Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Austin, Texas to Beijing

Driving is almost always cheaper for short distances, but for long cross-country moves, the costs get closer, and shipping can become more appealing to save time, avoid wear-and-tear, and prevent breakdowns, especially considering hidden driving costs like lodging, food, tolls, and depreciation. Driving saves money on the car itself, but shipping saves your time, your car's miles, and your sanity on the road, making the "cheaper" choice dependent on your total budget, time, and the car's condition.

Eligibility to import a car into China Only holders of “Z” visas – permanent residence cards, can import a vehicle. Only legal residents are allowed to import a car. Among them, only those who have “foreign expert status” which is provided by the PSB (Public Security Bureau) and the visa departments can import a car.

Generally, shipping a car by train is cheaper than by truck, especially for long distances (over 500 miles) and major routes, due to its high capacity and efficiency, though trucks offer more flexibility and potentially faster door-to-door service. Train transport is often more affordable, potentially saving hundreds of dollars, while providing secure, enclosed transport and reducing your car's mileage and emissions.