Quick Answer: Shipping a car from the United States to Aruba takes 7 to 12 days of ocean transit to Barcadera Port in Oranjestad. Cost depends on your origin port, shipping method (RoRo or container), vehicle size, and Incoterm. The calculator on this page quotes you instantly.
- Direct ocean transit from Florida to Barcadera (Oranjestad) is 7 to 12 days; from Houston, Newark, or Savannah add 4 to 10 extra days for transshipment.
- Aruba charges import duties (invoerrechten) on the CIF value of the vehicle, plus BBO/BAZV/BAVP; taxes are calculated on CIF, not on what you paid for the car.
- RoRo is usually the most economical option for a single vehicle; a 20' container offers better protection and allows declared personal effects; shared container splits cost between 2-3 vehicles.
- CBP requires you to file the original title and AES ITN at least 72 hours before departure: without it, the car does not ship.
Aruba has no local vehicle manufacturing, so nearly the entire vehicle fleet arrives by sea. This guide breaks down every variable a car shipping calculator aruba uses and how the real door-to-door cost comes together.
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Go to calculator →Approximate prices: shipping a vehicle from the USA to Aruba
| Port | Sedan | SUV, pickup or motorcycle | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiamiCheapest | ≈ $2,550 | ≈ $2,550 | 12 days |
| Houston | ≈ $2,700 | ≈ $2,700 | 14 days |
| New Jersey | ≈ $2,750 | ≈ $2,750 | 14 days |
| Los Angeles | ≈ $2,700 | ≈ $2,650 | 14 days |
≈ Approximate port-to-port prices to Aruba, in USD: the median of our rates to Colombia, Dominican Republic and Jamaica, quoted with our system on September 28, 2026. They exclude import taxes and destination charges. The calculator on this page takes your shipment and confirms the exact price.
Shipping from another state? Which port to read
Each port in the table is the one that cargo from these states usually leaves through. Miami: Florida. Houston: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. New Jersey: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia and West Virginia. Los Angeles: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii. Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama ship through Savannah; Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota ship through Chicago (rail); Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska ship through Seattle / Tacoma: those ports are not in the table yet. We pick up in every state, and the calculator finds the best port from your city.
What is a car shipping calculator and how does it estimate cost to Aruba?
Quick Answer: A car shipping calculator is a tool that estimates your vehicle's ocean freight cost based on origin, destination, shipping method, and dimensions. For Aruba it cross-references your departure port, vehicle type, RoRo or container, and current Caribbean corridor surcharges to return a price in seconds.
The tool works with a rate database by route and a cubic measurement matrix. You enter data; the engine returns an international freight range.
What variables does this page's calculator use?
The embedded calculator at #quote-calc asks for five concrete data points. Each one moves the final price.
- City or state of origin: defines your departure port and ground leg.
- Make, model, and year: from these come length, width, height, and weight.
- Shipping method: RoRo, exclusive 20' container, or shared container.
- Declared value: basis for All Risk marine cargo insurance.
- Desired Incoterm: FOB, CIF, or DAP change what the price covers.
Why isn't a car quoted like general cargo?
A vehicle is not a box. It requires specialized terminal handling, lashing to the deck with certified straps, and fuel level inspection.
It also needs a vehicle-specific insurance policy, not generic breakbulk coverage. That's why a car's price line never comes from a general cargo container rate.
Operations tip
The calculator result is international freight. Destination charges—handling at Barcadera, Aruban customs broker fees, duties and taxes—are settled separately and charged by Aruba or the local agent, not the carrier.
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Enter your vehicle and your city of origin. Price comes back in seconds.
Go to calculator →How much does it cost to ship a car to Aruba from Miami?
Quick Answer: The cost to ship a car to Aruba depends on five variables: departure port, RoRo or container method, vehicle dimensions, current surcharges, and your chosen Incoterm. There is no flat rate. The calculator on this page quotes your exact vehicle from your city in seconds.
The car shipping cost to aruba is not a single number. It's a sum of line items that any serious carrier must show you itemized.
How is the total cost formula built?
- Base ocean freight: rate for your vehicle's deck space or container.
- Add BAF: bunker adjustment factor, updated quarterly for fuel.
- Include origin THC: terminal handling at PortMiami, Port Everglades, Houston, or Newark.
- Add ISPS: international port security surcharge, fixed per unit.
- Documentation and Bill of Lading: B/L issuance and EEI filing in AESDirect.
- Cargo insurance: premium calculated on your vehicle's declared value.
- Handling at Barcadera: discharge and handling at destination, charged in Aruba.
Why does an SUV cost more than a sedan?
Marine vehicle freight is charged by volume occupied. A mid-size sedan takes up 10 to 12 cubic meters; a double-cab pickup exceeds 16.
A three-row SUV or a lifted truck consumes more deck height. That height is what the RoRo vessel charges premium rates for.
Which port does your region use?
AB Group Shipping dispatches from anywhere in the United States and Canada. Your gateway depends on your state.
| Origin Region | Typical Departure Port | Service to Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | PortMiami / Port Everglades | Direct, frequent sailings |
| Southeast (GA, SC, NC) | Savannah or Jacksonville | Direct or short transshipment |
| Texas and central | Port Houston | Transshipment (Caucedo or Cartagena) |
| Northeast (NY, NJ, PA, MA) | New York / Newark | Transshipment (Kingston or Caucedo) |
| California and Southwest | Los Angeles / Long Beach | Transshipment via Panama |
| Midwest (IL, OH, MI) | Chicago by rail to coastal port | Transshipment |
Beware of "all-in" quotes
Almost no competitor's "all-in" quote includes Aruban import duties or home delivery in Oranjestad. Tools like Accurate Car Shipping Cost Calculator or Car Shipping Cost Calculator: Car Transport Quotes (2026) quote domestic US transport, not the ocean leg or Aruba customs. Always ask what's left out.
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Go to calculator →Is it cheaper to ship a car to Aruba by RoRo or container?
Quick Answer: RoRo is usually the most economical option for a vehicle that runs under its own power. A 20-foot container costs more but protects your car from weather, allows declared personal effects, and accepts non-operational vehicles. A shared container splits cost between two or three cars.
RoRo stands for Roll-on/Roll-off. Your vehicle drives up a ramp into the vessel's deck and is lashed to the floor with straps. It doesn't go inside a box.
| Method | Relative Cost | Protection | Personal Effects | Must the Car Run? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo | Lowest | Exposed to weather and salt spray | Not permitted | Yes, required |
| Exclusive 20' Container | Highest | Sealed and locked | Yes, declared on packing list | No, loaded by winch |
| Shared Container (2-3 cars) | Mid-range | Sealed and locked | Limited, by agreement | Preferred, not required |
When RoRo makes sense
Choose RoRo if your car runs, drives, and has no collector value. You need a charged battery, keys handed to the terminal, and fuel tank under one-quarter full. Sailings are frequent from Florida and loading is fast. It's the standard route for a daily-driver sedan or SUV.
When container makes sense
Choose container for classic cars, low-clearance sports cars, damaged vehicles, or cars without an engine. Also when you want to ship spare parts, tires, or boxes in the same shipment. A 20' container holds one vehicle and additional declared cargo, and protects your paint from salt spray the entire voyage.
Oversized vehicles
Motorhomes, RVs, tractor-trailers, and heavy machinery do not fit in a container. They travel on flat racks or specialized RoRo vessels. The calculator accepts them as a project request and a specialist quotes them after reviewing actual dimensions and weight.
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Compare roro vs container aruba side by side for your vehicle.
Go to calculator →How long does a car take to arrive by ship to Aruba?
Quick Answer: A car takes 7 to 12 days of ocean transit from South Florida to Barcadera Port in Oranjestad. From Houston, Savannah, Jacksonville, or New York/Newark, transit rises to 12-22 days due to transshipment at Caucedo, Kingston, or Cartagena.
Port-to-port transit with direct service from PortMiami or Port Everglades to Oranjestad. Add ground leg and Aruban customs clearance for total door-to-door time.
Ocean transit to Barcadera (Oranjestad) by origin port
See the data
| Origin Port | Transit Days | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Miami / Port Everglades | 7-12 | Direct |
| Jacksonville | 10-16 | Direct or short transshipment |
| Savannah | 12-18 | Transshipment at Caucedo |
| Houston | 12-18 | Transshipment at Cartagena or Caucedo |
| New York / Newark | 14-22 | Transshipment at Kingston or Caucedo |
Source: Caribbean corridor service schedules (Maersk, CMA CGM, King Ocean) · January 2026
Port cut-off and ETD are not the same day
Cut-off is the deadline to deliver your car to the terminal. ETD is when the vessel departs. They are different dates.
For vehicles, the terminal requires the unit 3 to 5 days before departure. Arriving on ETD day means rolling to the next sailing, which may leave a week later.
How much time do ground leg and customs add?
- Pickup and transport to port: 1 to 6 days depending on your state, by open truck or tow.
- Terminal delivery and CBP documentation: 3 business days before departure.
- Customs clearance in Aruba: 2 to 5 business days before you can pick up the vehicle.
We measure corridor transits using the same methodology we apply in Central America. You can see that breakdown in How Long Does Shipping from USA to El Salvador Take 2026: 1-25 Days, where we explain how we separate ocean time, ground time, and customs time.
MiamiUSMIA
OranjestadAWBAR
HoustonUSHOU
OranjestadAWBAR
What documents do I need to ship my car to Aruba?
Quick Answer: You need the original Certificate of Title, Bill of Sale, owner's passport or ID, commercial invoice, and Bill of Lading. For export, CBP requires the title and AES ITN to be filed at least 72 hours before the vessel departs.
Vehicle export from the United States is governed by 19 CFR 192. CBP makes no exceptions on timing.
Documents to export from the United States
- Original Certificate of Title — no copy or scan accepted.
- Bill of Sale — proof of purchase with price and both parties' details.
- Lienholder release letter — if the car was financed.
- Notarized Power of Attorney — if you are not the title holder.
- Passport or driver's license — exporter's ID.
- EEI with ITN number — filed in AESDirect before shipment.
CBP's 72-hour rule
The original title and AES ITN are filed physically at the CBP office of your departure port at least 72 hours before departure. Without the authorization stamp, the terminal will not load your car onto the vessel. This is the number-one cause of vehicles rolling to the next sailing.
Documents to import in Aruba
- Original Bill of Lading or telex release issued by the carrier or NVOCC.
- Commercial invoice or Bill of Sale with vehicle value.
- US Certificate of Title to verify the VIN.
- Aruban ID, passport, or residency permit.
- Import declaration to the Customs Department.
The Bill of Lading is the transport contract and the title to the cargo. Without the original endorsed or a confirmed telex release, the carrier will not release your car at Barcadera.
If you want to compare the document load between Caribbean and Central American destinations, check the Car Import Requirements for Panama 2026: Complete Documentation Checklist for US Vehicles. The lists look similar, but deadlines and authorities differ.
How much do I pay in taxes to import a car to Aruba?
Quick Answer: Aruba charges import duties (invoerrechten) on the CIF value of the vehicle, plus indirect taxes BBO, BAZV, and BAVP. Duty rates vary by vehicle type and engine size. The calculation never uses purchase price alone: it uses full CIF.
CIF value is the tax base. It has three parts added together.
- Cost: the vehicle's value per invoice or Bill of Sale.
- International freight: what you paid for ocean transport.
- Insurance: the premium on your marine cargo policy.
How is the tax calculated, step by step?
The aruba car import rules apply tariffs by category and engine size. Electric and hybrid vehicles often receive preferential rates under the island's incentive policy.
- Add vehicle value + freight + insurance = CIF value.
- Apply the duty rate (invoerrechten) to CIF based on vehicle category.
- Add CIF + duties to get the new base.
- Apply BBO + BAZV + BAVP together on that base.
- Add customs broker fees and port handling at Barcadera.
Worked example of the math
This example shows method only, with illustrative rates. Actual rates are confirmed by the Customs Department.
- Vehicle value: USD 12,000 · Freight: USD 1,500 · Insurance: USD 200
- CIF = 12,000 + 1,500 + 200 = USD 13,700
- If duty rate were 20%: 13,700 × 0.20 = USD 2,740
- Base for indirect taxes: 13,700 + 2,740 = USD 16,440
- If BBO+BAZV+BAVP totaled 7%: 16,440 × 0.07 = USD 1,150.80
The carrier does not collect taxes
Duties and taxes are collected by the Customs Department of Aruba and never included in ocean freight. Rates change by category, engine size, and fuel type. Confirm your exact tariff classification with a licensed customs broker in Oranjestad before you buy the car.
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Know the exact freight: it's the number you need to calculate your CIF.
Go to calculator →What age and technical requirements does Aruba enforce?
Quick Answer: Aruba enforces age limits on imported used vehicles and requires technical inspection before registration. The vehicle must have left-hand steering, a legible VIN matching the title, and pass Transport Department inspection before receiving plates.
Maximum age allowed depends on vehicle category and current policy. This policy is reviewed periodically, so verify before you buy the car, not after.
Mandatory technical requirements
- Left-hand steering: Aruba drives on the right; RHD vehicles do not register.
- Legible VIN matching the US Certificate of Title.
- Technical inspection by the Transport Department before registration.
- Clean vehicle with no dirt or organic matter: sanitary inspection on arrival.
- Local insurance mandatory before driving on the island.
Wash your car before the port
A USD 40 chassis wash prevents a phytosanitary inspection at Barcadera that can cost days of terminal storage. Wash undercarriage, wheel wells, and floor mats before you hand the vehicle to the port terminal. Document the wash with dated photos.
How do FOB, CIF, DAP, and DDP change your quote price?
Quick Answer: The Incoterm defines where your responsibility ends and what the price includes. FOB covers loading the vessel at your origin port. CIF adds freight and insurance to Barcadera. DAP delivers in Aruba without duties. DDP includes Aruban duties and taxes paid.
| Incoterm 2020 | Pays Freight | Pays Insurance | Pays Aruba Duties | Handles Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOB Miami | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer |
| CIF Barcadera | Seller | Seller | Buyer | Buyer |
| DAP Oranjestad | Seller | Seller | Buyer | Buyer |
| DDP Oranjestad | Seller | Seller | Seller | Seller |
CIF carries double weight in this destination. It's the most-used Incoterm to Aruba and also the tax base for Aruban duties.
The expat relocating
If you're moving to Aruba with your own car, CIF or DAP work better. You control clearance with a local agent and declare the vehicle under your residency permit. This lets you coordinate technical inspection and registration in one process. It also works when you move your household at the same time.
The buyer importing to resell
A commercial importer almost always asks for FOB or CIF. You control the customs cost, use your own agent, and classify the vehicle under your Aruban tax ID. DDP sounds convenient, but it shifts customs liability to the foreign seller. Without an Aruban tax ID, DDP is unworkable for a private person.
Compare apples to apples
An FOB price always looks cheaper than a DAP price because it covers less distance. When you compare two quotes, demand the same Incoterm on both. This is the most common mistake first-time car importers make.
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Pick your Incoterm in the calculator and watch how the total changes.
Go to calculator →How do I avoid hidden costs and pick a trustworthy carrier?
Quick Answer: Avoid hidden costs by asking for an itemized quote and confirming who pays demurrage, storage, and handling at Barcadera. Verify the carrier holds a current NVOCC license with the FMC and issues its own Bill of Lading. An FMC number is public and free to check.
The most common hidden costs
- Storage at origin terminal because title was filed late to CBP.
- Demurrage and detention in Aruba when clearance runs past free time.
- CBP or Customs Department inspection with charges for opening and repositioning.
- Tow or winch service if the car won't start on loading day.
- Oversized vehicle surcharge not declared on the booking.
Verify license and insurance
Check the public FMC NVOCC registry before you pay any deposit. It's free and takes two minutes. Specialized sites like Ship Your Car To Or From Aruba and Car Shipping Cost Calculator 2026 also show how the market is structured.
Always buy All Risk coverage on your declared value. Without a specific policy, the carrier's liability is capped per package under COGSA, a figure far below your car's value.
Personal effects inside the vehicle
On RoRo, most carriers prohibit any personal items inside the car. On container, you can, but each item goes on a valued packing list and is declared to Aruba's Customs Department. Undeclared items can trigger fines and hold the entire shipment.
If you're also moving your household, calculate the volume with the Aruba Relocation Calculator 2026: Instant Quotes. To pack items going inside the container, follow the Electronics and Fragile Items Shipping: Packing Guide USA to Central America 2026.
Does your car share a container with other cargo? The consolidation mechanism works the same as our USA-Guatemala Consolidated Cargo 2026: Instant Quotes service: space and cost split among multiple shippers.
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Use the car shipping calculator aruba on this page and get a clear breakdown.
Go to calculator →Quote your car shipment to Aruba now
Quick Answer: To quote a car to Aruba you need four data points: city of origin, vehicle make and model, RoRo or container method, and declared value. The calculator on this page processes them and returns an international freight range in seconds, no signup and no follow-up calls.
With thousands of shipments processed across the USA–Latin America and Caribbean corridor, AB Group Shipping moves vehicles from any US or Canadian city to Oranjestad. We operate RoRo, exclusive container, and shared consolidation.
Freight is only part of your budget. Import duties, BBO/BAZV/BAVP, and customs broker fees are set by Aruba, and it's worth confirming them with a licensed customs broker in Oranjestad before you buy the car.
Use the calculator on this page to ship a car to aruba from usa with a real price for your exact route. Enter your city, your vehicle, and your preferred method: the result comes back in seconds, no email required and no follow-up calls.
Ship your car with AB Group Shipping
AB Group Shipping is an NVOCC-licensed international car shipping company: RoRo, container or air to 140+ countries, with your rate in 60 seconds.
Cost depends on your departure port, whether you choose RoRo or container, vehicle size, and Incoterm. A sedan costs less than an SUV or pickup because it takes up less deck space. Use the calculator on this page to get your exact car and city price in seconds, no signup required.
7 to 12 days of ocean transit from South Florida to Barcadera Port in Oranjestad with direct service. From Houston, Savannah, Jacksonville, or New York/Newark, transit rises to 12-22 days because of transshipment at Caucedo, Kingston, or Cartagena. Add 1-6 days ground transport to port and 2-5 business days for customs clearance on arrival.
You need the original Certificate of Title, Bill of Sale, your passport or ID, commercial invoice, and Bill of Lading. CBP requires the title and AES ITN to be filed at least 72 hours before the vessel departs. If the car was financed, add the lienholder's release letter.
Yes, RoRo is usually more economical for a vehicle that runs and drives under its own power. A 20-foot container costs more but protects from weather, accepts non-running cars, and allows declared personal effects. Sharing a container with another vehicle splits the cost and falls between both options.
Not on RoRo: most carriers prohibit any personal effects inside the vehicle on Roll-on/Roll-off ships, and the car travels empty with fuel tank under one-quarter full. On container you can, but each item must go on a valued packing list and be declared to Aruba's Customs Department, where it may incur duties.
Aruba charges import duties (invoerrechten) calculated on the CIF value—vehicle price plus freight plus insurance—and then applies indirect taxes BBO, BAZV, and BAVP on top. Rate varies by vehicle type and engine size, with preferential treatment for electric and hybrid vehicles. Confirm your exact tariff classification with a licensed customs broker in Oranjestad.
Guides for shipping to Aruba
- Moving to Aruba Calculator: Instant Quotes (2026) · Household move page (calculator + guide)