Car Transport Cost Australia 2025: Complete Price Guide
Everything you need to know about car transport costs across Australia, from local moves to interstate vehicle shipping.
Insurance is Essential
Never transport without insurance!While rare, damage can occur during transport. Ensure your transporter has comprehensive insurance coverage and understand liability limits.
Car Transport Costs at a Glance
- • Within 100km radius
- • Same day service available
- • Door-to-door pickup
- • Open carrier transport
- • Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane
- • 3-7 business days
- • Open or enclosed options
- • Terminal-to-terminal service
- • Perth-Sydney-Brisbane
- • 7-14 business days
- • Premium enclosed options
- • Full insurance coverage
Detailed Car Transport Pricing Breakdown
| Route | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier | Distance (km) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney - Melbourne | $800-$1200 | $1100-$1600 | 880km | 3-5 days |
| Brisbane - Sydney | $900-$1400 | $1200-$1800 | 920km | 3-6 days |
| Melbourne - Adelaide | $650-$950 | $850-$1300 | 730km | 2-4 days |
| Perth - Sydney | $1800-$2500 | $2300-$3200 | 3290km | 8-12 days |
| Darwin - Brisbane | $2200-$3000 | $2800-$3800 | 3420km | 10-14 days |
Factors Affecting Car Transport Costs
Distance & Route Factors
Vehicle & Service Factors
Car Transport Service Types
Service Features:
- • Multi-car trailer transport
- • Weather exposure
- • Most economical option
Typical Cost:
- • 30-40% cheaper than enclosed
- • Basic insurance included
- • 7-14 day delivery windows
💰Best For: Standard vehicles, budget-conscious moves
Service Features:
- • Full weather protection
- • Limited vehicle capacity
- • Premium service level
Typical Cost:
- • 30-40% more than open
- • Enhanced insurance coverage
- • Priority scheduling
💰Best For: Luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles
Service Features:
- • Expedited delivery
- • Direct route priority
- • Single-car carriers available
Typical Cost:
- • 50-100% premium pricing
- • Guaranteed timeframes
- • Door-to-door service
💰Best For: Time-sensitive relocations
Frequently Asked Questions
Car transport costs range from $400-$2500+ depending on distance and service type. Local transport within cities costs $400-$800, interstate routes like Sydney-Melbourne cost $800-$1600, while cross-country routes like Perth-Sydney cost $1500-$2500.
Open carrier transport is the cheapest option at $800-$1800 for interstate routes. It's 30-40% cheaper than enclosed transport. Terminal-to-terminal service is also cheaper than door-to-door pickup, saving $100-$200 on most routes.
Car transport typically costs $0.80-$2.20 per kilometre depending on distance and service type. Longer distances have lower per-km rates due to economies of scale, while short local moves may cost $2-3 per km due to minimum charges.
Interstate car transport takes 3-10 business days depending on the route and distance. Major east coast routes (Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane) take 3-5 days, while cross-country routes like Perth-Sydney take 7-10 days due to the vast distances involved.
Yes, reputable car carriers include basic insurance coverage in their rates. However, this may have limitations. For high-value or luxury vehicles, consider additional coverage through your own insurer or the carrier's premium insurance options.
Money-Saving Tips
- Choose open transport: Save 30-40% compared to enclosed carriers
- Terminal-to-terminal service: Save $100-$200 vs door-to-door
- Flexible timing: Avoid peak seasons and express service charges
- Compare multiple quotes: Prices vary 20-30% between carriers
- Book in advance: Last-minute bookings cost 15-25% more
- Licensed carriers only: Ensure proper insurance and credentials
- Read reviews carefully: Check recent customer experiences
- Understand insurance coverage: Know what's covered and limitations
- Prepare your vehicle: Clean and document condition beforehand
- Remove personal items: Carriers aren't liable for contents
Conclusion
Car transport costs in Australia vary significantly based on distance, service type, and vehicle specifications. While local transport starts at $400-$800, interstate and cross-country moves can cost $800-$2500. Open carrier transport offers the best value for most vehicles, while enclosed transport provides premium protection.
The key to getting good value is comparing quotes from multiple licensed carriers, understanding insurance coverage, and choosing the right service level for your needs. Book early and be flexible with timing to secure the best rates.
💡 Pro Tip: Always document your vehicle's condition with photos before pickup. This protects you in case of damage claims and ensures the carrier handles your vehicle appropriately.