Car transport to Switzerland: cost per km, providers and procedure
Short answer: transporting a car from Germany to Switzerland typically costs CHF 600–1'200, depending on the distance and the vehicle. You can choose an open transporter (the standard option), 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 a single step.
Rates as at July 2026: automobile tax 4 %, Swiss VAT 8.1 %
The three types of transport compared
| Option | Typical cost | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Open car transporter | 600–900 CHF | Standard – most vehicles |
| Enclosed transport | 1'000–1'800 CHF | Premium, sports and collector cars |
| Driving it over on its own wheels | Export plates plus fuel (approx. 300–500 CHF) | Short distances, roadworthy vehicles |
What the Finsler Customs transport includes
- Collection from the German dealer or private seller, with a handover report and photographs
- Transport insurance for the whole journey
- Border clearance at the Thayngen crossing in the canton of Schaffhausen – transport and customs clearance in one step
- Delivery to the MFK test centre (MFK stands for Motorfahrzeugkontrolle, the Swiss roadworthiness inspection) or straight to the address of your choice
How long does the 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 costs around CHF 600.–.
Open or enclosed transport — which is better?
For a standard vehicle the open transporter is enough: cheaper, quicker to book, same insurance cover. Enclosed transport pays off for classics, sports cars and high-value new vehicles.
How long does transport from Germany to Switzerland take?
Shared transports 5–10 working days, individual transports 1–3 working days, plus one working day for customs clearance at the border. As a rule the vehicle is ready to use within 7–14 days.
Is the vehicle insured during transport?
Yes — reputable hauliers hold CMR transport insurance that covers 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 (the customs report the cantonal road traffic office requires) | 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 |
| Usual time needed 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. The wording of the legislation in force always prevails.
- FOCBS, the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security – importing vehicles into Switzerland
- FOCBS – customs declaration and taxes on a vehicle import
- Automobile Tax Act (AStG, SR 641.51)
- Value Added Tax Act (MWSTG, SR 641.20)
Further information
- Car import calculator – work out customs duty, automobile tax, VAT and CO2
- Have a car imported for you – full service from the search to the registration
- All services – import, customs, sourcing, documents, advice
- Guides – 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 and registration on the spot
- For German dealers – selling vehicles to Swiss buyers
- About Finsler Customs – the company, the location and how we work
- Contact and advice