Shipping Cars to Portugal from the United Kingdom

Vehicles bound for Portugal leave the UK regularly, and the method depends on what you are sending. A single running car, 4x4 or motorhome travels most cheaply roll-on roll-off. If you want household effects packed around the vehicle, or the car is a non-runner or a high-value classic, a container is the better answer. We price both and let you choose.

Discharge ports in Portugal

We deliver vehicles to Lisbon, Leixoes, Sines. Choosing the port nearest your consignee keeps inland transport and storage costs down, and we can quote onward delivery from the terminal gate if the vehicle is not being collected in person.

Preparing your vehicle for shipment

• Empty the vehicle — RoRo sailings do not permit personal effects inside
• Fuel no more than a quarter tank, with no leaks from engine, gearbox or hydraulics
• Steam clean the underside, especially on agricultural and plant units
• Provide the V5C, keys and a photographic condition record before loading
• Disable alarms and immobilisers, or supply clear instructions for the stevedores

How vehicle shipping to Portugal is priced

RoRo space is sold on cubic measurement — length times width times height — so a compact saloon costs materially less than a long-wheelbase 4x4 or a high-roof van even when the weights are similar. Accurate dimensions are the difference between a quote that holds and one that moves on the quayside. Alongside the ocean rate sit the UK terminal handling charge, the export declaration, any vehicle notification required for the movement and, at the far end, clearance and duty in Portugal, which is assessed locally on the value and age of the vehicle.

Containerised shipping is the alternative where the vehicle is not driveable, is valuable enough to warrant enclosed transit, or is travelling with spares, wheels or household effects. One car sits comfortably in a 20ft box; two to four can be racked or braced into a 40ft, which is usually the cheapest way to move a small fleet or a dealer consignment.

Documents we need before your vehicle sails

Every movement to Portugal needs the registration document, proof of purchase or a commercial invoice showing the value, a copy of the owner's passport or company details, and the keys handed over at the terminal. Where finance is outstanding we need the lender's written release, and for personal imports many countries also ask for proof of residence or an import permit issued before the vessel arrives. We tell you exactly which set applies to Portugal when the booking is confirmed, and we check the paperwork against the vehicle before it is gated in rather than after.

Other options for Portugal

Shipping household goods at the same time? A container to Portugal can carry the vehicle and your effects together. For urgent spares or parts, see air freight to Portugal.

Vehicle shipping to other Europe destinations