Car transport to Switzerland: cost per km, providers and process
In short: transporting a car from Germany to Switzerland typically costs 600–1'200 CHF, depending on the distance and the vehicle. You can choose an open transporter (the standard), an enclosed transport (for premium and collector cars) or drive the car over yourself on German export plates. Finsler Customs arranges transport and customs clearance in one single step.
Rates as at July 2026: automobile tax 4 %, Swiss VAT 8.1 %
The three types of transport compared
| Option | Cost (typical) | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Open car transporter | 600–900 CHF | The standard – most vehicles |
| Enclosed transport | 1'000–1'800 CHF | Premium, sports and collector cars |
| Driving it over under its own power | Export plates plus fuel (approx. 300–500 CHF) | Short distances, roadworthy vehicles |
What transport by Finsler Customs includes
- Collection from the German dealer or private seller, including a handover report with photographs
- Transport insurance for the whole journey
- Border formalities at the Thayngen crossing – transport and customs clearance in a single step
- Delivery to the MFK test centre (MFK, Motorfahrzeugkontrolle, is the Swiss roadworthiness inspection) or straight to the address of your choice
How long does transport take?
From the moment you place the order, usually 3–7 working days, depending on the collection region: southern Germany mostly within 3 days, northern Germany up to a week. Express collection is available for a surcharge.
Frequently asked questions
What does car transport from Germany to Switzerland cost?
Depending on the route and the type of transport, between CHF 450.– (open transport from southern Germany) and CHF 1'500.– (enclosed transport from northern Germany). A shared load from Munich to Zurich comes to around CHF 600.–.
Open or enclosed transport — which is better?
For an ordinary car the open transporter is enough: cheaper, quicker to book, and the insurance cover is the same. Enclosed transport pays off for classics, sports cars and high-value new vehicles.
How long does transport from Germany to Switzerland take?
Shared loads 5–10 working days, dedicated single transports 1–3 working days, plus one working day for customs clearance at the border. As a rule the car is ready to use within 7–14 days.
Is the vehicle insured during transport?
Yes — reputable hauliers carry CMR transport insurance covering the vehicle at its replacement value. What matters is a handover report with photographs, both at collection and on delivery.
Figures and deadlines at a glance
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Inspection report, Form. 13.20 A | CHF 20 |
| Automobile tax / import VAT | 4 % / 8.1 % |
| Import duty since 1 January 2024 | CHF 0 |
| German export plates | Valid from 15 days up to 12 months |
| Typical time for purchase and transport | 1 to 8 days |
| Thayngen–Bietingen customs office | About 1 km from our premises |
Sources and legal basis
The information on this page is based on the official publications listed below. In every case it is the wording of the legislation in force that is decisive.
- Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) – Importing vehicles into Switzerland
- FOCBS – Customs declaration and taxes on vehicle imports
- Automobile Tax Act (AStG, SR 641.51)
- Swiss VAT Act (MWSTG, SR 641.20)
Further information
- Car import calculator – work out duty, automobile tax, VAT and CO2
- Have a car imported for you – full service from the search to registration
- All services – import, customs, sourcing, paperwork, advice
- Guide – seventeen articles on importing a vehicle
- CO2 calculator – work out the penalty using the formula of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE)
- Transport calculator – guide price for delivery within Switzerland
- Thayngen customs office – opening hours, directions and procedure
- Importing in the canton of Schaffhausen – customs, MFK and registration on the spot
- For German dealers – selling vehicles to Swiss buyers
- About Finsler Customs – the company, our location and how we work
- Contact and advice