Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky to Munich

The average cost to ship a car from the US to Germany is between $900 and $1300 plus applicable duty fees and taxes. Any car less than 30 years old will be subject to a 10% import duty and a 19% value-added tax (VAT) upon arrival in Germany, though these may be waived at the discretion of the customs official.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances (under 500 miles), but for long cross-country moves (over 1,000 miles), shipping can become comparable or even cheaper when factoring in your time, food, lodging, and significant vehicle wear-and-tear, making driving less cost-effective despite lower upfront gas costs. The decision balances direct fuel savings against the hidden costs and time commitment of a long drive, with shipping offering convenience and preserving your car's mileage and condition.

The cheapest way to ship a car internationally is generally Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), where you drive your running vehicle onto a specialized ship and off at the destination, costing typically $900-$2500 but offering less protection and no personal items allowed. For more protection, container shipping (shared) is cheaper than sole use, while open transport is cheapest for domestic legs, but RoRo is the overall winner for budget overseas shipping. Comparing quotes from multiple online brokers like Shiply or uShip is crucial for finding the best rates.