Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Indianapolis, Indiana to Mumbai

Yes, an NRI can import a car to India under certain conditions. The car must be new or used (not older than three years) and comply with Indian regulations. Import duties and homologation requirements apply before registration with the RTO.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, the cost difference shrinks, and shipping can become comparable or even cheaper once you factor in gas, lodging, food, wear-and-tear, and your time, making the decision depend on distance, vehicle, your schedule, and budget. Driving saves money on carrier fees but adds wear on your car, while shipping costs more upfront but saves time, fuel, and stress.

The cheapest way to ship a car is typically open transport, using a multi-car carrier, booking in advance (2+ weeks), being flexible with dates (avoiding summer/holidays), choosing terminal-to-terminal service if possible, and getting quotes from several reputable companies to compare prices. For maximum savings, aim for the off-season (Jan-Mar), use major transport hubs if in a remote area, and avoid last-minute bookings.