- Car Shipping Austria
- Ship Your Car To Or From Austria
- Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Cost & Time Examples For Shipping A Car To Austria
- Popular Shipping Destinations
- Other Types Of Vehicles We Transport To Austria
- Required Documents For Shipping A Vehicle To Austria
- Within The European Union
- Outside The European Union
- Specifics For Importing From The United States
- Shipping Of Heavy Equipment & Oversized Cargo To Austria
- Overseas Shipping Options
- Other Services
- Related Information

Car Shipping Austria
Ship Your Car To Or From Austria
Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Having a car shipped to Austria usually costs from $2,500 to $4,500 (from the United States). Only a portion of that falls under actual shipping costs since there are also marine insurance, duties, and import taxes involved.
- It’s important to note that vehicles imports are taxed based on their assessed value in Austria, so luxury cars are will have a higher duty.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Austria
To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles to (California port) to Vienna | $350 | $3700 | 5+34 days |
Boston, MA to (New York port) to Vienna | $400 | $2600 | 5+21 days |
Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to Vienna | $450 | $3700 | 5+34 days |
Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to Vienna | $550 | $3700 | 6+34 days |
Charlotte, NC to (New York port) to Vienna | $575 | $2600 | 6+21 days |
Chicago, IL to (New York port) to Vienna | $675 | $2600 | 6+21 days |
Denver, CO to (California port) to Vienna | $775 | $3700 | 7+34 days |
Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Vienna | $800 | $2600 | 6+21 days |
Miami, FL to (New York port) to Vienna | $925 | $2600 | 7+21 days |
Dallas, TX to (California port) to Vienna | $1,025 | $3700 | 7+34 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
When importing a car into Austria, there are a few guidelines that will need to be followed in order to ensure the legality and safety of the vehicle. It is necessary to look at the laws and regulations in place for importing vehicles for personal use.

Popular Shipping Destinations
Other Types Of Vehicles We Transport To Austria
Get a Free, No Obligation to Buy, Auto Shipping Quote.
Get my free quote now or call us to do it for you:
Required Documents For Shipping A Vehicle To Austria
- Proof of insurance.
- Valid passport.
- Purchase invoice.
- Exit certificate.
- Local registration documents.

Within the European Union
When importing/exporting a car into Austria from another country associated with the European Union, you will not have to pay duties on that vehicle because the European Union acts as a customs community. You will need to purchase transfer license plates and a short-term insurance policy for the duration of your stay in Austria.
If you plan to live there permanently, you will need to comply with Austrian licensing laws. You will also need to produce the following documents:
- Proof of ownership and the bill of sale for your vehicle.
- All registration fees and the NOVA tax.
- A Certificate of Conformity that ensures the safety of the vehicle.
Outside the European Union
Austrian import/export regulations of vehicles from countries not affiliated with the EU are a little bit different. You will still need to produce documentation such as a proof of value for the car, a T1 consignment note, an import declaration, and in some cases, a proof of preferential origin to get a discounted customs rate.
However, in addition to the documents, you will also have to pay a duty in order to import it into Austria. A 10% duty on the value of the car, a 20% import turnover tax, and the standard consumption tax (NOVA) are all payable at the time of importation.
Note: For European countries not associated with the EU, the 10% value duty can be waived if preferential origin can be proven.
Specifics for Importing from the United States
In addition to the non-EU regulations, there are importation rules that are specific to the United States. For instance, before the car can be imported into Austria from the U.S., it will need to be converted to Austrian specifications. This process can be expensive and time-consuming. Austria has certain regulations for emissions, noise, lights, and other parts to the car that will need to be changed before moving the car from the U.S.
An additional road tax will also be administered depending on the amount of horsepower used by the vehicle. If it is less than 24 horsepower, though, the tax is exempt.
For more information regarding moving from the U.S. to Austria, please visit the Austrian Embassy website.
Process of registering a vehicle in Austria.
Shipping Of Heavy Equipment & Oversized Cargo To Austria
Need help shipping your oversized cargo to Austria? At A1 Auto Transport, we have the experience and access to state-of-the-art equipment to ship any type of heavy equipment overseas. Any cargo that cannot fit into a 40ft shipping container is usually considered oversized unless its weight surpasses its size greatly. Some examples of oversized cargo include…
- Farm Equipment
- Industrial Equipment
- Backhoes
- Forklifts
- Dump Trucks
- Large Trucks or Heavy Vehicles
- Cranes
- Engineering Equipment
- Agricultural Equipment and more…
Not only can we ensure a safe delivery, but we will make sure your cargo is approved for export and import. Complying with import policies is perhaps the most confusing and difficult part of the entire overseas shipping process, especially for those unfamiliar with foreign import laws. With our assistance everything will go along as planned without hindrance.
Overseas Shipping Options
There are several overseas shipping options depending on the heavy equipment or oversized cargo you’d like to have shipped over from the U.S. to Austria. Some of these options are less expensive than others. Below are the shipping options we offer to those transporting equipment overseas.
- Lift-On Lift-Off (LoLo) - This method of transport is mostly recommended to those shipping inoperable vehicles or crated heavy equipment. The oversized cargo is lifted with a crane and placed on the cargo ship. It is also removed from the ship in the same manner.
- Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) - This is the least expensive overseas transport method. However, not all seaports permit imports shipped with this method so ground transport might also be necessary. With this shipping service, the motorized vehicle or heavy equipment is rolled onto and off of the ship.
- Flat Rack - A flat rack is similar to the frame of a shipping container. However, the walls and ceiling are completely open and your equipment is secured to the rack itself. Since flat racks are typically the last to be loaded onto the ship, your equipment may be covered with shrink wrap for added protection from outside elements.
- Container Shipping - This approach isn't always feasible. A 40-foot container is typically too small to transport heavy machinery or unusually shaped products. Yet, you can still use this shipping technique if your equipment is quite heavy despite fitting into a 40ft container. There are four walls and a ceiling protecting your cargo, making this mode of transport safer than others.

Other Services
Related Information
- What should I know before shipping a car to Austria?
- Import laws to follow when shipping a car from the US to Austria
- Ship your car from the US to Austria with an overseas shipping service
- Import vehicle into USA from Austria
- Austria container shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite being a landlocked country, Austria’s primary ports include the Port of Vienna, Port of Krems, Port of Enns, and Port of Linz.
- The Port of Vienna is Austria’s largest port on the Danube River. The port reports approximately annual traffic of approximately 12 million tons of cargo. The port is a part of Wien Holding, a business owned by the City of Vienna.
- The Port of Krems is also located along the Danube and Krems River. The port is a medium-sized river port that is managed by Mierka.
- The Port of Enns is a multi-modal logistics hub and major locality for big seaports. It is one of the most modern transshipment infrastructures in Austria.
- The Port of Linz is a mid-sized port along the northern part of the Danube River. The city is also the third-largest city and the capital of Upper Austria.
Shipping to Austria, especially from the United States, can range in price from $2,500 to $4,500. Only a portion of these charges will fall under the actual shipping charges because there are additional charges, including marine insurance, duties, and the import taxes involved. The taxes imposed when importing a vehicle into Austria are assessed based on the vehicle’s value, meaning that a luxury vehicle will have a higher tax imposed on it when importing it.
When you ship your vehicle to Austria, you are required to provide the necessary documentation for the import. These are what you will be required to provide for importation:
- Proof of insurance for the vehicle
- A valid passport
- The purchase invoice for the car
- Exit certificate
- Local registration
Different factors are considered when shipping from within the European Union versus outside of it. If you are importing/exporting from within the European Union, you won’t be required to pay duties. You will have to transfer the license plates and insurance for the duration of your Austrian stay. If you plan on moving to Austria permanently from somewhere else in the European Union, you will need to:
- Provide proof of ownership for the vehicle and the bill of sale
- Pay all registration fees and the NOVA tax
- A Certificate of Conformity that verifies the safety of the vehicle
When importing a vehicle from outside of the European Union, the owner is required to produce the documentation that provides proof of the value, a T1 consignment note, an import declaration, and in some cases, proof of preferential origin to get a discounted customs rate. In addition to these documents, you will pay duty to import the vehicle into Austria. A 10% duty on the car’s value, 20% import turnover tax, and the standard consumption tax (NOVA) are payable at the time of importation.
A T1 consignment note or T1 shipping note is a customs document used in the cross-border movement of goods for transporting goods from one office to another. The T1 note is used to carry non-EU goods within the EU.
The T1 transit process is opened by customs at the time of departure. To create the document, the shipping details such as the name of the consignor or consignee, the number of packages, the total weight of the package, the number of seals, and so on are required by customs. The goods can be traced between the sender and recipient during the T1 transit process, ensuring the proper clearance of goods.
Even though the second most common vehicle shipped to Austria is the motorcycle, other items may need to be shipped to Austria – like heavy or oversized equipment. Many of the other types of equipment include:
- Farm Equipment
- Backhoes
- Dump Trucks
- Cranes
- Agricultural Equipment
- Industrial Equipment
- Forklifts
- Large Trucks or Heavy Vehicles
- Engineering Equipment
Using a shipping company for shipping to Austria, especially for heavy equipment, can make it possible for delivery to be done safely and comply with import regulations. Everything can go as planned from shipping a car to a motorcycle and any large equipment with our expertise.
There are different ways that vehicles can be shipped overseas. Some are more popular than others, but all of these can be accommodated for your shipment. These include lift-on/lift-off, roll-on/roll-off, flat rack, and container shipping.
- Lift-on/Lift-off (LoLo) – The LoLo method of transport is recommended for those who need to ship inoperable vehicles or heavy equipment that has been crated. Oversized cargo is lifted using a crane and placed on the ship; it will also be removed in the same manner at the destination port.
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) – One of the least expensive methods of overseas transport, RoRo requires driving the operable vehicle or heavy non-stationary machinery onto the ship for transport. Not all seaports will permit imports to be shipped by this method, so it may be necessary to have ground transport available.
- Flat Rack – A flat rack is similar to that of a shipping container, but its sides are open, and equipment is secure to the rack itself during shipping. Used mainly for large equipment, this shipping method may be covered with shrink wrap to help protect it from the outside elements.
- Container Shipment – A container is not always an option for shipping, but it is the most expensive and safest form of transport available for cars and other expensive equipment (that will fit into a 40-foot shipping container). Shipping containers provide coverage on all four sides, top, and bottom, shielding the contents from the elements and keeping it safe from possible theft on the open water.
There can be a lot of frustration when a shipment does not arrive on time. Even when planning ahead, there can still be delays when waiting for the shipment to arrive at its destination. What could be the cause of these problems?
- Weather is one of the top concerns when shipping overseas. There are some conditions in which a ship cannot navigate and must stay docked until it passes. These are also referred to as events of “force majeure,” which include weather, piracy, wars, fire, and other uncontrollable extraordinary events.
- The global pandemic did a number on the shipping community. Some carriers have had problems due to a lack of equipment and space restrictions, causing delays, resulting in delays at some major ports.
- Peak season can create increased traffic flow that makes it almost impossible for ports to calculate exactly how much traffic they are going to see during that season. Shipments that fall during holidays will also see delays.
- Port congestion and strikes also play a role, especially during peak season. There can be an overabundance of containers and other shipments through the ports that can make it hard for the port to keep up with. If the workers decide to strike, it can create delays of weeks or more.
- One of the more popular reasons for the serious delay – customs! Customs can create shipping delays; in most circumstances, it is because paperwork is missing. The shipment can be delayed indefinitely until it is rectified.
A customs broker is a professional who provides expert services – arranging the customs clearance during a shipment. In most circumstances, your shipping company will handle this as a part of the services that they provide. The main specialization of a customs broker is filling out paperwork and ensuring that all of the compliance rules are followed.
Brokers can be private individuals, entities, or corporations, but all brokers in the US are certified and accredited by the US Custom and Border Protection (CBP). The broker receives a fee for providing services to an importer by handling the required paperwork and bills for the CBP.
To ship internationally from the US, it is not necessary to have a customs broker, but it is recommended. Using a broker, or having a broker within your chosen shipping company, can help reduce the headache and stress associated with paperwork, duties, fees, and more when shipping to Austria.
A Bill of Lading is a legally binding document that is issued by a carrier to a shipper that describes the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being shipped. The Bill of Lading accompanies the shipment and acts as a contract between the carrier and shipper. When managed correctly, the Bill of Lading can be used to help prevent asset loss.
There are three primary functions for the Bill of Lading. First, it is a document and title to the goods described on the paperwork. Second, it is the receipt for the shipped goods. And finally, is the agreed terms and conditions for the shipment of said goods.
The information found on the Bill of Lading will include:
- Name and address of the consigner
- Name and address of the consignee
- Shipment date
- Quantity
- Exact weight
- Value
- Freight classification
- Whether it is hazardous
- The packaging
- Instructions for the carrier
- Tracking numbers
- More
Most Bill of Lading documents will have information about what the vehicle looked like at the time of pickup. When the vehicle is initially picked up from the owner, there will be documentation of any specific damage or identifiable scratches, dents, etc. The same type of inspection will be done at the time of pickup to ensure that no additional damage was sustained to the vehicle.

You will be able to drive your vehicle in Austria once you successfully import it and have it registered correctly. Some tips given by the Austrian government for new drivers in the country are:
Driver’s License: An international driver’s permit (IDP) is required for drivers in Austria. This can be purchased through AAA and is valid for a year. When driving abroad, you can carry the IDP and your state-issued license. The IDP serves as an official and internationally recognized translation of your license.
Road System: In the summer, driving conditions on Austrian roads and highways are considered great. Main roads are paved and kept in good shape, but it is best to expect snow on the roads in winter. From December to March, anyone driving on the Austrian roads should expect to see snow, especially in the mountain areas – snow chains are required when driving on the snow.
Traffic Regulations: Austria shares many of the same traffic regulations as the rest of the European Union countries. The speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph) on the freeways and 130 km/h (81 mph) on the highways (Autobahn). Residential and urban areas usually carry a speed limit of 50 km/h (31 mph) unless it is posted otherwise.
Driving Under the Influence: In Austria, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a severely punishable offense. It results in a minimum fine of € 360 (approx. $427.36) and the loss of your driver’s license. In Austria, the maximum blood-alcohol level is 0.05%. Any traffic accident that results in personal injury is required to notify the police immediately. Accidents that result in material damages are only required to be reported when the other party cannot be established.
Toll Roads: Since January 1997, it has become compulsory for all motor vehicles to carry a toll sticker on all Austrian highways. All cars, motorbikes, and camber vans up to 3.5 mpw (maximum permissible weight) must properly display a sticker when driving on the motorway or expressway. Most toll stickers come in time frames of one month, two months, or one year and can be purchased at one of over 6,000 outlets in Austria (or abroad). The police and customs officers are able to collect additional “toll evaded” fees in addition to the traditional fines for not having the proper stickers.