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
- Container shipping (20’ or 40’): $2,000 – $3,500 CAD
- Air freight car shipping: $10,000+ CAD (rare, high-value cars only)
💡 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 |
Montreal → Rotterdam | RoRo | $1,300 – $1,700 | Cost-effective, fast |
Halifax → Antwerp | Container or RoRo | $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
- Car secured inside a 20’ or 40’ container.
- Safe, protected from weather.
- Ideal for luxury or classic cars.
- Cost: $2,000 – $3,500 CAD.
2. RoRo Car Shipping from Canada to Europe
- Vehicle driven onto ship decks.
- Affordable but car is exposed during transit.
- Best for standard vehicles.
- Cost: $1,200 – $1,800 CAD.
3. Air Freight Car Shipping
- Fastest, most secure, but extremely costly.
- Reserved for rare/exotic cars.
- 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.
- Select RoRo for regular cars – Containers for luxury/classics only.
- 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: RoRo, 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 shipping car from Canada to Europe price depends on many factors, but typically ranges from $1,200 CAD (RoRo) to $3,500 CAD (container). By choosing the right port, method, and partner, you can save money while ensuring your vehicle arrives safely.
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