Open transport is the standard, cost-effective choice for most cars, while enclosed transport is the protective option reserved for something special. Both methods are safe and used across Europe every day, but they suit different vehicles and different budgets. This guide explains how each one works, what the price difference looks like in practice, and how to judge which your car actually needs.

How does open car transport work?

Open transport uses the familiar multi-car transporter you see on the motorway: a two-deck trailer that carries several vehicles at once, out in the open air. Your car is driven onto the deck and strapped down firmly at the wheels so it cannot shift during the journey. If you would like the full picture, our guide on how cars are loaded and secured walks through every step.

Because a single trailer carries up to eight or nine cars together, the running cost is shared across the whole load. That is exactly why open transport is the most affordable method, and why the vast majority of vehicles travel this way, from everyday hatchbacks to family saloons and dealer stock.

How does enclosed car transport work?

Enclosed transport uses a covered trailer with solid sides and a roof, so your car travels fully shielded from rain, road grime and stone chips. These trailers usually carry fewer vehicles, often between two and six, and many are fitted with a hydraulic lift gate rather than steep ramps, which makes them ideal for low or delicate cars.

The trade-off is capacity and availability. Fewer cars per load, and far fewer enclosed trailers on the road, mean a higher price and sometimes a slightly longer wait to secure one. In return you get the highest level of protection that road transport can offer, which is why collectors and dealers reserve it for their best vehicles.

What is the cost difference?

Open transport is priced per kilometre and shared across the load, so it is cheaper by a clear margin. Enclosed transport typically adds a premium, often in the region of 30 to 60 per cent more than the open price for the same route, because fewer cars share the trailer and the equipment is more specialised.

The exact figure depends on distance, the route, the size of your car and how easy it is to load. Longer journeys always cost less per kilometre than short ones, so the gap can feel smaller on a long international move. For a realistic comparison the simplest step is to request a free quote for both options; if you want the background first, see our guide on how much car transport costs in Europe.

Who should choose enclosed transport?

Enclosed transport earns its premium when a car is unusually valuable, hard to replace or especially exposed to damage. If your vehicle falls into one of the groups below, the covered trailer is usually the wiser choice.

• Classic and vintage cars: older paint and trim are harder and costlier to restore, so keeping them out of the weather protects their value.
• Luxury and high-end cars: premium finishes and delicate detailing benefit from a sealed trailer, as covered in our guide on enclosed transport for luxury and sports cars.
• Low supercars: very low ground clearance suits a lift-gate trailer that avoids steep ramps and the risk of scraping the underside.
• Long winter journeys: salt, grit and freezing spray over hundreds of kilometres are best avoided altogether with a covered load.

Who is fine with open transport?

For the vast majority of cars, open transport is the sensible and economical answer. Everyday cars, nearly new vehicles, dealer stock and most private sales all travel safely this way, every day, right across Europe. The straps and loading care are the same given to any car, and brief exposure to the elements does no more harm than a normal drive in the rain.

If your car is a standard runner and you are comfortable with a light film of road dust on arrival, which washes straight off, open transport gives you the best value for money. You can arrange either option through our car transport service, and we will always tell you honestly when enclosed is worth it and when it is not.

Good to know