Ship a Car to Europe from USA

Ship Overseas- Your Trusted Partner in International Car Shipping

How to Ship a Car to Europe

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.

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How to Ship a Car to Europe

Get Quote to Ship a Car to Europe

Shipping a Car to Europe as a Tourist

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.

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Ship Overseas offers weekly sailings from U.S. ports to Europe, providing flexible and reliable shipping methods tailored to your needs.

European Ports We Ship To:

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

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Shipping Methods We Offer

RoRo Shipping (Roll On/Roll Off):

Most popular and cost-effective method.
Vehicles are driven onto the ship and secured.
Ideal for single vehicles (cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, etc.).
Reliable departure and arrival dates.
Protects vehicles from external elements.

Container Shipping: Shared Container:

Fits up to four vehicles.
No fixed departure date (depends on container filling).
Allows shipping personal items inside the vehicle.
Suitable for non-working vehicles (e.g., classic cars).

Exclusive Container:

Best for exotic or high-value vehicles (e.g., Bentleys, Ferraris).
Allows shipping personal belongings.
More expensive but offers added protection and space.

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Why Choose Ship Overseas?

Customer-Centric Approach: 24/7 support for all queries.
Expertise: Years of experience in international car shipping.
Competitive Pricing: Transparent and affordable rates.
End-to-End Support: Handles paperwork, customs, and logistics.
Reliable Solutions: Safe and secure shipping with multiple options.
Timely Deliveries: Ensures vehicles arrive on schedule.

Get Quote to Ship a Car to Europe

Customer-Centric Approach: 24/7 support for all queries.
Expertise: Years of experience in international car shipping.
Competitive Pricing: Transparent and affordable rates.
End-to-End Support: Handles paperwork, customs, and logistics.
Reliable Solutions: Safe and secure shipping with multiple options.
Timely Deliveries: Ensures vehicles arrive on schedule.

Get Quote to Ship a Car to Europe

FAQs

How Do I Get My Vehicle to the Port for Shipping to Europe?

You have two main options to explore. Either bring it to us or we come to get it from you. Here, we will go over each option. Open and Enclosed Auto Shipping for any reason you can’t drive your vehicle to the port yourself, we can pick up the car from your location and deliver it to the port for shipping to Europe. We offer both open and enclosed auto shipping. Open Auto Shipping The most common type of car shipping method and the least expensive, this is a safe and cost effective method perfect for shipping vehicles like sedans and mini vans. Our transport trucks can carry up to nine or 10 cars at a time and as few as five cars. The transport truck driver will load and unload vehicles, filling these transport trucks to full capacity, which in turn lowers the overall shipping costs when running routes across the U.S. Auto Shipping – An ideal method for shipping luxury, exotic, specialty, or vintage cars to Europe, it costs more but your risk is greatly reduced. That’s because your vehicle will not be exposed to the elements, shipped along with two other vehicles and placed onto the truck via a special ramp or lift-gate. If you have the budget, choose this option for peace of mind.

Should I Get Marine Insurance?

It’s always a good idea to protect your investment. That’s why we highly recommend you purchase the optional marine insurance, as we offer FULL COVERAGE Marine Insurance against Loss or Damage from the time your car is loaded onto the ship. The cost is 1.75% of the value you wish to insure the car for you can’t afford to pay out of pocket for any unfortunate repairs, damage or loss to your vehicle (and who can?), you will want to buy the Marine Insurance. The chance of something bad happening is very rare, where the only time it would pose a real issue being during hurricane season. This lasts from June till November. Learn more about Marine Insurance by clicking on the link below.We hope this page has guided you in your quest for shipping a car to any country in Europe. If you have additional questions, give us a call toll free at 888-805-4994 or 858-547-0840

Can I track my vehicle during the transport car from usa to europe?

It’s always a good idea to protect your investment. That’s why we highly recommend you purchase the optional marine insurance, as we offer FULL COVERAGE Marine Insurance against Loss or Damage from the time your car is loaded onto the ship. The cost is 1.75% of the value you wish to insure the car for you can’t afford to pay out of pocket for any unfortunate repairs, damage or loss to your vehicle (and who can?), you will want to buy the Marine Insurance. The chance of something bad happening is very rare, where the only time it would pose a real issue being during hurricane season. This lasts from June till November. Learn more about Marine Insurance by clicking on the link below. We hope this page has guided you in your quest for shipping a car to any country in Europe. If you have additional questions, give us a call toll free at 888-805-4994 or 858-547-0840.

What documents are required for car shipping from the USA to Europe?

To ship a car from the USA to Europe, you will need the vehicle’s title, registration, bill of sale, export documents, and a copy of your passport. Some countries may also require proof of emissions compliance or import permits.

Are there any restrictions when shipping car to Europe?

Yes, there are restrictions and regulations to follow when car shipping usa to europe. These include compliance with European emission standards, vehicle modifications, and customs duties or taxes. Research the destination country’s specific requirements before shipping.

How long does it take for car shipping from the USA to Europe?

Car shipping to Europe from USA generally takes 2 to 6 weeks. The duration depends on the port locations, customs clearance times, and the chosen shipping method.