Car transport cost calculator Switzerland
Short answer: The car transport calculator works out the guide price for moving a vehicle within Switzerland along the route actually driven. The cost is made up of a per-kilometre rate, driving time and expenses, subject to a minimum flat rate of CHF 300. Typical routes come to between CHF 300 and CHF 900.
Rates as at July 2026: automobile tax 4 %, Swiss VAT 8.1 %
What the price is made up of
| Component | How it is calculated |
|---|---|
| Per-kilometre rate | Based on the route actually driven, not on the straight-line distance |
| Driving time | Hourly rate for the outward and the return journey |
| Expenses | Staggered according to the length of the trip |
| Minimum flat rate | CHF 300 – covers the journey to the pick-up point, loading, securing, unloading and insurance |
Guide prices for typical routes
| Route | Approximate distance | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Thayngen – Zurich | 50 km | from CHF 300 |
| Thayngen – Bern | 160 km | CHF 400–550 |
| Thayngen – Lausanne | 270 km | CHF 600–750 |
| Thayngen – Lugano | 300 km | CHF 650–900 |
These figures are guide prices for an open transporter. A closed transport – the usual choice for classic cars and high-value vehicles – costs considerably more.
Transport from Germany
A transport starting at a German dealer is a different matter from a journey within Switzerland: customs clearance, 4 % automobile tax and 8.1 % import VAT are added on top. That full calculation is handled by the car import calculator. What a transport costs in principle, and what to watch for on the insurance side, is explained on the Car transport Switzerland page.
Frequently asked questions
What does a car transport within Switzerland cost?
Depending on the route, CHF 300–900: the per-kilometre rate plus driving time plus any expenses, subject to a minimum flat rate of CHF 300.–. The calculator works out the guide price for your specific route automatically.
Is there a minimum price for car transport?
Yes, CHF 300.–. Even short distances involve fixed costs: the journey to the pick-up point, loading, securing the vehicle, unloading and insurance.
What does a car transport from Germany to Switzerland cost?
A transport from Germany is an import: on top of the transport itself come customs clearance, 4 % automobile tax and 8.1 % VAT. The car import calculator works out all costs, transport included.
Is the vehicle insured during transport?
Yes — professional vehicle transports are covered by the carrier's transport insurance, including a handover report both at collection and at delivery.
Sources and legal basis
The information on this page is based on the official publications listed below. What always governs is the wording of the legislation in force.
- FOCBS – Importing vehicles into Switzerland
- FOCBS – Customs declaration and taxes on vehicle imports
- Automobile Tax Act (AStG, SR 641.51)
- Value Added Tax Act (MWSTG, SR 641.20)
- FTA – Value added tax
Further information
- Car import calculator – work out customs duty, automobile tax, VAT and CO2
- Have a car imported – full service from the search through to registration
- All services – import, customs, vehicle sourcing, documents, advice
- Guide – seventeen articles on importing a vehicle
- CO2 calculator – work out the penalty using the SFOE formula
- Transport calculator – guide price for delivery within Switzerland
- Thayngen customs office – opening hours, directions and procedure
- Importing in the canton of Schaffhausen – customs, MFK (the Swiss roadworthiness test) and registration on the spot
- For German dealers – selling vehicles to Swiss buyers
- About Finsler Customs – the company, where we are and how we work
- Contact and advice