How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Car Interstate in Australia?
By HaulMatch · Updated 6 June 2026
Moving a car between states is almost always cheaper than driving it yourself once you account for fuel, accommodation, wear and your own time. But the price varies a lot depending on the route, the vehicle and how you ship it.
Here's how interstate car transport is priced in Australia, and the levers that get you a better deal.
What drives the price
Distance is the biggest factor — longer lanes cost more in total but often less per kilometre. The vehicle's size matters too: a dual-cab ute or large 4WD takes more space than a hatchback.
Open transport (the standard, economical option) is cheaper than enclosed transport, which shields prestige, classic or low-clearance cars. Whether the car runs also matters — non-runners need a winch and extra handling.
How to get a cheaper car transport quote
Be flexible on timing so your car can ride as a backload on a carrier's return trip — that's typically the cheapest option. Use depot-to-depot pickup where you can, and compare several quotes rather than taking the first.
Posting your car on HaulMatch puts it in front of carriers with visible verification status who already run your route, so you can compare open and enclosed prices side by side.
Frequently asked questions
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