How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car from the USA to Europe?

The most common question from customers planning to import a car is how long the entire process takes. The short answer: from vehicle pickup to arrival in Hungary, plan for 5 to 9 weeks. The exact timeline depends on where the vehicle is in the USA, which shipping method you use, and how quickly each stage moves.

Timeline overview

This is an estimate. Each stage has variables that can compress or extend the total time.

Stage 1 — Inland pickup

After purchasing the vehicle, it is collected from the seller, dealer, or auction yard and transported to the US departure port. This takes 3 to 10 business days in most cases, depending on the vehicle's location. Vehicles in remote areas or those requiring special pickup equipment (for non-running cars) may take longer.

For auction vehicles: storage fees begin accumulating from the day of purchase or shortly after. Contact us immediately after winning a bid so collection can be arranged without delay.

Stage 2 — Port preparation and loading

At the departure port, the vehicle is prepared for export. This includes submitting the Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing, title verification, loading into the container, and booking space on a vessel. Container vessels on the main US–Europe lanes typically depart weekly or bi-weekly. If a vehicle misses a sailing, the next available departure may be one to two weeks away.

Stage 3 — Ocean transit

From East Coast USA ports — including Florida, New York/New Jersey, and others — to major European ports (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Bremerhaven), the ocean crossing takes approximately 14 to 21 days. Actual transit time depends on the carrier route and any intermediate port stops.

Stage 4 — European port clearance

After the container arrives at the destination port, it is unloaded, registered, and processed. For vehicles being imported to Hungary, EU customs clearance must be completed at this stage — submitting documentation, paying applicable duties and VAT, and releasing the vehicle from port. This typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Stage 5 — Onward transport to Hungary

After port clearance, the vehicle is transported by truck or car transporter from the European port to Hungary. From Rotterdam or Hamburg to Budapest, this is typically 2 to 5 business days.

What can cause delays?

Missing a vessel sailing

If documentation is incomplete or logistics are delayed, a vehicle may miss its booked sailing. The next available sailing on the same lane is often 1 to 2 weeks later. Complete documentation early to avoid this.

Title or documentation problems

Auction vehicles sometimes have title complications or holds placed by the auction. Resolving these can add days or weeks. Always verify the title status before purchasing.

Port congestion

Major European ports — particularly Rotterdam and Hamburg — periodically experience congestion that slows container release. This is unpredictable and outside anyone's control.

Hungarian customs processing

Processing time on the Hungarian side varies. Having all required paperwork prepared in advance and working with a qualified customs broker helps minimise delays at this stage.