Car Shipping to Ireland
Shipping a car to Ireland is a well-trodden route, but it sits at the intersection of two things that trip people up: the practical logistics of moving a vehicle across water, and the Irish tax and registration rules that apply the moment it arrives. Flyto Relocation, established in 2018, arranges vehicle transport to Ireland as part of our European relocation service, coordinating ferry, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) and road-plus-ferry movements from our own hubs across Northern, Central and Southern Europe, and using vetted partners for overseas legs and specialist handling. We do not own ships or carriers; we plan the route, book the right method, and keep you informed from collection to delivery.
This guide walks through the shipping options, realistic costs, transit times, and — crucially — the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), NCT test and the post-Brexit customs distinction between cars from Great Britain and cars from the EU. Ireland drives on the left, so right-hand-drive cars are the norm, which matters when you decide whether importing your car is worthwhile at all.
How cars actually get to Ireland
Because Ireland is an island within Flyto’s core European operating area, most cars reach it by sea on a ferry, or by road across mainland Europe combined with a ferry crossing. The right choice depends on where the car starts.
Ferry and RoRo
For cars coming from continental Europe or Great Britain, the vehicle is typically driven or loaded onto a roll-on/roll-off ferry. This is fast, cost-effective and ideal for running vehicles. Common crossings serve Dublin and Rosslare from Britain, and direct continental routes (for example from France) let cars bypass Britain entirely — a route that has become far more popular since Brexit for reasons explained below.
Road plus ferry
A car in Central or Southern Europe is often moved by transporter (open or enclosed) to a departure port, then shipped across on a ferry. This protects the vehicle from added mileage and wear and is our usual approach for non-running, classic or high-value cars.
Container shipping and overseas moves
For cars arriving from outside Europe, or for valuable vehicles needing maximum protection, container shipping by sea is used — either sole-use or shared. This is arranged through vetted partners and takes longer, but the vehicle is fully enclosed and can be packed with belongings where regulations allow.
Transit times
- Great Britain to Ireland: the ferry crossing itself is a matter of hours; door-to-door typically a few days once collection and scheduling are included.
- Continental Europe to Ireland: generally around 3–10 days door-to-door depending on origin, route and whether direct continental ferries are used.
- Overseas (container by sea): several weeks, driven by sailing schedules, port handling and customs clearance.
What it costs
We never quote invented fixed prices, because the real figure depends on your specific route and vehicle. As a realistic guide to the market, short RoRo crossings from Britain often fall in the low-to-mid hundreds of euros for the shipping leg alone, while road-plus-ferry moves from continental Europe commonly run from several hundred up to four figures. Enclosed transport and overseas container shipping cost more. These are shipping estimates only and exclude Irish taxes on import.
The main cost drivers are:
- Distance and route — origin country and chosen ferry crossing.
- Method — RoRo and shared options are cheaper; enclosed and sole-use container cost more.
- Vehicle size and condition — larger, heavier or non-running vehicles cost more to handle.
- Season and timing — flexible dates usually secure better rates.
- Irish import taxes — VRT, and (for GB-origin cars) customs duty and VAT, which are separate from shipping and can dwarf the transport cost.
The big one: customs and VAT depend on where the car comes from
Since Brexit, the origin of your car changes the tax picture completely. This area is genuinely complex and the rules change, so treat the table below as an orientation and always confirm your exact liability with Irish Revenue before committing.
| Aspect | Car from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) | Car from the EU (or, in specific cases, Northern Ireland) |
|---|---|---|
| Customs duty | Generally applies at import (subject to origin/preference rules) | No customs duty on EU-origin cars in free circulation |
| Import VAT | Generally charged at import | Not charged again on EU cars already in free circulation |
| VRT | Applies — based on OMSP and CO₂ | Applies — based on OMSP and CO₂ |
| Paperwork | Customs declaration plus VRT and registration | VRT and registration (NI cases have specific conditions to verify) |
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The critical takeaway: a car bought and used in Great Britain now typically attracts customs duty and VAT on import into Ireland, which is why many buyers now source from the EU or use direct continental ferries. Cars from the EU that are in free circulation avoid that customs-and-VAT hit, but VRT still applies to virtually every imported car. Northern Ireland has its own specific treatment with conditions that must be checked case by case. Because eligibility, reliefs and proofs (such as evidence of prior status) are involved, Irish Revenue is the definitive source for your situation.
VRT, NCT and registration in Ireland
Once a car is imported it must be registered in Ireland, and this is where VRT comes in. Vehicle Registration Tax is calculated primarily on the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) of the vehicle and its CO₂ emissions, so cleaner, lower-value cars pay less. Key points to plan for:
- Strict deadlines: imported vehicles must be booked in for a VRT inspection and registered within short statutory time limits after arrival. Missing these can lead to penalties, so treat registration as urgent, not a “someday” task.
- VRT inspection: the vehicle is presented at an authorised centre, where details are verified and the VRT is assessed and paid.
- NCT roadworthiness test: depending on the vehicle’s age it must pass the National Car Test (NCT) to be roadworthy and stay legal on Irish roads.
- Registration and plates: after VRT is paid the car receives its Irish registration number, and you arrange Irish motor tax and insurance.
Because Ireland drives on the left, right-hand-drive cars from the UK fit naturally, whereas a left-hand-drive car from mainland Europe is legal but less convenient day to day — worth weighing before you ship.
Preparing the car for shipping
- Keep the fuel tank low (around a quarter) for RoRo and remove non-fitted personal items unless container shipping expressly allows them.
- Photograph the car from all angles and note existing damage before collection.
- Gather documents: proof of ownership and registration, purchase invoice, ID, and evidence of the car’s origin and prior tax status (vital for the customs/VRT assessment).
- Disable alarms, provide a spare key, and make sure the car is roadworthy if it will be driven on or off the ferry.
- Check that any outstanding finance is settled — cars under finance can be blocked from export.
Insurance
Vehicles in transit should be covered for their value against loss or damage during transport. We confirm the cover in place for each leg and explain any excess or exclusions before you book, so there are no surprises. Once the car is registered in Ireland you will need a separate Irish motor insurance policy to drive it.
How Flyto coordinates your move
Flyto arranges the whole chain: assessing the best route for your origin, booking the ferry, RoRo or container capacity, managing collection and delivery, and pointing you to the customs and VRT steps you must complete on arrival. We work from our own European hubs and use vetted partners where specialist handling or overseas sailings are involved. We arrange and coordinate transport — we are not a carrier — which means we can choose the right partner for each job rather than pushing you onto a single fixed service. You get one point of contact and a clear plan.
Ready to move your car to Ireland? Get a tailored quote and route plan from a Flyto advisor and we’ll map out the shipping, timings and the VRT and customs steps for your specific vehicle.