Explore the best way to ship your car from the UAE—by air, sea, or land. Compare costs, timelines, and ideal use cases for each method. Perfect for summer tourists, expats, and international vehicle relocation.
When it comes to shipping your car from the UAE, the choice between air, sea, and land freight isn’t just about cost—it’s about time, convenience, destination, and the purpose of your travel. Whether you're relocating, selling a vehicle overseas, or embarking on an extended summer holiday to Europe, choosing the right shipping method is critical.
The UAE—especially Dubai—is a hub for luxury vehicles, car collectors, and global travel. People ship cars from the UAE for many reasons, including:
- Relocation to Europe, UK, or GCC countries
- Summer tourism travel to Europe with personal cars
- Selling or exporting vehicles
- Participation in motorsport events or auto expos
- Classic or rare car preservation during international moves
Why Choose Air Freight?
Air freight is the fastest and most premium car shipping option. It’s ideal for:
- Urgent travel plans
- Summer tourism in Europe with your own car
- High-end luxury or exotic vehicles
- Classic cars with high value or rarity
- Participation in rallies or car events abroad
Estimated Costs:
- AED 45,000 to AED 60,000+
Top Destinations:
- Germany, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK
Advantages:
- Speed (1–5 days)
- Security
- Minimal exposure
- Trackable services
Drawbacks:
- Costly
- Not ideal for multiple cars
- Cargo space availability
Best For:
- Summer tourists, supercars, exhibitions
Why Choose Sea Freight?
Sea freight is economical for long-distance or bulk shipments:
- RORO and Container Shipping options
Estimated Costs:
- RORO: AED 3,500–7,500
- Shared Container: AED 6,500–9,000
- Dedicated Container: AED 10,000–15,000+
Destinations:
- UK, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, USA
Advantages:
- Affordable
- Can include household goods
- Insurance options
Drawbacks:
- Transit time (35–65 days)
- Clearance delays
Best For:
- Long-term relocations, car dealers, classic cars
Why Choose Land Freight?
Best for GCC and Levant:
- Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait
Estimated Costs:
- AED 3,000 to AED 7,000
Advantages:
- Fast (2–7 days)
- Door-to-door available
- Carnet de Passage use
Drawbacks:
- Border delays
- Limited to nearby countries
Best For:
- GCC residents, regional tourism, exporters
June–September is peak time for air freight to Europe. Benefits include:
- Avoid high car rental costs
- Convenience and comfort
- Drive across Europe freely
Temporary Import Tips:
- Carnet de Passage needed
- Return within 6 months
- Toll and insurance prep
| Feature/Criteria | Air Freight | Sea Freight | Land Freight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 1–5 days | 25–45 days | 2–10 days |
| Cost | High | Low–Medium | Low |
| Ideal For | Luxury, tourism | Relocation | GCC residents |
| Destinations | EU, US | Global | GCC, Levant |
| Handling | Premium | Standard | Standard |
| Documentation | Carnet/Export Certificate | Carnet/Export Certificate | Carnet/Export Certificate |
Choose:
- Air Freight for speed and luxury
- Sea Freight for budget relocations
- Land Freight for regional convenience
Freight My Car provides end-to-end support across all modes. Whether shipping to Europe, the US, or GCC, we ensure safe, efficient, and affordable solutions.
📞 Get in touch with Freight My Car for a free consultation and personalized quote.
