Car transport calculator: cost within Switzerland
By Anna Katharina Finsler, Managing Director, Finsler Customs GmbH · Last updated:
In short: 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 checked on 8 October 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 | Graded by 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.
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) (German text)
- Value Added Tax Act (MWSTG, SR 641.20)
- FTA – Value added tax
Frequently asked questions
What does car transport within Switzerland cost?
The price is made up of the kilometre rate, the driving time and any expenses — with a minimum flat rate of CHF 300. Short routes (e.g. Zurich–Lucerne) come to CHF 300–400, longer routes right across Switzerland to CHF 400–900. Our calculator works out the indicative price for your specific route automatically.
Is there a minimum price for car transport?
Yes, CHF 300. Even on very short routes there are fixed costs: the approach journey, loading, securing, unloading and insurance. The minimum flat rate covers this basic effort.
What does car transport from Germany to Switzerland cost?
A transport from Germany is an import: besides the transport there is customs clearance, 4 % automobile tax and 8.1 % VAT. Simply select Germany as the country — we take you straight to the import calculator, which works out every cost including transport.
Do you also transport vehicles to or from Austria?
Yes, on request. Transports to or from Austria are cross-border and include customs clearance (import or export). For those we draw up an individual quotation — select Austria as the country and send us your enquiry.
Open or enclosed transport — which is better?
For ordinary used cars, open transport is entirely sufficient and considerably cheaper. Enclosed transport is worth it for luxury-class new cars, classic cars and sports cars — it costs roughly twice as much.
Is the vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. Professional vehicle transports are covered by the carrier's transport insurance. One thing matters: a handover report with photos at collection and at delivery.
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Services
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- Customs clearance
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Calculators and tools
- Import calculator
- Swiss customs fees
- CO₂ calculator
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- Transport calculator
- Car transport to CH
- Check the Stammnummer
- FlexiMoto.ch
Location
Import by country of origin
- Importing a car from Germany into Switzerland
- Importing a car from Austria into Switzerland
- Import a car from France into Switzerland
- Import a car from Italy to Switzerland
- Import a car from the Netherlands into Switzerland
- Import a car from Belgium to Switzerland
- Importing a car from Luxembourg into Switzerland
- Importing a car from Czechia into Switzerland
- Importing a car from Poland into Switzerland
- Import a car from Sweden into Switzerland
- Import a car from Norway to Switzerland
Import by vehicle type
- Importing a passenger car into Switzerland
- Importing a motorcycle into Switzerland
- Importing a van up to 3.5 t into Switzerland
- Importing a motorhome into Switzerland
- Importing a caravan into Switzerland