How to calculate the car transport price on the road
Want to know the car transport price for your journey? This guide shows you, in plain English, how it’s calculated: start with the actual kilometres between pick-up and delivery, then add any surcharges for tricky access or detours. All moves are by road, door to door, at a fixed price.
Formula and price factors
- Rate per kilometre: typically between €0.50/km and €0.90/km.
- Long trips with flexible dates land at the lower end.
- Short, urgent or unusual routes climb towards the top.
- The band varies with season, fuel prices and transporter availability.
- Vehicle dimensions (length, width, height): critical with distance; they decide space on the trailer.
- Vehicle and load weight: total weight must stay within legal truck limits; if not, a larger transporter (and higher price) is needed.
- Driveability: if the car can’t drive onto the trailer, a winch or similar gear is required – extra cost.
- Date flexibility: wider pick-up/delivery windows allow route optimisation and lower prices.
- Access & detours: narrow streets or height limits may need a nearby meeting point; detour km × rate are added.
In short, the final price equals distance plus adjustments for size, weight, loading method and any detours.
What’s included? (all-in)
Door-to-door collection and delivery at truck-accessible points, full route planning, transport insurance (CMR for international, equivalent for national) and support from our team throughout. The quoted amount is final – no hidden fees.
Tips for cheap car transport
- Book early and stay flexible on dates – the cheaper routes open up.
- Pick an easy access location if your street is tight – avoid surcharges.
- Send photos and data (condition, dimensions, height) to prevent surprises.
- Avoid express moves (same-day/next-day) where possible.
Car transport within the UK – sample prices
Domestic moves take 1–3 days with no border formalities.
Example prices (ex VAT, all-in) for the most economical route:
- London → Manchester · ≈ €320 + VAT
- London → Birmingham · ≈ €260 + VAT
- Glasgow → London · ≈ €420 + VAT
Prices may vary with season, traffic and load/unload points.
International car transport from the UK – sample prices
International runs are longer, cross borders and may involve tolls or vignettes. Delivery time: 3–7 days.
Example routes (ex VAT, all-in) on the cheapest route available:
- London → Paris · ≈ €340 + VAT
- Manchester → Berlin · ≈ €620 + VAT
- London → Málaga · ≈ €1 500 + VAT
- London → Alicante · ≈ €1 430 + VAT
- Birmingham → Amsterdam · ≈ €380 + VAT
Prices may change with season, overseas tolls and loading points.
Transit time & planning
- National: usually 24 h – 3 days.
- International (EU): mostly 3 – 7 days depending on route and capacity.
Plan with leeway – the more flexible your dates, the lower the price.
VAT & invoicing
Invoices follow EU VAT rules. VAT handling depends on the client’s location and service type.
Request a quote – information we need
- Full addresses (plus an easy access spot if the street is tight).
- Vehicle condition (running/non-running, photos).
- Dimensions & type (car, SUV, van, etc.).
- Desired dates and flexibility.
- Contact and notes (garage, private site, times).
With these details ready, you can request your car transport quote.
Frequently asked questions
- How is my car transport price calculated? Distance + adjustments for size, loading method and detours.
- Can a non-running car be transported? Yes, with extra equipment; tell us so we can update the quote.
- How do I get cheap car transport? Book early and stay flexible with dates and loading spots.
- Can I leave items in the car? Not recommended; extra weight may stop the move.
- What if the delivery point is hard to reach? We agree a nearby truck-friendly spot or add a detour fee.
- Is insurance included? Yes, full CMR cover for international moves.
- What’s the cancellation policy? Depends on notice period – see our terms.