imports. Vehicles must be legal in the U.S. (taxes paid, safety inspections, insurance). Insurance must cover all countries visited.
Duration of Stay: Vehicles can stay in the EU for up to 6 months (18 months for boats). Students or professionals from non-EU countries can use their vehicles for the duration of their stay without paying duties or taxes. Vehicles cannot remain in the EU without the owner present.
Customs & Fees: No import duty for stays under 6 months. For longer stays, leaving the EU briefly and re-entering can help avoid duties. Customs requirements vary by country and port; contact the U.S. embassy for details.
Driver’s Permit: An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is required, alongside a valid U.S. license. IDPs can be obtained from AAA or AATA in the U.S.
U.S. vs. EU License Plates: U.S. plates vary by state (one or two plates). EU plates have a standardized format with a blue section, country code, and random numbers/letters.
Shipping Your Car to Europe: Start preparations months in advance. Choose a reliable shipping company (e.g., Ship Overseas) with high safety standards. Prepare two sets of documents: vehicle information and shipping company paperwork.
Additional Information: To import a car into a European country, check the specific country’s page for vehicle age restrictions. If the car was bought new, your name must be listed as the registered owner on the front of the Title. For sold vehicles, both the seller and buyer must sign the back of the Title as indicated. Additionally, for safety reasons, the vehicle cannot have more than a ¼ tank of gas.
Albania: Duress
Belgium: Antwerp, Zeebrugge Learn more…
Croatia: Rijeka
Denmark: Copenhagen
Estonia: Paldiski
Finland: Helsinki, Kotka
France: Fos Su Mer, Le Havre Learn more…
- Customs duties and VAT collected at the port of entry
Germany: Bremerhaven Learn more…
- Destination handling charge: €150
- EU member country: 10% duty + 19% VAT if owned <1 year
- Transit through EU: 30% deposit refunded after registration
Greece: Piraeus Learn more…
Italy: Civitavecchia, Livorno, Monfalcone, Naples, Palermo, Salerno, Savona Learn more…
- Italian citizens: Own vehicle for 1 year to avoid 11% duty + 20% VAT
- Non-Italians: One auto duty-free with proof of ownership and use for 1 year
- Vehicles imported duty-free cannot be sold for 1 year
Lithuania: Klaipeda
Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam Learn more…
Norway: Drammen
Poland: Gdynia
Portugal: Lisbon
Romania: Constantza
Russia: St Petersburg
Serbia and Montenegro: Bar
Slovenia: Koper
Spain: Barcelona, Segunto, Vigo Learn more…
- Proof of living in USA for 1+ year and owning the vehicle for 6 months to avoid customs taxes
Sweden: Gothenburg, Malmo Learn more…
Switzerland: Basel, Geneva, Zurich Learn more…
- Duty-free if owner used the car for 6+ months overseas
- New cars subject to VAT, duty, and statistical tax
UK: Liverpool, Southampton Learn more…
- Import duty varies by vehicle type (passenger vs. commercial)
- VAT: 17.5% based on purchase price
Ukraine: Odessa
- Most cost-effective option
- Fixed schedules like airlines
- Weather-protected transport
- Split costs with others
- Can include personal items
- Works for non-running vehicles
- Maximum protection
- Private container space
- Ideal for luxury/classic cars
1.25% (total loss only)
Customizable coverage (50-100% of value)
You will need the original title, a copy of your passport, and a bill of sale. For some European countries, additional documents like a certificate of conformity may be required. Our team will provide you with a complete checklist based on your specific destination.
Shipping times vary depending on the destination port and shipping method. On average:
– Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) service: 2-4 weeks
– Container shipping: 3-6 weeks
– Air freight: 1-2 weeks (most expensive option)
Customs clearance can add an additional 3-10 business days depending on the country.
The total cost depends on several factors including vehicle size, shipping method, destination, and insurance. Typical costs range from $1,000 to $3,500 for standard vehicles. This includes:
– Ocean freight charges
– Port fees at origin and destination
– Customs clearance fees
– Documentation fees
We provide all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees.
This depends on the shipping method and destination country regulations. For container shipping, you can typically include some personal items (usually up to 100 lbs). For RoRo shipping, no personal items are allowed inside the vehicle. All personal items must be declared and may be subject to additional customs duties.
We provide basic marine insurance coverage at 0.3% of the vehicle’s value. You can upgrade to comprehensive coverage for additional protection. Our insurance covers damage during ocean transit but doesn’t cover mechanical failure or pre-existing damage. We’ll provide full details of coverage options when you get a quote.
We recommend:
1. Wash your vehicle thoroughly (for inspection purposes)
2. Remove all personal belongings
3. Disable the alarm system
4. Leave about 1/4 tank of fuel
5. Take photos of your vehicle from all angles
6. Remove any custom parts that might protrude
Our team will provide a complete preparation checklist when you book your shipment.
Click on Continent or Country to learn more
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Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Guatemala
Panama
Puerto Rico
Bahrain
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
United Arab EmiratesGet your free, no-obligation quote today, or contact Ship Overseas at (858) 547-0840 for personalized assistance in shipping your car.