Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from St. Louis, Missouri to Mumbai

Yes, shipping a car from the USA to India is permitted and commonly done through ocean freight. Vehicles typically depart from major U.S. ports like New York, Houston, or Los Angeles and arrive at ports such as Mumbai or Chennai. Transit time usually ranges 30–45 days.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances, but shipping can become comparable or even better for very long trips, especially when factoring in the hidden costs of driving like time off work, wear and tear, potential breakdowns, lodging, food, and tolls. Driving saves on direct shipping fees but adds indirect costs, while shipping costs more upfront but preserves your time and vehicle's condition, making the "cheaper" option depend heavily on your personal financial situation and priorities.

The cheapest way to ship a car is by using an open auto transport carrier, which exposes your vehicle to the elements but significantly cuts costs compared to enclosed shipping, especially when you book in advance, choose flexible pickup times, and compare quotes from reputable brokers like AmeriFreight, RoadRunner Auto Transport, and uShip. For very short moves, driving it yourself or renting a tow trailer might be cheaper, while booking off-peak (not summer) and using terminal-to-terminal service also lowers prices.