Ship Car To The Bahamas

by Joe Webster

Last updated Mar, 10 2026

Shipping A Car To The Bahamas

Typical Hauling Prices – How Much Does It Cost?

Since the Bahamas are relatively close to the U.S., cars shipped from the East Coast can be very affordable to ship.
Costs generally start at $800 and go up to as much as $2,000 or more for larger vehicles and SUVs.

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Cost & Time Examples For Hauling A Vehicle

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Days
San Jose, CA to (California port) to Nassau	$200	$2600	5+15
New York, NY to (New York port) to Freeport	$275	$1700	5+8
Boston, MA to (New York port) to Nassau	$400	$1700	5+8
Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to Nassau	$450	$2600	5+15
Portland, OR to (California port) to Freeport	$475	$2600	6+15
Seattle, WA to (California port) to Nassau	$550	$3,600	6+15
Columbus, OH to (New York port) to Freeport	$550	$1700	5+8
Detroit, MI to (New York port) to Nassau	$575	$1700	6+8
Denver, CO to (California port) to Nassau	$775	$2600	7+15
Houston, TX to (New York port) to Freeport	$1,075	$1700	7+8

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

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

*Allow an additional 10 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.

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is a country comprising over 700 islands located in the southern Atlantic off of the southeast coast of Florida. It is a member of the British Commonwealth and recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as monarch.

This island nation boasts spectacular beaches, great fishing, and exciting eco-tourism opportunities and is a popular choice for destination weddings. If you fall in love with the Bahamas and decide to move there, here are some things you need to know about shipping a vehicle to this Caribbean nation.

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Other Types Of Vehicles We Transport To The Country

Motorcycles

Keep to the Left

They still drive on the left in this former British colony, so if you bring a car from a right-hand drive country, you must have the headlights adjusted to dip to the left instead of the right. Driving on the left takes some getting used to, but other traffic laws are similar to the United States or Canada. Be aware that traffic in the capital city of Nassau is very congested; however, if you are familiar with city driving and traffic slowdowns, you should be able to handle driving in the Bahamas.

RO/RO vs. Container

Your car will travel to the Bahamas on a cargo ship in one of two ways: Roll On/Roll Off (RO/RO) or in a shipping container. RO/RO means that your car is driven onto the ship and parked inside for the duration of the trip. It must be in working order, and you may not leave anything inside the car during transit. The car is simply driven off the ship after docking. Cars shipped in a container must be loaded and secured in a particular manner, and more work is involved in handling them. RO/RO is usually a little less expensive than shipping in a container.

Customs Duty and Stamp Tax

Exporting a car to the Bahamas can be expensive. When you ship a car to the Bahamas, you must pay duty on it according to its value.

less than $10,000 = 45%
$10,000 to $20,000 = 50%
more than $20,000 = 65%

You'll also have to pay a 7% stamp tax on top of the duty. Taxis and automobiles used in business or public transportation fleets are exempt from import duties. The exemption applies to brand-new or previously owned automobiles, except that the latter cannot be older than three years. You cannot resell the vehicle in the Bahamas after receiving a duty or tax exemption, and you must take it with you when you leave the nation.

Required Documents For Moving A Vehicle

Copy of sales invoice for recently purchased cars.
Proof of insurance.
Customs declaration form.
Vehicle title.
Passport.
Bill of lading.

As soon as the car enters the country, it must be taken to the Road Traffic Department for inspection, licensing, and registration. For this, you will need the documents listed above, as well as a Road Traffic Vehicle Information Form and a valid driver’s license. You may use your driver's license from your country of origin for up to three months, but after that time, you must apply for a Bahamian license. You will receive your registration and license disc that day.

The fee for the inspection is $35. The cost to register a vehicle depends upon its weight:

Less than 5,000 lbs. = BS$160.00
5,001 - 15,000 lbs. = BS$560.00
more than 15,000 lbs. = BS$760.00

Fees and taxes are subject to change, so double-checking the figures before you leave is a good idea.

Click here to learn more about the vehicle registration process in the Bahamas.

Relevant Statistics

Over 90% of vehicles shipped to The Bahamas arrive in perfect condition.
On average, it takes only seven days for a car to be shipped from the United States to The Bahamas.
More than 3,500 cars are transported to The Bahamas each year.
The cost of shipping a car to The Bahamas is approximately $1,500.
Car shipping companies guarantee a 98% on-time delivery rate when shipping cars to The Bahamas.

General Facts

Shipping a car to The Bahamas requires proper documentation, including proof of ownership and vehicle registration.
It is necessary to hire a reputable shipping company specializing in vehicle transportation.
The car must be prepared for shipping by removing personal belongings, cleaning it thoroughly, and disabling the alarm system.
Before shipping, it's essential to research the specific rules and regulations for importing vehicles into The Bahamas.
Customs duties and taxes may be applicable upon arrival, so it's essential to budget accordingly.

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What does it cost to ship a car to the Bahamas?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ship a car to the Bahamas from the United States?

To ship a car to the Bahamas, the vehicle is first transported to a U.S. port, commonly Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Jacksonville, then loaded onto a cargo vessel bound for Nassau or Freeport. Most shipments use roll-on/roll-off vessels or container shipping depending on the vehicle type. The process usually takes 7 to 14 days including port handling and customs clearance. Working with an experienced provider of international car shipping helps ensure documents, export filing, and scheduling are handled correctly.

What documents are required to ship a car to the Bahamas?

Shipping a car to the Bahamas usually requires the original vehicle title, a bill of sale or proof of ownership, a government-issued ID, and a completed export declaration filed with U.S. Customs. Some ports also require advance title submission at least 72 hours before departure. If the vehicle has a lien, written authorization from the lender is necessary. Import documentation may also be reviewed by Bahamian Customs before release at the destination port.

How much does it cost to ship a car to the Bahamas?

Shipping a standard vehicle to the Bahamas typically costs between 1,200 and 3,000 depending on the departure port, shipping method, and vehicle size. Cars shipped from Florida ports are usually the most affordable because the distance is short. Costs also vary based on container vs. roll-on shipping, insurance, port handling fees, and seasonal demand. Many shippers compare estimates using tools like a car shipping rates guide to understand pricing differences before booking.

Can I take my car to the Bahamas permanently?

Yes, you can take your car to the Bahamas permanently, but it must comply with the country's vehicle import rules. Imported vehicles are subject to customs duties, VAT, and environmental taxes that can reach 45 percent to 65 percent of the vehicle's value depending on engine size and age. You must also present the original vehicle title, bill of sale, and government identification. Many owners work with international transport companies that coordinate export clearance and delivery through international car shipping by sea.

How long does it take to ship a car from Florida to the Bahamas?

Shipping a car from Florida to the Bahamas is relatively fast because the distance is only about 180 to 300 miles depending on the destination island. Ocean transit usually takes 2 to 5 days, but the full process including port delivery, loading, export inspection, and customs clearance typically takes 7 to 12 days. Weather conditions in the Atlantic and seasonal shipping schedules can occasionally extend transit times slightly during hurricane season.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car to the Bahamas?

The cheapest way to ship a car to the Bahamas is typically roll-on/roll-off transport from a Florida port such as Miami or Palm Beach. This method allows the vehicle to be driven directly onto a cargo vessel, reducing loading costs compared with container shipping. Prices are lower because multiple vehicles are transported on the same ship. You can review typical pricing structures and vessel options in a guide covering RoRo shipping costs.