How Long Does It Take to Import a Car from the UK to Australia? | GVE London – Blog

If we’re talking about the distance from London to Sydney, the shortest route is approximately 16,993 km. That’s about 23 hours by flight, typically speaking. Now, say it’s not a traveller but a car making the journey from the UK to Australia—how long would that take?

We won’t make you read the whole blog for the answer: it’s eight weeks. However, the car shipping process is a complex one, and the timeline can vary. Let’s break it down a bit further in this blog post.

UK to Australia Car Shipping: What You Need to Know

First: Shipping Time Isn’t Just About Ocean Travel

So, first things first, you might assume the bulk of the wait is simply how long the ship takes to reach from point A to B. And yes, sure, that matters. Most vessels take around 36 to 51 days to travel from ports like Southampton to major Australian hubs like Sydney or Melbourne. However, what really eats up time is everything that happens before and after the ship sets sail.

The Start: Getting Import Approval

Before a single wheel rolls towards a port, you need permission from the Australian government. This is done through an Import Approval application. It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to be processed. And if the paperwork is incomplete, you’ll be waiting longer. No exceptions.

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

Now, depending on the value of your car, we recommend opting for the appropriate shipping method. If you’re shipping daily drivers, RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) might be sufficient. The car is driven onto a ship, strapped down, and rolled off at the other end. It’s fast and affordable.

However, if the cars are rare or expensive, the better and safer option is container shipping. It is the go-to option for luxury car export.

Transit Time: UK to Australia

Shipping companies based in the UK that specialise in exporting cars to Australia know the best routes. If you’re working with someone experienced, they’ll get your car on a ship with minimal delays. However, even the best routes will take 5 to 7 weeks, and of course, weather, port congestion, and mechanical issues can affect this.

Read Also: Top Challenges When Exporting Luxury Cars to Australia

Arrival in Australia: Still Not Done

Your car finally lands in Australia. All good now, right? Well, not just yet. Your car will go through a quarantine period. Australia is serious about biosecurity laws, which are among the strictest in the world. Considering their unique ecosystem, it’s no surprise.

Everything will be thoroughly inspected, and if any contaminants are found, they’ll be cleaned at your cost and with additional delays.

The car will also need to go through customs clearance. That process includes document checks, vehicle inspection, and calculating taxes. If your vehicle came from a supercar showroom or exceeds the luxury car tax threshold (AUD $76,950), expect to pay:

• 5% import duty
• 10% GST

Should You Use a Shipping Service?

For most people, the answer is yes, especially if you’re new to the car shipping process. Shipping a vehicle halfway across the world isn’t a weekend errand or a Sunday DIY project. The stakes are high and there’s a lot to manage.

A business that specialises in luxury car exports or regularly handles exports from the UK can manage the red tape, compliance, and inspections for you. That’s especially helpful when high-value vehicles are involved. That’s exactly what we do at GVE London, a supercar showroom located in West London.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a car into Australia from the UK isn’t just about loading it onto a boat. It’s a process and it takes time. But if you’re prepared and have the right people helping you, it’s completely manageable. Partnering with us makes the entire process easier. We take care of the logistics and paperwork for you and ensure your car reaches your doorstep in the best possible condition. We’re a supercar showroom that works with all things automotive, from sales and purchase to repairs and modifications. We also export our vehicles to buyers across the globe. Get in touch with us today to know more!