Ship Car To Puerto Rico | How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Puerto Rico?

Last updated Jan, 28 2026

Ship Car To Puerto Rico | How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Puerto Rico?

Shipping a vehicle to Puerto Rico typically costs between $1,700 and $3,500. Standard-sized cars that fit into a shipping container are generally more affordable to transport. Be sure to budget for these costs, as shipping fees can vary depending on the vehicle’s size and other factors.

Cost & Time Examples For Hauling a Car to the Island of Enchantment

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Days
New York, NY to (New York port) to Ponce	$275	$3,700	5+8
Los Angeles to (California port) to San Juan	$350	$3,300	5+17
Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to Porto Nuevo	$450	$3,300	5+17
Portland, OR to (California port) to Porto Nuevo	$475	$3,300	6+17
Seattle, WA to (California port) to San Juan	$550	$3,300	6+17
Columbus, OH to (New York port) to San Juan	$550	$3,700	5+8
Charlotte, NC to (New York port) to Porto Nuevo	$575	$3,700	6+8
Atlanta, GA to (New York port) to Ponce	$700	$3,700	6+8
Denver, CO to (California port) to San Juan	$775	$3,300	7+17
Houston, TX to (New York port) to Ponce	$1,075	$3,700	7+8

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

*Save ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.

*Allow an additional ten days to process the documents.

*Prices are for one 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.

*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.

Moving a car from the mainland U.S. to Puerto Rico is not without its logistical challenges, and we should know that we’ve been delivering vehicles to the Caribbean for more than 25 years. That doesn’t mean moving a car to Puerto Rico must be complicated or expensive. Regardless of the delivery timeframe or vehicle type, we have expert, affordable, and convenient auto-moving options available for anyone who needs a vehicle shipped.

Since Puerto Rico is an island or a collection of small islands, transporting a vehicle requires shipping by ocean liner or air freight. Transport by boat is far more common since it allows several cars to be moved simultaneously (and is more affordable!). In contrast, air freight is typically reserved for luxury, rare, antique, or high-value vehicles.

Unless you have easy access to a shipping port in the U.S., you will likely need a two-part auto move: from inland to a port and from a U.S. port to Puerto Rico, both of which we provide. Not only do we ship cars from the U.S. to Puerto Rico, but we also move cars to and from every state, so it’s no problem getting your vehicle from its current location to the closest available port and on to Puerto Rico!

Popular Shipping Destinations:

Bayamon	Caguas	Carolina	Guaynabo
Ponce	San Juan	Port of San Juan	Port of Ponce, Puerto Rico

Call us today at 1-800-518-8708 with any questions about the process, from pickup to documentation, taxes & delivery! For an instant price quote on shipping a car to Puerto Rico, fill out the easy online form at the top of the page!

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Professional Puerto Rican Auto Transport Services.

Transporting a vehicle to Puerto Rico requires the services of trained experts. Whether you are a dealer, rental agency, collector, or private owner, this is true. Auto imports and exports to and from Puerto Rico are subject to several limitations, and legislation is absent when transferring a vehicle within the United States.

For example, any cargo moving from the U.S. to Puerto Rico must travel by equipment and facilities that are U.S.-built, crewed, and owned. Duties do not apply since Puerto Rico is an unincorporated part of the U.S., but taxes are levied on auto imports (see the link below to calculate taxes).

Required Documents For Moving A Car To Puerto Rico.

Title—To ship a car from the mainland U.S. to Puerto Rico, you will need a copy of the title, front and back. A notarized letter from the lien holder (financial institution) is required if the vehicle is being leased.
Driver’s License—A copy of a valid driver’s license for the vehicle owner must be submitted before export. If the car is being delivered by someone else on the owner’s behalf, a notarized letter (in addition to the copy of the driver’s license) that authorizes transport must be included.
Vehicle Value - The import tax is based on the car's value, so an accurate appraisal is essential before an auto moves to Puerto Rico.
Bill of lading.
Purchase invoice.
EPA form.
Vehicle conformity proof.
Registration

To learn more about shipping a car to Puerto Rico, call us today at 1-800-518-8708 or get a free auto-moving quote using our online form at the top of the page!

Puerto Rico Auto Shipping Resources.

Ports in Puerto Rico - Listings and information about the major ports used for shipping goods and cargo in Puerto Rico, as well as information about each.

Vehicle Import Taxes—Find the excise tax on bringing a vehicle from the United States to Puerto Rico.

San Juan Travel Guide guides visitors and travelers in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It covers everything you need to know about the different neighborhoods, weather, and how to get around.

Other Services

Overseas Moving Services to Puerto Rico

Related Information & FAQs.

cargo vessel sails from the port to the sea

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car to Puerto Rico?

Shipping a car to Puerto Rico typically costs $1,200–$3,000. Pricing is driven by vehicle size, pickup location, port fees, and shipping method such as container or RoRo. Mainland port access in Florida or Texas lowers costs, while inland transport adds fees. Seasonal demand and fuel surcharges also affect totals. For cost structure details, see our international car shipping guide.

How long does it take to ship a car to Puerto Rico from the mainland U.S.?

Transit time usually ranges 7–14 days after port delivery. Mainland transport to ports like Jacksonville or Houston takes 1–5 days, followed by ocean transit of 5–9 days. Delays can occur due to customs processing, weather, or vessel schedules. Door-to-port timing is faster than door-to-door due to port coordination requirements.

Is shipping a car to Puerto Rico considered international shipping?

Yes. Although Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, vehicle transport is handled as international ocean shipping. Cars move by vessel under maritime regulations, with port inspections and documentation checks. Most shipments depart from Florida or Texas ports. Learn more about ocean methods on our international car shipping by sea page.

What documents are required to ship a car to Puerto Rico?

You need the vehicle title or lien authorization, government-issued ID, and a shipping authorization form. Leased or financed vehicles require lender approval. Because Puerto Rico follows U.S. customs rules, no import duty applies, but DOT and EPA compliance is still verified. Documentation accuracy prevents port delays and storage fees.

Can I ship a non-running or oversized vehicle to Puerto Rico?

Yes. Non-running, lifted, or oversized vehicles can be shipped, but they require special handling and higher port fees. Equipment like winches or forklifts may be needed for loading. These factors increase costs and may limit vessel availability. Accurate vehicle measurements and condition disclosure are essential for scheduling.

Should I ship my car or buy one in Puerto Rico instead?

Shipping makes sense if your vehicle has known history, low mileage, or modifications. Buying locally avoids shipping costs but limits selection and may involve higher resale prices. Compare total shipping expenses with replacement value using current rate benchmarks from our car shipping rates resource.