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Car transport from Perth to Sydney - Everything you need to know

An all-inclusive guide covering everything from prices, how long it takes, how to find the best transport provider and much more
By · March 29, 2024
Car transport from Perth to Sydney - Everything you need to know

Need to transport a car from Perth to Sydney?

Find and compare the best transport companies in Australia, helping you get an unbeatable price and a schedule that suits you.
9.8 · 892 reviews

This massive distance from Australia's West to East coast covers 4,000 km of road and over 40 hours of drive time. If you need to relocate or move belongings over this vast distance, a smart decision could be to enlist the help of a transport company. 

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to car transport from Perth to Sydney; it will cover everything from what it should cost, how to get the best price, how long it takes, the transport options available to you and much more. 

How much does it cost for car transport from Perth to Sydney?

The cost to transport a car from Perth to Sydney is $1,100 to $1,670, with an approximate time frame of 6 to 9 working days. The most significant influence on cost is on the delivery method; if you require a door-to-door delivery, which is the most convenient option, this is a higher price, or if you can drop off and pick up from a car carriers local depot, this can reduce the price by $350 to $550.

Below are the other factors that affect the price:

  • The car type and size (see full breakdown on vehicle types)
  • If the car is operational vs non-operational
  • If belongings will be in the car during transit
  • If the pick up and drop off locations are metro or regional
  • How quickly you need the car transported

Driving yourself vs using a transport company: Cost comparison

If you're relocating across the country, you may look at driving your vehicles yourself. However, it's important to factor in the time and cost involved. Below is a cost comparison for DIY vs using a professional car carrier.

Driving yourself Using a car carrier
$611 - based on current fuel prices $1,350 - actual quote including 'goods in vehicle'
$500 - 5x nights basic accom for two $500 - 2x people flight with Jetstar
$450 - food & car snacks
$40 - tolls
$1,621 total $1,850 total

Even on the most direct route, this journey would take 41 - 45 hours to drive, so if you're driving 10 hours a day (with regular breaks), it will take 4 to 5 days. It's also worth considering the 4,000 km and wear on the vehicle.

It's safe to say the potential saving of around $229 wouldn't be worth your sanity of 5 days behind the wheel.

How long does it take to transport a car from Perth to Sydney?

On average it takes 6 to 9 working days to transport a car from Perth to Sydney. When booking, you can specify an exact pick up or drop off date to ensure the move works on your schedule. Many interstate car transport providers can store vehicles both short and long-term, so if you're relocating and need some extra time, this option may suit you.

Alternatively, if you're short on time and need a speedy delivery, you can opt for express car transport; this option may increase the price, but you're vehicle will be treated as a 'priority' and will make it to its destination in the shortest time possible.

The final duration of the transport will vary depending on the carrier you choose and how frequently they drive the route. Other factors are unexpected weather conditions, traffic, road construction, and other unforeseen causes of delays. To make your car transport a stress-free experience, opt for a car carrier that provides vehicle tracking so that you get to check the updates on the movement of your car.

Choosing the best transport method

There are two main options when it comes to transport methods: the first is the most convenient and attracts a slightly higher price, and the second needs a bit more effort from you but could save you between $350 and $550. Let's jump into the options. 

Door-to-door

As the name suggests, this option means your vehicle is picked up directly from an address in Perth and dropped off at an address in Sydney. It's the most convenient and stress-free method to transport a car. If you're not ready to receive the vehicle when it arrives in Sydney, your transport provider can store it in the short term and then deliver when you're ready. 

Depot-to-depot

This method requires you to drop off and pick up your vehicle from the car carriers' depots in Perth and Sydney. The depots are often located in industrial areas on the outskirts of each city, usually a 20 to 30-minute drive from metro areas. The depot-to-depot option does involve more effort; however, it's a great way to save on costs and can save you up to $550.

Can I put belongings in the car?

If you're relocating from Perth to Sydney or moving more than just a vehicle, you should consider utilising the space in the car; this is known as 'goods in transit'. The good news is that most car carriers offer this option. However, many will charge a fee for doing so, which ranges from $120 to $250.

If you plan to fill your car with belongings, there are a few restricts to be aware of:

  • Goods cannot go above the bottom of the window height
  • Nothing can be put behind the driver's seat
  • Items should be packed or fixed down, nothing that can easily move around

Transferring the vehicle rego from WA to NSW 

For any cars entering and staying in NSW it's a legal requirment to tranfer the vehicle registration. It's a relatively straight forward process, however their are a few steps involved, these are:

  1. Purchase CTP insurance 'green slip' from any major insurance provider 
  2.  Organise a car safety check to receive a 'blue slip'
  3. Visit a Service NSW Centre with both the above, plus proof of indentity and proof of vehicle ownership

For a more detail, see our comprehence guide on registering your car interstate.

How to get the best price from expert car transport companies

To ensure you're getting the best price, it's advised to obtain multiple quotes from different car transport providers that service the Perth to Sydney route.

The easiest way to do this is to use the interstate car transport booking website Upmove. You'll only need to submit one delivery request specifying your vehicle's details and when you need it moved, and from there you'll receive quotes from multiple trusted and verified car transport companies.

Conclusion

By now you'll have a good understanding of what's involved in transporting a car from Perth to Sydney. We've covered everything from the price you can expect to pay to the transport methods available and everything in between.

When you're ready to move a vehicle from Perth to Sydney, use Upmove to get multiple quotes from trusted and verified companies. You can check their rating and read reviews from previous customers to ensure peace of mind.

What do our customers say?

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