Shipping a car from the Port of Douglas to the UK
Cars from the Isle of Man cross by ferry from Douglas to Heysham. We arrange the crossing and the road legs either side, and clear the car through customs when it lands.
About the Port of Douglas
Douglas Harbour is the Isle of Man's main commercial port. Ferries leave from the Sea Terminal at the north-east end of the harbour, and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company runs a year-round vehicle and passenger service from Douglas to Heysham in Lancashire. Car passengers check in at the vehicle booths at the port entrance.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, steam-packet.com, steam-packet.com
Crossing from Douglas
We can collect from your address anywhere in the Isle of Man and bring it over by road. Or, if you would rather drive it over yourself, we can clear it through UK customs once you land.
The route to the UK
The crossing runs from Douglas to Heysham. From there the car comes by road to our site in Castle Donington, near Derby, where we handle customs and, if you want UK plates, testing and registration.
Paperwork and tax
You will usually need the car’s registration papers, proof of ownership such as a purchase invoice, and your passport. Our guide to the documents you need has the full list.
A car bought in the Isle of Man usually pays 20% import VAT when it lands, and no duty if it was built in the EU or UK. If you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad and have owned the car for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax free.
Want a rough idea now? Try the import tax calculator, or read how to bring your car tax free if you are moving here.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to ship a car from Douglas to the UK?
Usually 1 to 4 weeks, as a guide. Sailing dates, customs checks and how busy the route is all play a part, so your quote will give you a firmer estimate.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Douglas?
We price every car from the Isle of Man individually. Ask for a quote and a person on our team will price your actual route.
Do I have to take the car to Douglas myself?
No. We can collect from your address in the Isle of Man and bring the car over, or you can drive it across yourself and we will clear it through UK customs once you land.
Where does the car arrive in the UK?
The ferry lands at Heysham. From there the car comes by road to our site in Castle Donington, or straight to you once customs is cleared.
Can you register the car once it is here?
Yes. Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so testing and registration happen on the same site. Our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register imported cars within 10 working days.
Shipping from Douglas?
Where it is, what it is and when you need it here. We will come back with a price for the whole job, not just the boat.
Rather talk it through? Call 01332 810442
