Discover the real shipping car from Canada to Europe price. Learn costs, methods (RoRo, container), customs, and why Metropolitan Logistics is your trusted partner.
One of the most common questions Canadian car owners ask when relocating or selling vehicles abroad is: what is the shipping car from Canada to Europe price?
Whether you are an expat moving overseas, a collector exporting classic cars, or a dealer transporting vehicles to European buyers, understanding the costs and process of international car shipping is critical.
In this guide, we will break down the car shipping from Canada to Europe price, factors affecting costs, the step-by-step process, and why Metropolitan Logistics is a trusted partner for overseas vehicle transport.
Shipping Car from Canada to Europe Price – What to Expect
The shipping car from Canada to Europe price can vary widely depending on the departure port, destination, transport method, and type of vehicle. On average:
- RoRo shipping (Roll-on/Roll-off): $1,200 – $1,800 CAD
However, RoRo service is extremely limited in Canada, with very few sailings available. Most clients end up using container service instead. - Container shipping (20’ or 40’): $2,000 – $3,500 CAD
This is the most common and reliable export method from Canada, available year-round through all major ports. - Air freight car shipping: $10,000+ CAD
Used only for rare, high-value vehicles due to very high costs.
💡 Ports like Halifax and Montreal often provide the most competitive pricing for Europe-bound shipments.
Car Shipping from Canada to Europe Price – By Route
| Route | Method | Avg. Price (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto → Hamburg | Container | $2,200 – $3,200 | Popular for Germany imports |
| Halifax → Antwerp | Container | $1,500 – $2,500 | Strategic East Coast port |
| Vancouver → Bremerhaven | Container | $2,800 – $3,800 | Longer distance, higher cost |
Factors That Affect the Price to Ship a Car from Canada to Europe
When calculating the price to ship a car from Canada to Europe, consider:
- Port of departure – Halifax and Montreal are usually cheaper than Vancouver.
- Destination port – Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg are popular and cost-effective.
- Transport method – RoRo is cheaper but less secure than container shipping.
- Vehicle size & weight – SUVs, trucks cost more than sedans.
- Insurance – Usually 1–3% of declared vehicle value.
- Customs & taxes – Vary per European country.
- Storage fees – If the vehicle waits at port.
Shipping Methods: Container vs RoRo vs Air Freight
1. Container Car Shipping Canada to Europe
Vehicles are loaded and fully secured inside a 20’ or 40’ sealed shipping container. This method provides full protection from weather, theft, port handling, and ocean conditions.
Container shipping is the most popular and most reliable method from Canada, used for the majority of international automotive shipments. It is especially ideal for luxury vehicles, classic cars, restored cars, motorcycles, and high-value units, as well as when clients want maximum security and predictable schedules.
Cost: $2,000 – $3,500 CAD.
2. RoRo Car Shipping from Canada to Europe
Vehicles are driven directly onto the vessel’s RoRo decks. This method is generally affordable, but the car remains exposed during transit and sailings from Canada are extremely limited, with only a few routes available.
Best suited for standard vehicles only when RoRo departures exist, which is rare.
Cost: $1,200 – $1,800 CAD (when available).
3. Air Freight Car Shipping
Air freight is the fastest and most secure shipping method, offering premium handling and minimal transit time. Vehicles are loaded onto dedicated aircraft pallets or into specialized cargo aircraft positions with strict security and handling procedures.
Due to highly regulated aviation fuel/battery requirements and very limited aircraft capacity in Canada, this method is used only for rare, exotic, or extremely high-value vehicles, or for urgent show/event deadlines. It is significantly more expensive than ocean transport.
Cost: $10,000+ CAD.
Step-by-Step Car Shipping Process from Canada to Europe
- Request a Quote – Get your Canada to Europe car shipping cost estimate from Metropolitan Logistics.
- Booking & Documentation – Provide ownership documents, insurance, and passport/ID.
- Vehicle Prep – Clean, remove personal belongings, leave 1/4 fuel tank.
- Customs Clearance (Canada) – Export paperwork filed.
- Loading – Vehicle secured in container or RoRo ship.
- Transit – Ocean crossing (7–20 days depending on route).
- Arrival at European Port – Customs clearance and VAT/duties paid.
- Inland Transport (Europe) – Delivery to final destination if required.
Car Shipping from Canada to Europe Price – Additional Costs
| Cost Type | Average Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Insurance | $200 – $600 | 1–3% of car value |
| Port Fees | $150 – $400 | Terminal handling charges |
| Customs Duties & VAT | 10–25% | Based on car value + transport cost |
| Inland Delivery | $300 – $800 | To European city destination |
Tips to Reduce the Price of Shipping a Car from Canada to Europe
- Book early – Lower seasonal rates.
- Choose East Coast ports – Halifax and Montreal are cheaper than Vancouver.
- Consider shared containers – Split cost with other shippers.
- Work with experienced providers – Avoid delays, which increase port fees.
Customs for Car Shipping to Europe
Each EU country has its own rules:
- Germany: 10% duty + 19% VAT (on CIF value).
- Netherlands (Rotterdam): Similar to Germany, but faster clearance.
- France: Duties may vary based on vehicle type.
- Temporary import: Expats may qualify for reduced taxes.
Metropolitan Logistics helps clients navigate customs, ensuring compliance and smooth delivery.
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics for Car Shipping Canada → Europe
- Experience: Decades in international freight forwarding.
- Coverage: Ports of Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver.
- Full-Service: Container drayage, port handling, customs brokerage.
- Flexibility: container, or combined solutions.
- Transparency: Clear breakdown of shipping car from Canada to Europe price.
Case Study: Toronto to Germany
A Canadian customer shipped a 2020 BMW X5 from Toronto to Hamburg with Metropolitan Logistics. Using container shipping, the cost was $2,850 CAD, including insurance. The car arrived in 18 days with no damage, and customs clearance was handled seamlessly.
Conclusion
The cost of shipping a car from Canada to Europe varies based on the port, method, and vehicle type, typically ranging from $1,200 CAD for RoRo to $3,500 CAD for container shipping.
However, RoRo service is extremely limited in Canada, with very few departures available, so most vehicles are shipped in secure containers, which offer better protection and more reliable scheduling. By selecting the right method and departure port, you can optimize both cost and safety for your shipment.
At Metropolitan Logistics, we provide competitive car shipping from Canada to Europe price quotes, covering the entire process from port drayage to customs and final delivery.
📞 +1 (365) 829 5000
📧 service@metropolitanlogistics.ca
👉 Request a Quote
