Shipping a car from the Port of Reykjavík to the UK
Cars we ship from Iceland to the UK leave from the Port of Reykjavík. We collect the car, get it to the port, ship it and clear it through UK customs.
About the Port of Reykjavík
Reykjavík's main cargo port is Sundahöfn, run by Faxaflóahafnir, a company owned by the City of Reykjavík and neighbouring municipalities. Sundahöfn is Iceland's largest import port, and the country's two largest shipping companies, Eimskip and Samskip, have cargo areas and warehouses there.
Sources: faxafloahafnir.is, faxafloahafnir.is
Shipping from Reykjavík
We arrange collection from your address in Iceland and bring it to the UK by road or by sea, whichever works out best for your car.
Unless you pay for a container of your own, your car shares one with other customers’ cars, which keeps the price down. Not sure which suits your car? Our guide to container, RoRo or air goes through the differences.
The route to the UK
Cars from Iceland arrive at a UK port, usually in the south of England, and come by road to our site in Castle Donington, near Derby. Cars shipped in a container are unloaded at our own premises, away from busy port warehouses and long port waiting times.
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 from Iceland usually pays 20% import VAT plus 10% duty. Cars over 30 years old pay 5% VAT and no duty. And if you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad, with a car you have owned for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax and duty 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 Reykjavík 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 Reykjavík?
We price every car from Iceland individually. Ask for a quote and a person on our team will price your actual route.
Do I have to take the car to Reykjavík myself?
No. We collect from your address or dealer and truck the car to the port. If you would rather drop it at Reykjavík yourself, tell us on the quote form.
Will my car definitely ship from Reykjavík?
Usually it ships from the nearest main port to where it is collected. The shipping line confirms the port and the sailing when we book, and your quote will say which port we are planning to use.
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 Reykjavík?
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
