If you need to ship a vehicle to Europe, here is what you need to know right away:
How to ship a vehicle to Europe — quick overview:
Typical transit time: 14 to 45 days by sea, depending on your departure port and destination.
Transporting a car across the Atlantic is not like shipping a small parcel. There are international regulations, port logistics, customs declarations, and import rules on the European side — all of which need to line up before your vehicle rolls off a ship in Bremerhaven, Rotterdam, or any other European port.
The stakes are real. Missing a document, misunderstanding a temporary import rule, or choosing the wrong shipping method can add weeks of delay — and unexpected expenses — to your move.
This guide walks you through every step clearly and honestly, so you can make informed decisions and avoid the most common mistakes.
Basic ship vehicle to Europe terms:
When you decide to ship a vehicle to Europe, the first critical decision is selecting the right transport method. Each option offers distinct advantages based on your timeline, the level of protection your vehicle requires, and your logistical preferences.
Ocean freight remains the standard for transatlantic transit, but the manner in which your vehicle is secured on the vessel makes a substantial difference. To help you understand your choices, we have mapped out the primary transit pathways. If you are exploring the foundational steps of this process, you can read our guide on How to Ship Your Car to Europe Without Driving Across the Ocean.
| Shipping Method | Best For | Level of Protection | Average Transit Time (US East Coast to Europe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) | Running, standard-sized vehicles | Moderate (exposed to elements during loading/unloading) | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Shared Container | Classic cars, standard vehicles, motorcycles | High (fully enclosed steel container) | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Exclusive Container | High-value vehicles, household goods combination | Maximum (sole use of container) | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Air Freight | Exotic, luxury, or time-sensitive vehicles | Maximum (fastest handling) | 1 to 2 weeks |
For a deeper dive into the financial and operational trade-offs of these ocean transit options, see our detailed breakdown in RoRo or Roll Out: Understanding Car Shipping from the USA to Europe.
Roll-on/Roll-off, commonly known as RoRo, is a highly efficient method for transporting operable vehicles. With this method, vehicles are driven directly onto the ramp of a specialized cargo vessel at the US departure port and secured within the ship’s enclosed decks.
Because RoRo relies on the vehicle being driven on and off the vessel, the vehicle must be in fully running condition, with functioning brakes and steering. While this method is highly streamlined, it is strictly port-to-port, meaning you or your designated agent must drop off and collect the vehicle directly at the designated terminals. Additionally, ocean carriers do not permit any personal belongings or loose spare parts to be stored inside the vehicle during RoRo transport.
For those seeking a higher tier of security, containerized shipping is the preferred path. Your vehicle is loaded and secured inside a standard 20-foot or 40-foot steel shipping container, protecting it from physical contact and weather throughout the journey.
We offer two container configurations:
If you are coordinating transit from the Midwest, we can easily integrate local transport. We regularly assist clients organizing logistics through regional hubs, including Chicago and surrounding suburbs like Mount Prospect and Palos Hills, ensuring seamless transport to the departure port.
When time is of the essence or you are transporting a rare, high-value exotic vehicle, expedited air freight delivers unmatched speed. Your vehicle is secured on a specialized aviation pallet and transported via international cargo aircraft. While this method requires a more substantial financial commitment, it bypasses ocean port congestion entirely, delivering your vehicle to major European airport logistics hubs within a matter of days.
Navigating international customs is the most legally demanding phase of shipping a vehicle overseas. Both US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and European destination customs authorities enforce strict compliance rules. For official US guidance, CBP publishes information on exporting a motor vehicle, including title and export review requirements. To ensure you have a clear roadmap, you can also review our comprehensive guide, Shipping Your Wheels Overseas: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Before your vehicle can legally clear a US port, you must present a complete documentation package. This includes:
For residents in the western and northern Chicago suburbs, we coordinate document collection and terminal drop-offs near Algonquin, Niles, and Des Plaines.
Upon arrival at a European port, your vehicle must undergo formal import customs clearance. The standard import tariff structure in the European Union typically includes a 10% customs duty on passenger cars, alongside the destination country’s Value Added Tax (VAT), which ranges from 19% to 21% across most member states.
However, there are notable exceptions:
To simplify the process, many shipments clear customs at major base ports like Bremerhaven (Germany) or Rotterdam (Netherlands) before being transported inland to landlocked destinations like Austria, Switzerland, or southern Poland. If you are shipping a motorcycle, you can find specific route details in The Ultimate Guide to USA Poland Motorcycle Freight.
If you are planning a temporary road trip, a seasonal stay, or an extended vacation in Europe, you do not necessarily have to permanently import and register your vehicle. Under the European Union’s Temporary Admission rules, tourists and non-EU residents can drive a US-registered vehicle within the EU for up to six months (185 days) within any 12-month period without paying import duties or VAT.
To drive your US-plated vehicle legally in Europe under these rules, you must meet the following requirements:
Proper physical preparation is key to ensuring your vehicle passes port inspections and arrives safely at its destination. Marine terminals and ocean carriers enforce strict safety protocols regarding vehicle condition.
Follow this preparation checklist before delivering your vehicle to the port or our consolidating warehouse:
If you are shipping from the Chicago area, we can coordinate transport from our regional hubs, including Park Ridge or our facilities in Roselle.
Sailing times typically range from 14 to 45 days, depending heavily on the departure coast. Shipments departing from East Coast ports (such as New York or Baltimore) generally reach northern European ports in 2 to 3 weeks. Departures from the West Coast or southern ports can take 5 to 9 weeks. Be sure to account for an additional 3 to 10 business days for export processing and import customs clearance.
If you choose Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping, the answer is a strict no. The vehicle must be empty of all personal items. If you choose container shipping, you are generally permitted to pack personal belongings or spare parts inside the vehicle or the container, provided they are securely packed, do not obstruct the driver’s seat, and are fully declared on your customs packing list.
Classic vehicles (typically those 30 years or older) enjoy simplified customs handling and reduced tax percentages in many European countries. For oversized vehicles—such as lifted pickup trucks, large SUVs, or motorhomes—standard container shipping may not be physically possible. These vehicles are ideal candidates for RoRo shipping, where they are driven onto specialized decks designed to accommodate heavy machinery and larger dimensions. For more details on heavy equipment, see our Vehicle Machinery Shipping options.
Whether you are relocating permanently, sending a classic car to a European collector, or embarking on an extended transatlantic road trip, shipping your vehicle requires careful attention to detail. Partnering with an experienced logistics provider makes all the difference.
At Doma Shipping & Travel, we bring over 30 years of international freight forwarding and vehicle transport experience to your shipment. From our primary hubs in Chicago and suburbs like Niles, Roselle, and Des Plaines, we manage the entire process—from secure local handling and export documentation to customs clearance at European ports.
If you are planning to transport a vehicle to Poland or anywhere else in Europe, let our team handle the logistics so you can focus on the journey ahead. Learn more about our specialized Polish transport services at Samochody z USA do Polski or explore our guide on Moving Your Ride: Everything About Transporting a Car to Poland. For motorcycle transport, we also offer a step-by-step roadmap in From Chicago to Krakow: Your Motorcycle Shipping Roadmap.
