How long does it take?
Around 10 to 16 weeks, door to door. Here is where that time goes, and the parts of it you can actually influence.
It is usually the second question, right after “how much?”, and the honest answer is a range. Most of the job is a ship crossing half the world, and ships keep their own timetable. What happens either side of the crossing is ours to run, and that part moves quickly.
Where the weeks go
Add it up and you get 10 to 16 weeks. The crossing is most of it, and it is also the part with the most variation, which is why the range is as wide as it is.
Plan it from a date
Pick any date. It runs on this device and is not sent anywhere.
- Collected Choose a date
- Lands in the UK 6 to 10 weeks later
- On UK plates 10 to 16 weeks after collection
An estimate from our usual Australian timings, not a booking. Sailings, paperwork and parts can move it either way. Your quote gives the timing for your car.
What slows things down
- Finance still on the car. It should not be exported until the lender releases it or agrees in writing.
- Missing paperwork. A document chased from the other side of the world takes time.
- A Transfer of Residence application left late. Apply before the car ships.
- Sailing schedules. Vessel availability and routing can add or take away a week or two.
- Parts. If a car needs something for its test that is not on the shelf, we have to wait for it.
What keeps it moving
Many delays are avoidable, and the avoidable ones mostly start before the car is collected. Clear any finance, gather the documents, and apply for Transfer of Residence early if you are moving. Our checklist for before the car leaves covers the lot.
At this end, the things that usually cost time on an import are done under our own roof: unloading, customs, the workshop, the test lane and the DVLA application. Nothing has to wait for a slot at somebody else’s facility.
Planning around a move
If you are relocating, the car and you will travel on very different timetables. Even booked well ahead of your flight, expect the car some weeks after you land. You can follow it at every stage in your online portal, so you know when to expect it.
Once it is registered, you can collect it from us in Castle Donington, or we can deliver it anywhere in the UK.
Quick answers
How long does it take to import a car from Australia?
Around 10 to 16 weeks from collection in Australia to UK plates. Most of that is the crossing, which usually takes 6 to 10 weeks.
Can it be done faster?
The sea leg is what it is, but the time either side of it is mostly about paperwork. Having finance cleared, documents ready and any Transfer of Residence reference in hand before collection is the best way to keep things moving.
When should I book if I am moving to the UK?
Work back from when you want the car here. Even booked well ahead of your flight, expect it some weeks after you land, so plan for a while without it.