By Anna Katharina Finsler, Managing Director, Finsler Customs GmbH · Last updated:
Car transport Germany–Switzerland: costs, providers and process
A forwarding agent typically charges CHF 450–800 (open) or CHF 1,100–1,800 (enclosed) to move a car from Germany to Switzerland, depending on distance. Finsler Customs drives the car over under its own power and charges by kilometre and driving time: about CHF 380 from Stuttgart, about CHF 630 from Munich. Transport and customs clearance happen in one step.
Rates checked on 8 October 2026: automobile tax 4 %, Swiss VAT 8.1 %
The three types of transport compared
| Option | Cost (typical) | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Open car transporter (forwarding agent) | CHF 450–800 | The standard – most vehicles |
| Enclosed transport (forwarding agent) | CHF 1,100–1,800 | Premium, sports and collector cars |
| Own power, driven by Finsler Customs | by km and driving time: about CHF 380 from Stuttgart, about CHF 630 from Munich | Roadworthy vehicles up to 350 kW |
| Driving it over yourself on export plates | export plate with liability insurance about EUR 130–190 + vehicle tax + the trip, possibly a second one | Short distances, plenty of your own time |
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.
The transport options in detail
Open transporter. Your car travels alone or with one or two others on a two-deck car transporter. Collection within 3–7 working days, then 1–3 days on the road, with the same CMR insurance cover as an enclosed trailer. The risk of stone chips or weather damage is minimal in practice. Guide price CHF 450–800 from southern Germany, more from the north.
Enclosed trailer. Suited to sports cars, classics and nearly new premium vehicles, with protection from weather, stone chips and curious eyes. Specialist carriers run fewer tours, so expect a wait of 7–14 working days. Guide price CHF 1,100–1,800.
Shared load. Your car joins five to eight others on a planned tour. Guide price CHF 500–900; delivery takes 5–10 working days depending on the tour plan and may involve reloading. Suitable when time does not matter.
Driven over by Finsler Customs. One of our drivers takes your car from the seller to Switzerland under its own power, on German dealer plates with insurance, or we bring it on a trailer. Collection is usually possible within 1–5 days. The price follows kilometres and driving time: about CHF 380 from Stuttgart, about CHF 630 from Munich. From collection to handover the vehicle has comprehensive cover, including theft, glass, game and natural hazard damage.
Driving it over yourself. You collect the car in person and arrange a German export plate: the registration office fee is about EUR 30–40, the plates about EUR 20–40. You also need third-party liability insurance, about EUR 80–90 for 15 days or about EUR 90–110 for a month; comprehensive cover costs more. German vehicle tax is due for at least one month. If an MFK test is needed, an appointment is rarely available within 15 days, so a month is usually the better choice; it costs little more. Add travel and fuel, and possibly a second trip if the clearance fails. Without valid export plates and insurance the vehicle can be seized at the border. Allow at least half a day for customs clearance and avoid Friday afternoons and Saturdays, when waiting times are longest.
Price comparison by route (guide prices 2026)
Guide prices for forwarding agents on common routes. For a transfer by Finsler Customs the import calculator shows the price for your route straight away, worked out from kilometres, travel time and expenses.
| Route | Open transporter | Enclosed transporter |
|---|---|---|
| Munich → Zurich | CHF 550–700 | CHF 1,100–1,400 |
| Stuttgart → Bern | CHF 600–800 | CHF 1,200–1,500 |
| Frankfurt → Basel | CHF 650–850 | CHF 1,250–1,550 |
| Hamburg → Zurich | CHF 900–1,200 | CHF 1,600–1,900 |
| Berlin → Geneva | CHF 1,000–1,300 | CHF 1,700–2,100 |
What to look for when choosing a carrier
- CMR insurance: compulsory for every commercial carrier, whether open, enclosed or shared load. Ask to see the certificate.
- Photo report at collection: reputable carriers document the condition of the car with photographs when they pick it up.
- A fixed price rather than a “from” price: hidden surcharges for remote addresses, weekend delivery or tolls are common.
- Notice 24 hours before delivery: standard with professional providers.
With a forwarding agent: collection on day 1–3, transport to Switzerland on day 4–7, customs clearance on day 7–8. If we drive the car over ourselves, the transport shrinks to 1–5 days and clearance takes place on the day of arrival. After customs clearance come registration and, where required, the MFK; without an MFK this usually takes a few days, with an MFK it depends on the appointment in the canton.
Figures and deadlines at a glance
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Inspection report, form 13.20 A | CHF 20, or CHF 5 if the declarant affixes the Stammnummer themselves |
| 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) (German text)
- Swiss VAT Act (MWSTG, SR 641.20)
Frequently asked questions
What does car transport from Germany to Switzerland cost?
A forwarding agent charges around CHF 450–800 (open) or CHF 1,100–1,800 (enclosed) for Germany to Switzerland, depending on distance, more from northern Germany. Finsler Customs drives the car over under its own power and charges by kilometre and driving time: about CHF 380 from Stuttgart, about CHF 630 from Munich. The import calculator shows the amount for your route.
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. Finsler Customs plans transport and customs clearance in one step. After customs clearance come registration and, where required, the MFK; without an MFK this usually takes a few days, with an MFK it depends on the appointment in the canton.
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.
Can I transfer the car myself?
Yes, on German export plates. You save the transport costs but have to organise the day of clearance and take out insurance, and in the worst case plan a second trip if the clearance fails. For new cars or long distances a carrier usually pays off.
Company
Services
- All services
- Vehicle import DE→CH
- Customs clearance
- Vehicle sourcing
- Document service
- Import advice
- Vehicle detailing
Calculators and tools
- Import calculator
- Swiss customs fees
- CO₂ calculator
- CO₂ penalty
- 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