Car Shipping to Australia from the UK | Trusted Vehicle Transport Services
Planning car shipping to Australia? Wondering how much it costs to transport a vehicle from the UK? Ascope Shipping offers affordable car shipping from the UK to major Australian cities like Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle, and Sydney. With over 15 years of experience as one of the UK’s leading car shipping companies, we provide trusted solutions for private customers, businesses, and dealerships. Whether you’re shipping a family car, 4×4, van, or classic vehicle, our team ensures safe and timely delivery to all major Australian ports.
Methods of Car Shipping to Australia
RoRo Car Shipping to Australia
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping is one of the most popular and cost-effective ways to transport vehicles to Australia. Cars, 4x4s, vans, buses, trucks, tractors, and other self-propelled machinery are driven directly onto specialised vessels, securely stowed during the voyage, and driven off upon arrival. This method is suitable for both new and used vehicles, and with RoRo shipping, you only pay for the space your vehicle occupies, making it an economical and efficient option.
Container Car Shipping to Australia
For customers seeking maximum safety and protection, container shipping is the ideal choice for your vehicle. Vehicles are professionally loaded into 20ft or 40ft containers, securely fastened, and shipped weekly from UK ports. This method is particularly suited to luxury, classic, or high-value cars, or shipments involving multiple vehicles. If you’re also sending household goods or personal effects alongside your vehicle, our container shipping to Australia page covers mixed shipments with full FCL and LCL options. We offer both door-to-port and port-to-port services, giving you the flexibility to choose the option that best fits your needs while ensuring a reliable, stress-free transport experience.
Shipping Prices to Australia
| Vehicle Type | RO/RO Prices | Container Costs |
| Saloon Vehicle e.g Peugeot 406 | £1795 | Enquire (20ft Cont) |
| 4×4 Vehicle e.g. Land Rover Discovery | £2525 | Enquire (20ft Cont) |
| Vans e.g Merc sprinter | Enquire | Enquire (20ft Cont) |
| 2 cars (saloon / 4×4) | Enquire | Enquire (40ft Cont) |
Car Shipping to Australia Route & Transit Time
Transit time depends on your departure port, vessel schedule, and shipping method.
| UK Departure Port | Australia Arrival Port | RoRo Transit | Container Transit |
|---|
| Southampton | Sydney / Melbourne | 6–8 weeks | 6–9 weeks |
| Tilbury | Brisbane | 7–9 weeks | 7–10 weeks |
| London Gateway | Fremantle | 5–7 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
Exact timing varies by vessel schedule and season, so confirm current transit times with our team when you request your quote.
Why Choose Ascope Shipping?
With over 15 years of experience, Ascope Shipping is a trusted expert in international car shipping. We’ve successfully transported more than 3,000 vehicles worldwide, including cars, 4x4s, vans, and commercial vehicles. Our services include secure RoRo and container shipping to Australia, professional loading and inspections, full marine cargo insurance, and end-to-end support for customs, quarantine, and ADR compliance. With transparent pricing and no hidden costs, we guarantee safe, timely delivery. For those shipping to Australia, our car shipping guide to Australia provides detailed information to help you prepare before you book.
We’re proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading car shipping companies, offering reliable solutions backed by proven experience.
Import Requirements for Shipping Cars to Australia
Shipping vehicles across borders requires compliance with strict rules. Key requirements include:
- Import Permits: No general licence required, but vehicles and certain goods may need special permits
- Customs Clearance: Importers must lodge clearance documents (Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, commercial invoice, and entry forms) and pay duties and taxes. Our guide to UK customs clearance for exporters covers the UK side in full.
- Documentation: Minimum paperwork includes customs entry or ICD, AWB/BLAD, invoices, and any relevant permits; see our full documents required to ship a car checklist
- Biosecurity Rules: Vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned and free from soil or plant material; a cleanliness declaration may be required, per Australian Department of Agriculture guidelines
- Vehicle Compliance: All imported vehicles must meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and safety and environmental standards
- Temporary Imports: Goods can enter duty- and tax-free for up to 12 months if conditions are met
- Valuation: Customs usually assess goods based on the transaction value (purchase price plus adjustments)
- Inspections: Goods and containers may be inspected on arrival, especially from high-risk ports or rural-bound shipments
By following Australia’s import requirements, you can ensure a smooth, hassle-free shipping process for your vehicle. Our team works closely with licensed customs brokers and experienced freight forwarders who understand the latest regulations, handle documentation, and help you avoid delays or extra costs.
What Happens When Your Car Arrives in Australia
Once your vehicle clears customs and biosecurity inspection, it’s released for collection or onward delivery to your address. Biosecurity checks are usually where unprepared shippers get caught out, a vehicle with soil, seeds, or plant matter in the wheel arches or undercarriage can be held back for cleaning at your expense. Follow our guide on how to prepare your car for overseas shipping before it ever leaves the UK, and you’ll avoid this entirely.
Coverage: Major Ports in Australia
We provide international car shipping to Australia from the UK to all major ports, including:
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Fremantle (Perth)
If you need household goods, machinery, or business cargo shipped to Australia alongside or separately from your vehicle, our container shipping to Australia service covers additional options and destinations.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping to Australia
Proper preparation reduces the risk of delays during inspection and loading.
Before your vehicle departs the UK, make sure to:
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly, inside and out, including the wheel arches and undercarriage to remove soil, seeds, or plant matter for Australian biosecurity requirements
- Remove all personal belongings
- Leave the fuel tank below a quarter full for safety during transit
- Check that the vehicle is in full working order, since a non-running car may require container shipping rather than RoRo
- Keep spare keys ready to hand over at collection
- Have your documentation organised and easily accessible for customs officials and port staff
Restricted Items for Car Shipping to Australia
Certain items cannot be left inside the vehicle when arranging car shipping to Australia.
Restricted items include:
- Flammable liquids
- Hazardous materials or chemicals
- Weapons or illegal items
- Undeclared household goods
- Soil, plant matter, seeds, or organic material, which are strictly controlled under Australian biosecurity rules
Removing restricted items ensures compliance with international shipping safety regulations and helps avoid delays during Australia’s biosecurity inspection.
Get in Touch
For a quick and accurate quote on shipping a car to Australia, simply fill in the enquiry form on this page. Our experienced team manages every step, from documentation and customs clearance to biosecurity compliance and delivery at your chosen Australian port. Call us today at +44 7717 769925 or request a free, no-obligation quote online, and let our team guide you through a smooth, hassle-free shipping process from collection in the UK to arrival in Australia.
