Car transport on a professional car transporter (sometimes called car shipping) is the simplest way to move a vehicle across Europe without driving it yourself and adding thousands of kilometres to the clock. Whether the journey is a few hundred kilometres or crosses several borders, these multi-level trailers usually carry 8 to 12 cars at a time, which is why a shared spot costs far less than a private tow.
It's the option people pick when moving house, collecting a car bought online on the other side of the country, selling one far away, relocating company fleets, heading south for the winter, or getting a car that won't start to a garage or body shop. Moving something that isn't on this list? Contact us and we'll tell you straight away whether we can help.
Open vs enclosed car transport: which is right for your car?
Open car transport
This is what most people book, because it keeps the cost down and there's almost always a spot available. Your car travels on an open multi-level trailer, tied down with heavy straps and wheel chocks so it can't shift. It suits everyday hatchbacks, saloons, SUVs, vans and small work trucks. The car is out in the elements, so it may pick up some road dust or get rained on, but open car transport happens thousands of times a day and things very rarely go wrong.
✓ Lower cost and easy to book a spot
Enclosed car transport
If the car is something you really care about, a luxury car, a classic you're slowly restoring, an exotic or a supercar, enclosed is usually the better call. The whole vehicle travels inside a closed trailer, soft-sided or solid, so rain, stone chips, road salt and flying debris never touch it. It costs more, often 40 to 70% extra, and slots on quieter routes can take longer to fill, but for anything valuable the protection is hard to beat.
✓ Full protection for valuable cars
Why choose car transport instead of driving?
Drivers who load and unload cars all day handle them more carefully than most of us would at the end of a long trip.
Good to know before you book
How does car transport work?
1. Get a quote. Tell us the basics: make and model, year, whether it runs and drives, rough size and weight, where it's going from and to, and roughly when.
2. Book when you're ready. If you can give us two to four weeks of notice, you'll often get better pricing and more carriers to choose from.
3. Prepare the car. Wash it so any marks are easy to spot, take plenty of timestamped photos from every side including underneath, leave no more than a quarter tank of fuel, and clear out everything personal: the boot, the glovebox, the centre console, toll tags, loose mats, all of it.
4. Pickup. The driver walks around the car with you, notes any existing marks on the Bill of Lading (that's the document that matters), then loads and secures it properly.
5. Delivery. The carrier lets you know before arrival. Check the car against your photos and the paperwork, and point out anything new before you sign.
How much does car transport cost?
The price depends on distance, vehicle size and weight, whether the car runs, open or enclosed, and how flexible your dates are. Sharing a trailer with 8 to 12 cars is what keeps the price sensible, while enclosed transport often adds 40 to 70% on top of an open slot. Get a free quote and you'll have a clear price for your exact route in minutes, with nothing to pay before pickup.
How long does car transport take?
Quick local moves often take one to three days. Routes across several countries take longer once you factor in driver hours, weather, border formalities and how busy the season is. Carriers stick to good routes, and many offer tracking so you can see where your car is.
Door to door or terminal to terminal?
Door to door car transport means the carrier comes as close to your address as the trailer safely can, for both pickup and delivery. It's the easy option and the one most customers choose. Terminal to terminal, where you drop off and collect at the carrier's yard, can save a little money if you don't mind the extra driving.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. Our carrier associates carry cargo insurance that covers accidents and mishandling during car transport. Coverage levels differ between carriers, so ask to see the details right away. Personal items left in the car usually aren't covered, so empty it before pickup. Our carriers are experienced drivers with regularly checked equipment, and they know exactly how to secure a vehicle.
How should I prepare my car for transport?
- Clean it well, inside and out.
- Take timestamped photos of every panel.
- Keep fuel low: a quarter tank at most.
- Remove everything personal.
- Switch off the alarm, fold in the mirrors, and lower the aerial.
- Check the tyres are at the right pressure.
- Tell the carrier upfront whether the car runs or is a non-runner.
What about international or special moves?
International car transport within Europe? Expect a little more paperwork, and on some routes customs formalities, taxes or VAT.
Luxury cars and classics travelling enclosed often get priority for a top-deck spot, away from spray.
Moving a fleet? We can set up rates and regular schedules. And if it's a motorhome rather than a car, our camper and motorhome transport service covers that too.
Why book your car transport with Send Your Auto?
Comparing car shipping companies? Here's our pitch: no sneaky fees buried in the fine print, tracking updates along the way, and actual people answering when you call with questions. Whether it's a tired daily driver, the half-built project that's been under a tarp for years, or a pristine classic you treat like glass, our verified carriers get it to the other end in good shape, within the agreed window, and without you spending days on the motorway. Read more about why customers choose Send Your Auto.
Are you a carrier? Work with us.
Popular car transport routes
We quote these corridors every week: italy to spain, italy to germany, germany to italy, france to italy, italy to belgium, within spain. Your route is not listed? Get a quote anyway: we cover the whole of continental Europe.
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