Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Santa Ana, California to Rotterdam

The average price to ship a car from USA to Netherlands ranges from $1150 to $2850, and the duties to import a car to Netherlands from the United States are 11% duty + 21% VAT of the value of the vehicle + $1500 for local charges in Netherlands.

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.

If you move to the Netherlands and bring your car with you as a so-called 'moving article,' you can keep your registration plates for 6 months. After that, you have to apply for Dutch vehicle registration at the RDW. Your vehicle must be approved by the RDW. This requires a physical inspection.