Ship a Car to Costa Rica: Complete Guide

Shipping a car from the USA to Costa Rica is a common route for personal, classic, and commercial vehicles. Whether relocating, selling, or importing a high-value vehicle, Costa Rica receives thousands of U.S. cars each year.

This guide covers shipping methods, costs, transit times, required documents, port options, and the full export and import process for transporting cars to Costa Rica.

1. What Cars Can Be Shipped?

Vehicles commonly shipped to Costa Rica include:

  • Sedans

  • SUVs

  • Pickup trucks

  • Minivans

  • Electric & hybrid vehicles

  • Luxury vehicles

  • Classic & collector cars

  • Commercial vehicles

Most U.S. vehicles meet Costa Rican import standards, provided they comply with local regulations.

2. Shipping Methods from the USA to Costa Rica

a. Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo)

Best for drivable cars.

Advantages:

  • Cost-effective

  • Fast loading/unloading

  • Secure lower decks

Ideal for vehicles that can be driven onto a ship.

Ship a car to Costa Rica

Ship a car to Costa Rica

b. Container Shipping (20ft or 40ft)

Used for high-value or multiple cars.

Advantages:

  • Fully enclosed protection from weather and theft

  • Safe for luxury or classic vehicles

  • Can include accessories or spare parts

c. Truck Transport

For vehicles being shipped to land border points or nearby ports.

Advantages:

  • Door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal

  • Fast and reliable for U.S.–Costa Rica land shipments

  • Reduced port handling

3. Ship a car to Costa Rica Shipping Costs 

Costs depend on:

  • Vehicle type and size

  • Shipping method (RoRo, container, or truck)

  • Departure location in the USA

  • Arrival port in Costa Rica

  • Optional insurance

Estimated price range: $1,200 – $4,000+, depending on vehicle type and shipping method.

4. Ship a car to Costa Rica Shipping Timelines

Estimated transit time from the USA to Costa Rica:

  • East Coast USA → Costa Rica: 7–15 days

  • Gulf Coast USA → Costa Rica: 10–18 days

  • West Coast USA → Costa Rica: 20–30 days

Total process including booking, loading, and customs: 2–4 weeks.

5. Departure Locations in the USA

Major U.S. ports for shipping cars to Costa Rica include:

  • Baltimore, MD

  • Savannah, GA

  • Jacksonville, FL

  • Houston, TX

  • Miami, FL

  • Los Angeles, CA

Truck shipments can depart from anywhere in the U.S., while RoRo and container shipments mainly use coastal ports.

📲 Message Us or Call Today
📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Office: +1 (678) 528-5794
🌐 www.alltransportdepot.com

6. Arrival Ports in Costa Rica

Major Costa Rican ports for car imports:

  • Port of Limón – Main commercial port

  • Port of Moín – Industrial & construction shipments

  • Regional handling facilities for specific deliveries

These ports support RoRo shipments, container deliveries, inspections, and customs processing.

7. Ship a car to Costa Rica Required Documents for Export & Import

Export Documents (USA):

  • Vehicle Title

  • Bill of Sale / Commercial Invoice

  • Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)

  • Power of Attorney (for your forwarder)

  • Copy of ID or passport

Import Documents (Costa Rica):

  • Customs Entry Form

  • Bill of Lading

  • Invoice / Purchase documentation

  • Vehicle Title & Registration

  • Proof of ownership

  • Import taxes & insurance

  • Emissions or safety compliance certificates (if required)

A licensed logistics provider ensures accurate paperwork and reduces delays.

8. Preparing Your Car for Shipping

To ensure safe and smooth shipment:

  • Clean the vehicle inside and outside

  • Remove personal belongings

  • Leave ¼ tank of fuel

  • Take detailed photos of the car’s condition

  • Disconnect alarms if needed

  • Ensure tires are properly inflated

  • Verify the car runs (for RoRo or truck transport)

Container shipments may allow spare parts or accessories to be included securely.

9. Ship a car to Costa Rica Import Duties & Taxes

Costa Rica applies:

  • Customs duties (varies by vehicle type)

  • Value Added Tax (VAT)

  • Port handling and inspection fees

  • Environmental compliance fees (if applicable)

A customs broker can provide exact charges before shipment.

10. Why Choose All Transport Depot for Car Shipping?

All Transport Depot offers:

  • Secure RoRo, container, and truck shipping

  • Smooth U.S.–Costa Rica customs documentation

  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

  • Real-time shipment tracking

  • Door-to-port and port-to-door delivery options

From sedans and SUVs to luxury vehicles, we handle every step professionally.

Final Thoughts

Shipping a car to Costa Rica from the USA is simple with the right logistics partner. With All Transport Depot, you get:

  • Safe and secure transport

  • Accurate documentation

  • Efficient customs clearance

  • Reliable delivery timelines

  • Competitive pricing

Your vehicle arrives in Costa Rica safely, professionally, and on schedule.

📲 Message Us or Call Today
📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Office: +1 (678) 528-5794
🌐 www.alltransportdepot.com

Mindy o