How Long Does International Car Shipping Take? Transit Times Explained

One of the most common questions we receive at The Ship Cars is 'how long will it take?' The answer depends on several factors including destination, shipping method, port schedules, and customs clearance.

Transit time refers to the ocean voyage duration — the time from when the vessel departs the UK port to when it arrives at the destination port. Total delivery time is longer, as it includes pre-shipment processing, port handling, and customs clearance at both ends.

Total delivery time = UK processing (3–7 days) + ocean transit + destination clearance (3–14 days)

Here are typical ocean transit times from UK ports for RORO and container services:

Europe (5–14 days):
• Spain / Portugal: 5–8 days
• France / Belgium / Netherlands: 2–4 days
• Italy / Greece: 8–12 days
• Cyprus / Turkey: 10–14 days

Middle East (14–21 days):
• UAE / Dubai: 16–21 days
• Saudi Arabia (Dammam): 18–24 days
• Qatar / Bahrain: 18–22 days

Africa (10–35 days):
• Nigeria (Lagos): 14–21 days
• Ghana (Tema): 14–18 days
• Kenya (Mombasa): 25–35 days
• South Africa (Durban): 21–28 days

Americas (14–28 days):
• USA East Coast: 14–18 days
• USA West Coast: 21–28 days
• Canada (Halifax): 12–16 days

Asia-Pacific (28–50 days):
• Australia (Fremantle): 35–42 days
• Australia (Sydney/Melbourne): 38–45 days
• New Zealand: 40–50 days
• Sri Lanka: 18–24 days
• Japan: 35–42 days

Several variables can extend or shorten the journey:

Direct vs transhipment: Direct sailings are fastest. If the vessel stops at intermediate ports (transhipment), the journey takes longer. For example, UK to Australia may involve a stop in Singapore, adding 3–5 days.

Weather conditions: Severe weather can cause delays, particularly during winter in the North Atlantic or monsoon season in the Indian Ocean.

Port congestion: Busy ports may cause delays in berthing. Lagos, for example, is known for congestion during peak periods.

Customs processing: Each country has different customs efficiency. Some clear within 24 hours, while others may take 1–2 weeks.

Vessel schedule changes: Shipping lines occasionally alter schedules due to operational requirements, adding or removing port calls.

Public holidays: Both UK and destination country holidays can affect processing times.

For the same route, RORO and container transit times are generally similar. However, there are important differences:

RORO:
• Fixed sailing schedules (weekly or bi-weekly on major routes)
• Your vehicle must arrive at port before the cut-off date (usually 3–5 days before sailing)
• Transit times are consistent and predictable

Container:
• More frequent sailings available (containers travel on multiple vessel types)
• Shared containers may wait until all vehicle slots are filled, adding 1–2 weeks before departure
• Dedicated containers can be dispatched on the next available vessel

For time-sensitive shipments, a dedicated container or RORO on a direct sailing offers the fastest delivery.

The Ship Cars provides real-time tracking for every vehicle shipment:

- Booking confirmation: Includes estimated departure and arrival dates
• Loading confirmation: Email notification when your vehicle is loaded and the vessel departs
• Vessel tracking: Online vessel tracking link so you can follow the ship's position in real-time
• Arrival notification: Alert when the vessel arrives at the destination port
• Customs clearance updates: Status updates during the clearance process
• Delivery confirmation: Final notification when the vehicle is available for collection or has been delivered

Our customer service team is available throughout the process to answer questions and provide updates. You'll never be left wondering where your vehicle is. Pair transit times with our car shipping costs by destination to plan your budget.