How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Car in the UK?

A Complete Pricing Guide from Delivery Quote Compare

If you’re planning to transport a car, van, or motorbike within the UK, you’re probably wondering: how much will it cost to move my vehicle?
The truth is, car transport costs in the UK can vary significantly depending on a number of key factors.

At Delivery Quote Compare, we connect you with trusted transport providers nationwide — helping you compare quotes quickly and book with confidence. This guide breaks down what influences vehicle delivery prices so you can budget accurately and make the right choice.

🚗 1. Distance of Transport

Distance is one of the biggest pricing factors.

Short trips (e.g. within the same city) may have a higher cost per mile but a lower total fee.
Long-distance routes (e.g. London to Glasgow) often cost more overall but may offer better value per mile.
International transport, such as moving a car to/from Europe, adds costs like customs clearance and ferry fees.

🚦 Popular and well-travelled routes usually cost less, while remote or uncommon routes may increase the quote.

🚙 2. Type and Size of Vehicle

The vehicle’s size and weight directly impact how much space it takes up on a transporter.

Small cars – Cheapest to transport
SUVs, vans, 4x4s – Higher cost due to size and weight
Classic or luxury cars – May need enclosed transport or additional insurance
Modified vehicles – Can require special handling or loading equipment

🛻 3. Open vs Enclosed Transport

Your transport method affects both cost and protection.

Open transport – Standard, most affordable option (vehicle exposed to weather)
Enclosed transport – Higher cost, ideal for prestige/classic cars
Single-vehicle transport – Personalised service, but more expensive

If you’re moving a rare or high-value vehicle, enclosed shipping is worth the extra investment.

📍 4. Pickup and Delivery Locations

Where the vehicle is collected and dropped off makes a big difference.

Urban areas – Cheaper due to regular routes (e.g. London, Manchester, Birmingham)
Rural or remote areas – Higher costs due to extra mileage
Door-to-door – More convenient, slightly more expensive
Access issues – Low bridges, narrow roads, or height restrictions can require special arrangements

📆 5. Seasonal Demand

Car transport rates fluctuate throughout the year.

Summer – Higher demand = higher prices
Winter – Slower delivery due to weather, but sometimes lower demand
Holidays – Christmas and bank holidays may see price surges
End of tax year – Increased fleet movement from businesses

💡 Tip: Book during off-peak months to save money.

⛽ 6. Fuel Prices

Fuel costs are a major influence on delivery quotes.

Rising fuel prices lead to higher transport rates
Some companies include a fuel surcharge in your quote
Lower fuel prices don’t always guarantee lower delivery fees, but may help

⏱️ 7. Speed of Service

Faster delivery = higher cost.

Standard delivery – Cheaper, flexible pickup/delivery times
Express transport – Premium charge for guaranteed timeframes
Same-day or next-day service – Often available at a higher rate

If you’re flexible on timing, you’ll likely pay less.

🔧 8. Condition of the Vehicle

A car that doesn’t start or move normally costs more to transport.

Running vehicles – Easy to load = lower cost
Non-runners – Require winches, ramps, or forklifts
Damaged or low-clearance vehicles – May need extra handling

Make sure to note the condition when requesting a quote — it can affect pricing and preparation.

🛡️ 9. Insurance Coverage

All transporters on Delivery Quote Compare include basic insurance, but you can often upgrade for extra peace of mind, which would be up to the transport company to arrange.

Standard cover – Usually included
Extended cover – Recommended for high-value or prestige vehicles
Custom insurance – Available on request for classic or vintage cars

✅ Always ask to review the transporter’s insurance certificate and understand the policy limits.

🚚 10. Number of Vehicles

Moving more than one car? You might save money.

Single vehicle – Standard pricing
Multiple vehicles – Many transporters offer bulk or fleet discounts

If you’re a business or dealership, we can help you arrange multi-vehicle transport with preferred pricing.

🌟 11. Reputation of the Transport Company

Not all transporters offer the same service — and pricing often reflects that.

Well-reviewed companies – May charge slightly more, but offer better reliability, service, and communication
Cheaper options – Sometimes come with trade-offs: limited tracking, slower delivery, or poor customer support
Brokers vs direct carriers – Brokers can find deals, but may charge a fee. Carriers offer transparent pricing

🔍 On Delivery Quote Compare, you can view reviews, check ratings, and choose the right provider with confidence.

Final Thoughts

The cost of transporting a car in the UK depends on many moving parts — from vehicle size and distance to seasonal demand and service type.

With Delivery Quote Compare, you can skip the guesswork.
We help you get free, competitive quotes from trusted, reviewed UK transporters, all in one place.

👉 Get Your Free Car Transport Quote Today

Whether you’re moving a car across town or across the country, start with a free, no-obligation quote from Delivery Quote Compare.

🔗 Get a Quote Now

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💷 How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Car in the UK?