Shipping cars from Europe to the U.S. opens access to distinct models, but each route’s timing, paperwork, and cost are shaped by origin-country specifics, port schedules, and local export rules. This guide summarizes recent benchmarks and best practices—always verify with West Coast Shipping’s calculator for real-time, route-specific rates.
Belgium’s Port of Antwerp is the top European consolidation gateway. Note: Consolidation schedules may not run daily—wait times before vessel departure can add several days to a week for less frequent sailings.
Recent WCS median: About $2,750 Belgium to New York, ~18 days (subject to groupage schedules).
Multinational documentation and centralized EU compliance simplify handling, but always budget extra days for consolidation buildup or port congestion.
Check out our full Belgium-to-U.S. car import guide for real-world costs, required documents, Antwerp port tips, and key customs advice.
The UK’s main ports—Southampton, Felixstowe, Liverpool—offer robust service but generally slower turnaround (~26 days). Groupage shipments may require additional staging.
Recent consolidated rate: ~$2,750, but true for scheduled containers, not all services.
VAT steps are handled post-export in the UK for eligible transactions; work with a provider who manages both shipping and proper VAT clearance to avoid surprises.
Check out our in-depth guide to shipping cars from the UK to the U.S. in 2025 for real shipping rates, export paperwork, VAT tips, and U.S. customs requirements.
Le Havre is France’s main Atlantic port; groupage may mean a few extra days’ wait before the next full container sails.
Typical rate: ~$2,750 consolidated, 18 days to New York.
French VAT (TVA) refund processes are handled before export if car is sold to a non-EU buyer and all customs conditions are satisfied. Consult your seller or export agent for timing.
Check out our full France-to-U.S. shipping guide for 2025 rates, required documents, VAT refund details, and customs steps explained.
Italian cars ship from Genoa or La Spezia, with competitive transit times—but consolidation may not be daily. Inland trucking to these ports can also affect schedule.
Groupage average: ~$2,750, ~18 days on recent lanes.
VAT refund processes in Italy are intricate: sellers must provide specific export proof, and timelines may take weeks post-export for funds transfer.
Read our full Italy-to-U.S. shipping guide for detailed steps, 2025 shipping costs, required documents, and customs tips.
Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port, with frequent sailings and minimal container wait times—though occasional port congestion can extend pre-departure dwell.
Typical rate: ~$2,750, 18 days groupage.
Dutch technical paperwork is among Europe’s best for U.S. compliance, especially for 25+ year-old classics.
Check out our Netherlands-to-U.S. shipping guide for real 2025 costs, required Dutch documents, VAT insights, and step-by-step customs guidance.
Norwegian cars usually travel overland first to continental ports; consolidation in Rotterdam or Antwerp is often slower (containers fill on global demand cycles). Expect some extra lead time.
Recent ocean freight: ~$2,750, ~18 days from main EU port to NY.
Norwegian exports are non-EU, so VAT is handled per Norwegian authority rules—refund timelines differ from the EU standard and may require extra export proof.
Read our complete Norway car export guide for 2025 costs, refund eligibility, export paperwork, and U.S. import steps—all explained in one place.
Spanish cars use Barcelona, Valencia, or Bilbao. Groupage containers may not sail every day; check exact sailing schedule at booking.
Typical groupage rate: ~$2,750, 18 days.
Spanish VAT processes and refund amounts can depend on resale status and compliance with local tax authority requirements. Confirm every step with your agent.
Check out our Spain import guide for a full breakdown of 2025 costs, export paperwork, VAT refund tips, and port logistic
Expect 2–5 days added for inland trucking to the loading port. As a non-EU origin, VAT rules differ: Swiss VAT refunds take longer and are not automatic—export paperwork and customs declarations must be exact.
Recent groupage rate: ~$2,750, 18 days from EU port to New York (excluding inland transfer).
See the Swiss-specific guide for detailed steps.
Don’t miss our 2025 Switzerland–U.S. car shipping guide covering deregistration, VAT refunds, inland transport, and all the customs paperwork you’ll need.
25-year U.S. import exemptions and modern-compliance requirements apply regardless of origin. Ensure documentation matches both U.S. Customs and local DMV expectations.
Consolidation schedules: In all European ports, groupage/stacked containers may not sail daily. Your overall shipping timeline includes not just ocean transit, but time spent awaiting the next available full container.
VAT clearance & refund: Rules and timelines can vary dramatically, especially for Switzerland, Norway, Italy, and Spain. Always verify the local requirements and timelines for export and refund with both your seller and shipping agent.
European-to-U.S. container rates and schedules shift month to month. Tap the car import calculator for your instant, country-specific quote and load schedule—and review guide content for each country’s latest process at the WCS blog.