Shipping a car from Dublin Port to the UK
Cars from Ireland cross by ferry from Dublin to Holyhead. We arrange the crossing and the road legs either side, and clear the car through customs when it lands.
About Dublin Port
Dublin Port lies on both banks of the River Liffey out to its mouth and is operated by the state-owned Dublin Port Company. Irish Ferries and Stena Line both sail from Dublin Port to Holyhead in Wales, taking cars as well as foot passengers.
Sources: dublinport.ie, stenaline.co.uk, en.wikipedia.org
Crossing from Dublin
We can collect from your address anywhere in Ireland and bring it over by road. Or, if you would rather drive it over yourself, we can clear it through UK customs once you land.
The route to the UK
The crossing runs from Dublin to Holyhead. From there the car comes by road to our site in Castle Donington, near Derby, where we handle customs and, if you want UK plates, testing and registration.
Paperwork and tax
You will usually need the car’s registration papers, proof of ownership such as a purchase invoice, and your passport. Our guide to the documents you need has the full list.
A car bought in Ireland usually pays 20% import VAT when it lands, and no duty if it was built in the EU or UK. If you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad and have owned the car for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax free.
Want a rough idea now? Try the import tax calculator, or read how to bring your car tax free if you are moving here.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to ship a car from Dublin to the UK?
Usually 1 to 4 weeks, as a guide. Sailing dates, customs checks and how busy the route is all play a part, so your quote will give you a firmer estimate.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Dublin?
We price every car from Ireland individually. Ask for a quote and a person on our team will price your actual route.
Do I have to take the car to Dublin myself?
No. We can collect from your address in Ireland and bring the car over, or you can drive it across yourself and we will clear it through UK customs once you land.
Where does the car arrive in the UK?
The ferry lands at Holyhead. From there the car comes by road to our site in Castle Donington, or straight to you once customs is cleared.
Can you register the car once it is here?
Yes. Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so testing and registration happen on the same site. Our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register imported cars within 10 working days.
Shipping from Dublin?
Where it is, what it is and when you need it here. We will come back with a price for the whole job, not just the boat.
Rather talk it through? Call 01332 810442
