Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Rotterdam to Marseille

It's usually cheaper to drive your car than ship it, especially for shorter distances, as driving costs only cover gas, some food, and basic lodging; however, shipping becomes more appealing if your car's unreliable, you have a luxury vehicle, or you value your time and safety more than the extra expense of a professional service, with longer trips shrinking the cost gap.

Shipping a car by train is generally cheaper and more eco-friendly, especially for long distances on specific routes (like Amtrak's VA-FL Auto Train), but trucks offer nationwide coverage, faster service, door-to-door convenience, and are often the only option for most cross-country routes, balancing cost with flexibility. For most situations, trucks win on convenience, but trains are the cost-saver if you fit their limited routes and schedules, according to Ship a Car Direct and AmeriFreight Auto Transport.

The cheapest kind of international car shipping is a RORO vessel. This shipping method is often more affordable for shipping cars than containers or air freight. However, it also leaves your vehicle more susceptible to damage during transport to your final destination.