How Much Does Car Transport Cost in the UK? (2026 Price & Value Guide)
Are you looking for a reliable quote to move your vehicle? Whether you’ve just bought a car online, are moving house, or need to transport a luxury vehicle across the country, understanding the costs involved is essential.
In short, UK vehicle transport prices typically vary between £1.00 and £4.00 per mile. However, the final quote depends on several specific variables.
Average Cost Per Mile for Vehicle Delivery
The price per mile actually decreases as the journey distance increases. This is because "fixed costs" like loading time and admin are spread over more miles.
Short Distances (<50 miles): Expect to pay between £2.50 and £4.00 per mile.
Minimum Call-Out Fees: Most professional logistics companies have a minimum charge of around £80. This covers the driver’s time and fuel for even the shortest city-centre trips.
Long-Distance Transport: For a journey like London to Manchester, the price per mile usually drops to between £1.20 and £1.75 (using an open trailer).
Open vs. Enclosed Car Transport: What’s the Difference?
The type of trailer you choose is one of the biggest factors in the price.
Open Transport: Our most popular and cost-effective service.
Enclosed Transport: For classic, luxury, or high-value cars, enclosed transport provides 100% protection from the elements and road debris. Due to the specialised equipment and lower capacity, you can expect pricing to increase by 50–100%.
Four Key Factors That Influence Your Quote
Not every mile is the same. When we calculate your bespoke quote at Panacea Logistics, we look at the following:
Journey Distance and Location
A route is more than just a number of miles. A route through the M25 or central London will increase fuel consumption and driver time due to traffic and idling. Similarly, hilly routes with significant peaks and troughs require more fuel than flat motorway driving.
Vehicle Size and Weight
Weight is a major factor in fuel economy. As modern vehicles—particularly Electric Vehicles (EVs) and SUVs—are significantly heavier than standard saloons or hatchbacks, they may incur a higher transport cost.
Vehicle Condition (Runners vs. Non-Runners)
If a vehicle is a "non-runner," it requires a driver to manually winch the car onto the trailer. If the vehicle is in an awkwardly tight spot or has locked wheels, this can add 30 to 60 minutes of labor to the job, which will be reflected in the quote.
Location & Low Emission Zones
Transporting a car within a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) or the London ULEZ can impact the cost as the transporter must pay daily entry fees.
Get a Bespoke Quote from Panacea Logistics
At Panacea Logistics, we don't believe in "one size fits all" pricing. We provide transparent, competitive, and professional vehicle transport tailored to your specific needs.
Ready to get started? Fill out our online quote form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly with a bespoke price for your vehicle delivery.