
Car Shipping Budapest
The largest city and capital of Hungary is a pivotal point of trade, politics, culture and industry in the nation. If you are moving to Budapest to continue education, a returning citizen or are on a work permit, it can be an asset to have your vehicle shipped in from US for faster and ease of commuting.
To start with, the import process can be simplified if you have the valid Hungarian Residence Permit or the vehicle is owned by someone who has the permit. It can expedite the process considerably. However U.S-made vehicles might need to be modified as EU requirements before it is shipped from US.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Budapest
To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
Budapest to (New York port) to New York, NY | $275 | $2600 | 5+28 days |
Budapest to (California port) to Los Angeles | $350 | $3700 | 5+37 days |
Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to Budapest | $450 | $3700 | 5+37 days |
Budapest to (California port) to Portland, OR | $475 | $3700 | 6+37 days |
Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to Budapest | $550 | $3700 | 6+37 days |
Budapest to (New York port) to Columbus, OH | $550 | $2600 | 5+28 days |
Budapest to (New York port) to Charlotte, NC | $575 | $2600 | 6+28 days |
Chicago, IL to (New York port) to Budapest | $675 | $2600 | 6+28 days |
Miami, FL to (New York port) to Budapest | $925 | $2600 | 7+28 days |
Budapest to (California port) to Dallas, TX | $1,025 | $3700 | 7+37 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.
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Additionally, it always helps to ensure that you work with a trusted shipping service and that is where A1 Auto Transport service can fulfill the requirements. We have been shipping vehicles to EU for years and understand all aspects of the rules and regulations of Hungary. There are other regulations specified by Hungarian law, which includes:
- Vehicles have to be less than 4 years old.
- Vehicle can be imported duty-free, if it is equipped with a catalytic converter. However, you need to have a valid Hungarian Residence Permit.
- Older than 4 years vehicles that are shipped will have to pass emission and environment test. The cost to get it done is put on your bill and clearance might need technical modifications.
- Only after the custom duties are paid that you can apply for a Hungarian Registration number and now you can drive through EU with ease.
Important documents
As with international shipping, there are many documents that have to submitted when you expert your vehicle from US and when the vehicle enters the new port of destination. These documents include:

- Signed invoice of the vehicle.
- Proof of identification-passport, work/residence permit.
- Original registration papers and title deed of the car.
- Liability insurance to cover the Hungarian government and the shipping service.
- Bank guarantee (shipping service will assist in obtaining it)
- US driver's license.
Before exporting the vehicle from USA, you or A1 Auto Transport service will need to notify the US Customs and Border Protection about your intent. As Hungary is a landlocked country, your vehicle will be shipped to a port in Croatia and then transported by land to Budapest. Border checks will be done at the check posts and that is why it is important to have a set of document copies in the car.
For a smooth import of the vehicle, adherence to all requirements is essential. You have the option of shipping your vehicle by RORO or container shipping. You can contact the Embassy of Hungary for the latest changes in the laws on vehicle imports.