Car Shipping to Austria
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Austria is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Austria, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Austrian and EU regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Austria
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Austria – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Austria — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Austria – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 19%
Cost: $1,550–$7,000+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Bremerhaven, Hamburg (inland delivery to Vienna)
Import duty: 10%
Required inspection: §57a (“Pickerl”) roadworthiness test
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Austria
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Austria
Our local broker handles all Austrian customs paperwork, import turnover tax, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in Austria
Your vehicle undergoes the §57a inspection and type-approval check before registration and release.
Austria Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Austria starts around USD $1,550, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. As Austria is landlocked, vehicles enter through a Northern European port and are transported inland to Vienna or another Austrian city. The estimated transit time is 4–6 weeks, but this can also vary.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Bremerhaven (inland to Vienna) | $995 | $1,025 | $1,825 | |
US West Coast → Bremerhaven (inland to Vienna) | $1,650 | $1,600 | $3,050 |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Austrian Destination Ports
LogisticsAustria has no seaport, so vehicles are shipped to a nearby European entry port and then transported inland. Here are the entry ports we can ship to for onward delivery into Austria. Our agents can also arrange for shipment to an inland location in Austria or Europe, depending on your needs.
Ports Served in Austria
Bremerhaven (Germany)
Hamburg (Germany)
Rotterdam (Netherlands)
Antwerp (Belgium)
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Austrian government. Some of these fees could include:
Austrian Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty
Import turnover tax
(Einfuhrumsatzsteuer)
Standard consumption tax (Normverbrauchsabgabe or NoVA)
based on the vehicle’s CO₂ emissions/fuel consumption
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Technical inspection and type-approval fees
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Motor-related insurance
(third-party liability / Haftpflichtversicherung)
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing from a non-EU country, you can generally expect to pay a 10% customs duty on the value of the vehicle (purchase price plus delivery costs to the EU’s external border) and a 20% import turnover tax on the value free-to-destination (purchase price + delivery + customs duty). The NoVA standard consumption tax is assessed when the vehicle is licensed at the owner’s local tax office and depends on the vehicle’s fuel consumption and value.
Austria Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 10% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Preferential Origin Exemption | For vehicles imported from certain third countries (for example, Switzerland and Norway), no customs duty is assessed provided proof of preferential origin can be supplied (an EUR.1 movement certificate, or a declaration of origin on the invoice for consignments valued over EUR 6,000). |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles | Vehicles older than 20 years may qualify for classic or vintage status and could be subject to reduced taxes. Eligibility and relief should be confirmed with the customs office before shipping. |
US Citizen or Resident Relocating to Austria | If you are transferring your normal place of residence to Austria from outside the EU, your car may be imported duty- and tax-free as relocation goods, provided you have owned and used the vehicle for at least six months, have lived at your current residence for at least twelve months, and do not sell the vehicle within twelve months of relocating. You must apply for a Grundlagenbescheid at one of the main customs offices (e.g. Hauptzollamt Wien) before shipping the car. |
Returning EU Citizen | An EU citizen who was a resident in the USA for over a year and had registered their vehicle for over 6 months will be granted a one-time opportunity to import their car tax-free. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Austria.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Austria, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Austria.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with Austrian and EU emissions standards.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with EU safety standards. Before importing a used vehicle, check with the brand’s general agent in Austria or the provincial technical inspection centre whether an EU type-approval exists or whether a single or exceptional approval can be issued.
- If your vehicle does not conform to safety or emissions standards, it will need to undergo a homologation process, which will be an additional expense.
- Austria distinguishes between new and used vehicles for tax purposes: a vehicle is treated as new if it has covered less than 6,000 km or was first put into operation no more than six months before purchase.
- Your vehicle may be exempt from some requirements if it qualifies for classic/vintage status.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Austria:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Austrian authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Austria, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Import Declaration (form Za 58a) and T1 Consignment Note for non-EU imports
Proof of value
(invoice with payment confirmation or purchase agreement)
Proof of preferential origin (EUR.1 or declaration of origin)
if claiming a preferential duty rate
Duty, import turnover tax and NoVA assessment documents
Certificate of Conformity (COC)
for vehicle approval
Proof of registered address in Austria
§57a roadworthiness ("Pickerl") inspection documentation
required for registration
Proof of third-party liability insurance
(Haftpflichtversicherung)
Vehicle Registration in Austria (Zulassungsstelle)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Austria must be registered before they can be legally driven on public roads. As part of this process, the vehicle must be entered into the approval database and pass the Austrian §57a (“Pickerl”) roadworthiness inspection, which ensures it meets local safety and environmental standards.
If your vehicle requires any modifications or homologation to meet Austrian requirements, such as lighting adjustments or emissions compliance, these will need to be handled before registration. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic.
You’ll also need the vehicle title, proof of identity (identity card or passport), proof of third-party liability insurance, a tax confirmation document showing the relevant taxes have been paid, and a Certificate of Conformity. If the car is a company vehicle, an extract from the commercial register or a business license is also required. You will have 30 days after the vehicle arrives to register it in Austria.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Austria, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Austria Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Austria.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Austria?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is the NoVA tax?
NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe) is Austria’s standard consumption tax. It is assessed when the vehicle is first licensed in Austria and is calculated based on the vehicle’s CO₂ emissions/fuel consumption and value. It must be paid before the vehicle can be licensed for circulation, regardless of whether the vehicle is new or used.
Can I drive my car in Austria on foreign plates while registration is pending?
Generally, vehicles with foreign number plates may be used in Austria only for a limited period if the driver has their main residence in Austria. You should complete Austrian registration within the permitted time limit to avoid penalties — your agent can help you stay compliant.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.