Car Shipping in India: A Practical Guide

If you need to move a car from Delhi to Mumbai, export a sedan to Dubai, or simply relocate a family vehicle, the process can feel overwhelming. The good news is that India has a solid network of road, rail, sea and even air options that make shipping a car fairly straightforward—if you know where to start.

First, decide whether you want the vehicle to travel on a truck, a train, a container ship, or a cargo plane. Each method has its own price range, timing, and paperwork. Below we break down the main choices and give you the most useful tips to keep costs low and headaches at bay.

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

Road transport is the most common choice for intra‑India moves. Full‑truckload (FTL) services pick up your car at your doorstep and deliver it to the destination city, usually within 2‑5 days depending on distance. If you’re only shipping one vehicle, a shared‑truck option can shave off a lot of money because you only pay for the space you use.

Rail freight is a great alternative for longer hauls, especially between northern and southern hubs. Indian Railways offers dedicated container wagons for cars, and the rates are often 20‑30% cheaper than road. The drawback is you need to drop the car at the nearest rail yard and arrange a final road leg to the exact address.

Sea shipping comes into play when you’re exporting a car or moving it between coastal cities far apart, like Kolkata to Kochi. A 20‑foot container can hold one or two cars, and the cost varies with the port of loading. Major ports such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Vizag have regular services, and the transit time is typically 7‑14 days.

Air freight is the fastest but most expensive route. It’s useful for high‑value vehicles, urgent relocations, or when you need to meet strict customs deadlines. Major airports like Delhi’s IGI and Bangalore’s Kempegowda host cargo airlines that handle cars in special pallets.

Paperwork, Costs, and Tips

Whatever method you pick, paperwork is the same core set: original registration certificate, insurance copy, a copy of your ID, and a signed Letter of Authorization if you’re using a third‑party agent. For exports, you’ll also need a customs clearance form (DGFT) and a Bill of Lading from the shipping line.

Cost estimates (as of 2024) look roughly like this:

• Road (shared truck): INR 7,000‑12,000 per 1,500 km
• Road (FTL): INR 12,000‑18,000 for the same distance
• Rail: INR 5,000‑9,000 per 1,500 km
• Sea (container): INR 35,000‑55,000 for a 20‑ft container (including loading/unloading)
• Air: INR 150,000‑250,000 per vehicle, depending on weight and route

Here are three quick ways to keep the bill down:

1. Get multiple quotes. Online aggregators let you compare rates from 5‑10 providers in minutes.
2. Empty the fuel tank. Carriers charge based on weight, so a near‑empty tank saves a few hundred rupees.
3. Buy insurance wisely. Most companies include basic liability, but you may want full coverage for high‑value cars. Check if your personal auto policy already extends to transit.

Finally, when the vehicle arrives, inspect it in the presence of the driver or terminal staff. Note any scratches, dents or missing accessories on the delivery receipt. This protects you if you need to file a claim later.

Shipping a car in India doesn’t have to be a mystery. Pick the right transport mode, sort the essential documents, compare costs, and protect your ride with proper insurance. Follow these steps and you’ll have your vehicle where it needs to be—without surprises.