Shipping a car from St Helier Harbour to the UK
Cars from Jersey cross by ferry from St Helier to Portsmouth. We arrange the crossing and the road legs either side, and clear the car through customs when it lands.
About St Helier Harbour
St Helier is Jersey's main harbour, and the island's harbours are run by Ports of Jersey. Car and passenger ferries use the Elizabeth Terminal at Elizabeth Harbour. DFDS runs the ferry between Jersey and Portsmouth, which carries cars as well as foot passengers.
Crossing from St Helier
We can collect from your address anywhere in Jersey 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 St Helier to Portsmouth. 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 Jersey 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 St Helier 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 St Helier?
We price every car from Jersey individually. Ask for a quote and a person on our team will price your actual route.
Do I have to take the car to St Helier myself?
No. We can collect from your address in Jersey 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 Portsmouth. 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 St Helier?
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
