Quick Answer: Shipping a car to El Salvador costs $1,250-$2,400 from Miami or Houston to Acajutla, with RoRo transit of 8-14 days and container transit of 12-18 days. El Salvador charges 30% import duty plus 13% IVA on the vehicle's CIF value, and bans imported cars older than 8 years.
- Ocean freight only: $1,250-$1,750 RoRo and $1,900-$2,400 container, Miami or Houston to Acajutla (SVAQJ)
- El Salvador taxes hit hard: 30% DAI import duty + 13% IVA on CIF value, collected by Aduana / Ministerio de Hacienda
- Vehicle year restriction: light vehicles over 8 years old and trucks over 15 years old are blocked from import
- Transit: 8-14 days RoRo from Gulf/East Coast, 12-18 days for containerized or consolidated units
- Run your VIN, year and port through the calculator on this page for a landed-cost estimate in under 30 seconds
Most Salvadoran families budget for the freight and forget the tax bill. The duty and IVA at Acajutla often cost more than the ocean crossing itself, so price the landed cost before you book.
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Use the calculator above →How much does it cost to ship a car to El Salvador from USA?
Quick Answer: Shipping a car to El Salvador costs $1,250-$1,750 for RoRo and $1,900-$2,400 for a dedicated 20' container, port to port from Miami or Houston to Acajutla. Add 30% import duty and 13% IVA on CIF value, plus roughly $250-$450 in local clearance and port fees.
The cost to ship a car to El Salvador from USA splits into three buckets. Ocean freight is the first. Salvadoran duties and taxes are the second. Local port and clearance fees are the third.
Ocean freight is the smallest of the three for most vehicles. That surprises first-time shippers every time.
Price ladder by vehicle and method
Rates move with vessel space and fuel. These 2026 ranges reflect current market conditions on the Miami and Houston lanes.
- Sedan, RoRo, Miami → Acajutla: $1,250-$1,550
- SUV or pickup, RoRo: $1,450-$1,750 depending on cubic measurement
- Exclusive 20' container, one vehicle: $1,900-$2,400
- Shared container, two cars: $1,150-$1,400 per unit
Shared container service is the value play. You split the box with another shipper and beat RoRo pricing on some sailings. The trade-off is schedule — consolidation waits for a second car.
Rates by US origin port
| US origin | RoRo (sedan) | 20' container | Transit to Acajutla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | USD $1,250–$1,500 | USD $1,900–$2,250 | 8–12 days |
| Miami, FL | USD $1,350–$1,650 | USD $2,050–$2,400 | 12–16 days |
| Newark, NJ | USD $1,600–$1,950 | USD $2,400–$2,900 | 16–21 days |
| Long Beach, CA | USD $1,450–$1,800 | USD $2,200–$2,700 | 10–15 days |
What an itemized quote actually contains
Beware the "all-in" number quoted over the phone. A real quote breaks out every line, and you should be able to see each one.
- Ocean freight — the base carrier rate for the vehicle or box
- BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) — fuel surcharge, typically $80-$180 per unit
- ISPS security fee — $12-$35 per unit at both ends
- Origin THC — terminal handling at Miami or Houston, $95-$210
- Destination THC at Acajutla — often billed to the consignee, $120-$260
- ISF filing fee — $35-$65, and yes, it applies on the export documentation chain
If a quote is one flat number with no breakdown, ask which destination charges are excluded. That is where surprise invoices live.
Landed cost math, worked in full
Take a 2020 Toyota Hilux with a CIF value of $12,000 arriving at Acajutla. Aduana applies 30% DAI to the CIF value first.
- DAI: $12,000 × 30% = $3,600
- Taxable base for IVA: $12,000 + $3,600 = $15,600
- IVA: $15,600 × 13% = $2,028
- Total tax before release: $5,628
Add $250-$450 in port storage, agent fees and handling. Your $12,000 truck now costs about $18,000 landed in San Salvador. Gulf-origin shippers should read our full Real Cost to Ship Pickup Truck Houston to El Salvador 2026: Pricing & Process breakdown for the pickup-specific numbers.
Combined DAI and IVA on a typical light vehicle reaches roughly 43% of CIF value. That is why the freight quote alone never tells the real story.
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Use the calculator above →How does the car shipping calculator for El Salvador work?
Quick Answer: The calculator on this page prices your shipment from four inputs: origin city, vehicle type, shipping method and destination port. It returns ocean freight, estimated El Salvador duty and IVA, and transit days in under 30 seconds. No email, no signup, no sales call afterward.
The car shipping calculator El Salvador tool sits directly on this page. You do not leave the article to use it. Four fields, one result.
Step by step through the tool
- Enter your US pickup city or the port you plan to deliver to — Miami, Houston, Newark or Long Beach.
- Select the vehicle type: sedan, SUV, pickup or motorcycle. Cubic size drives RoRo pricing.
- Choose RoRo, exclusive container or shared container.
- Confirm Acajutla (SVAQJ) as the discharge port.
- Enter the model year and declared value for the duty estimate.
The model-year field does real work. The tool flags vehicles that fail El Salvador's 8-year rule before you spend a dollar. That single check has saved shippers from four-figure re-export bills.
Declared value: use the right number
Declared value drives the duty estimate. Use the actual purchase price shown on your bill of sale, not Kelley Blue Book retail.
Aduana runs its own valuation reference. If your declared value looks unusually low, the DM gets flagged and reassessed. Under-declaring costs more than it saves.
Pro Tip
Run the calculator twice — once with RoRo and once with shared container. On sedans under $10,000 CIF, shared container sometimes lands cheaper than RoRo once destination THC at Acajutla is included. The gap is usually $80-$200 per unit.
What the calculator cannot auto-price
Some cargo needs a human. These route to a custom-quote form at the same #quote-calc anchor.
- Non-running or wrecked vehicles requiring winch loading
- Lifted trucks exceeding legal height for RoRo decks
- RVs, motorhomes and travel trailers
- Heavy equipment, tractors and construction machinery
The same engine prices full-container lanes elsewhere in the region. See FCL Miami to Panama 2026: Pricing & Cost Calculator to compare how the tool handles a straight FCL booking.
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Use the calculator above →RoRo or container: which is better for shipping to Acajutla?
Quick Answer: RoRo is cheaper and faster for a single running vehicle to Acajutla, saving $400-$700 versus a container. A container protects the car from weather and lets you load personal items legally declared. Non-running vehicles and classic cars should always move in a container.
Both methods work to Acajutla port. The right one depends on your vehicle's condition and whether you are sending belongings.
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Your car is driven onto the vessel deck under its own power. A stevedore takes the keys and parks it. Nothing loose is allowed inside — no boxes, no spare parts, no household goods. Marine insurance runs about 1.5-2% of declared value. Theft exposure is slightly higher because decks are open to crew traffic. Cheapest option for a running sedan or pickup.
Container
Your car is loaded, strapped and sealed inside a 20' or 40' box. A 20' fits one vehicle plus crated belongings. A 40' fits two cars, or one car plus a partial household move. Insurance is cheaper at 1.2-1.5% of value because the unit is sealed. Required for non-running, classic and high-value vehicles.
Sailing frequency matters more than price
Acajutla handles RoRo through a limited number of vessel calls. Some services run weekly, others biweekly. A missed cut-off can cost you two weeks.
Container services often route through Puerto Barrios or Puerto Quetzal transshipment, adding 4-6 days. Direct Acajutla container calls exist but are less frequent than the Guatemala relay options.
| Factor | RoRo | 20' Container | Shared Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | $1,250–$1,750 | $1,900–$2,400 | $1,150–$1,400/car |
| Personal items allowed | No | Yes, declared | Limited |
| Non-running vehicles | No | Yes | Yes |
| Insurance rate | 1.5–2% | 1.2–1.5% | 1.2–1.5% |
| Transit Miami→Acajutla | 12–16 days | 14–18 days | 16–22 days |
Two-wheelers follow different math entirely. Consolidating three or four bikes into one container beats every other option — see Motorcycle Shipping from USA to Central America: 2026 Rates and Container Options for the per-unit breakdown.
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Use the calculator above →What is El Salvador's vehicle year restriction for imports?
Quick Answer: El Salvador bans imported light vehicles more than 8 years old and cargo trucks or buses more than 15 years old, counted from the model year. Vehicles that fail the rule are refused entry at Acajutla and must be re-exported at the importer's cost. Check the year before booking.
The El Salvador vehicle year restriction is the single most expensive mistake shippers make. It is not negotiable at the port.
Where the rule comes from
The restriction traces to reforms under the Ley de Transporte Terrestre. Enforcement sits with the Dirección General de Aduanas and the Viceministerio de Transporte.
Age is counted by model year against the current calendar year. In 2026, the oldest importable light vehicle is a 2018 model. A 2017 model is rejected, regardless of mileage or condition.
Age limits by vehicle class
| Vehicle class | Max age | Oldest model year (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Cars, SUVs, pickups | 8 years | 2018 |
| Cargo trucks | 15 years | 2011 |
| Buses / passenger transport | 15 years | 2011 |
| Salvage / flood title | Blocked | Not importable |
Salvage titles are a separate blocker
A salvage or flood brand on the US title triggers rejection independently of age. A 2023 vehicle with a salvage brand still gets refused.
Rebuilt titles sit in a gray zone and vary by inspection. Confirm with your customs agent before booking, not after.
Exemptions exist but are narrow
- Diplomatic imports — handled through official channels, outside the standard rule
- Returning residents — narrow qualification based on time abroad and residency proof
- Menaje de Casa — household goods shipments that sometimes cover one vehicle per family
None of these are automatic. Confirm eligibility with a licensed Salvadoran agente aduanal before you pay a booking deposit. AB Group Shipping is a freight forwarder, not a customs authority — the ruling belongs to Aduana.
A rejected vehicle bleeds money daily
If Aduana refuses your car at Acajutla, it sits on the terminal accruing storage while re-export is arranged. Expect $75-$120 per day, plus a return ocean freight bill of $1,200 or more. Verify the model year in the calculator before you book anything.
What documents do you need to ship a car to El Salvador?
Quick Answer: You need the original US title, a notarized bill of sale, the Bill of Lading, a copy of the owner's passport or DUI, and the Salvadoran importer's NIT. US Customs requires the title 72 hours before vessel departure under CBP's export rule for used self-propelled vehicles.
Documentation splits into two sides. The US export side is governed by CBP. The El Salvador import side is governed by Aduana and the Ministerio de Hacienda.
US export requirements
- Original Certificate of Title — physical original, not a copy or scan
- AES filing with ITN — Electronic Export Information submitted before departure
- 72-hour CBP presentation — required at the port of export per 19 CFR Part 192
- Notarized bill of sale — required when the exporter is not the titled owner
- Copy of owner's passport or driver's license
According to CBP regulations, used self-propelled vehicles must be presented with the title at least 72 hours before export. Missing that window means your car rolls to the next sailing.
El Salvador import requirements
- Declaración de Mercancías (DM) — filed by the licensed agente aduanal
- Factura Comercial — commercial invoice or bill of sale
- Certificado de Origen — where applicable for preferential treatment
- Bill of Lading — original or telex release
- Consignee's NIT or DUI — no valid NIT means no clearance
Financed cars cannot be exported without lender release
If a lien appears on the title, the lender must issue a written authorization to export. CBP will not release the vehicle without it. This catches people who assumed a paid-off loan automatically clears the title record — request the lien release letter 30 days before booking.
The Menaje de Casa route
Returning Salvadorans can explore Menaje de Casa treatment. This household-goods regime sometimes covers one vehicle shipped alongside personal effects.
Documentation is processed through the Salvadoran consulate in your US city. Requirements vary and change — verify current rules directly. Guides such as Moving to El Salvador: Complete Requirements Guide 2026 and our own International Moving to El Salvador 2026 guide cover the household-goods side in depth.
The parallel workflow for another Latin American market is documented in Moving to Ecuador from USA: 2026 Complete Cost Guide & Required Documents, which shows how consulate-stamped inventories work in practice.
How long is RoRo transit time from the USA to El Salvador?
Quick Answer: RoRo transit from the USA to Acajutla runs 8-14 days from Gulf ports like Houston and Galveston, and 12-18 days from Miami or Port Everglades with Caribbean transshipment. West Coast sailings from Long Beach reach Acajutla in 10-15 days on direct Pacific services.
RoRo transit time USA to El Salvador depends heavily on your origin coast. Gulf ports win on speed because Acajutla sits on the Pacific side, reached via Panama Canal or Pacific relay.
| Origin port | Transit days | Sailing frequency | Routing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston (USHOU) | 8–12 days | Weekly | Gulf direct / Canal |
| Miami (USMIA) | 12–16 days | Biweekly | Caribbean transshipment |
| Long Beach (USLGB) | 10–15 days | Weekly | Direct Pacific |
| Newark (USEWR) | 16–21 days | Biweekly | Relay via Caribbean hub |
The transit clock starts at ETD, not booking
This trips up almost every first-time shipper. Transit days count from vessel ETD, not your booking date.
Port cut-off for RoRo units is typically 48-72 hours before ETD. Deliver late and your car waits for the next vessel — potentially two weeks on a biweekly service.
Add clearance time at Acajutla
Ocean transit is only part of the timeline. Plan for 3-7 business days of Aduana clearance after arrival.
If the DM is selected for red-channel physical inspection, add another 2-5 days. Free time at Acajutla is short — usually 5-8 days before storage charges start.
Houston is the fastest mainstream RoRo lane to El Salvador, with weekly sailings. Miami runs 4-6 days longer because most services transship through a Caribbean hub before the Canal.
For contrast on a much longer South American run, compare the numbers in Car Shipping to Argentina: Complete 2026 Guide to Costs, Documentation & Transit Times.
Houston(USHOU)
Acajutla(SVAQJ)
Miami(USMIA)
Acajutla(SVAQJ)
Miami(USMIA)
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How do you ship a car to Acajutla port step by step?
Quick Answer: Book the sailing, deliver the vehicle to the US terminal before cut-off, file AES and ISF, present the original title to CBP 72 hours prior, then hand clearance to a Salvadoran agente aduanal who files the Declaración de Mercancías and releases the unit at Acajutla.
The process to ship a car to Acajutla port runs ten steps. Miss one and the timeline slips.
- Run the calculator on this page for your vehicle, origin and method.
- Verify the model year passes El Salvador's 8-year rule.
- Book the vessel and receive your booking number and cut-off date.
- Drain the fuel tank to about a quarter — carriers reject overfilled units.
- Remove all personal items for RoRo. Spare tire and factory jack only.
- Deliver the vehicle to the terminal 48-72 hours before ETD.
- We file AES for the ITN and issue the Bill of Lading.
- Submit the original title to CBP for the 72-hour export review.
- Your agente aduanal files the DM, pays 30% DAI and 13% IVA, and clears the unit at Acajutla (SVAQJ).
- Arrange inland delivery to San Salvador, Santa Ana or San Miguel.
Inland delivery costs and timing
Trucking from Acajutla inland adds $180-$350 and 1-2 days. San Salvador is the shortest run at roughly 85 km.
Santa Ana and San Miguel cost more. Many consignees simply drive the car off the terminal themselves once plates and temporary circulation are arranged.
Pro Tip
Photograph the vehicle from all four corners, the odometer and the interior on delivery day at the US terminal. Timestamped photos are the fastest way to settle a damage claim later. With thousands of vehicle movements handled across the Miami and Gulf-to-LatAm corridor, this one habit resolves more disputes than any insurance clause.
Choosing your agente aduanal
El Salvador requires a licensed customs agent. You cannot self-clear a vehicle as a private individual.
Ask for the agent's license number and a written fee schedule before the vessel arrives. Industry references such as this Acajutla shipping guide and Ship Cars To El Salvador: Complete Guide & Requirements confirm the same requirement across carriers.
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Use the calculator above →Frequently asked questions
Ocean freight runs $1,250-$1,750 for RoRo and $1,900-$2,400 for a dedicated 20' container from Miami or Houston to Acajutla. On top of that, El Salvador charges 30% import duty and 13% IVA on the CIF value, plus about $250-$450 in port and clearance fees. Use the calculator on this page for your exact vehicle and origin city.
No. El Salvador blocks imported light vehicles more than 8 years old, so in 2026 the oldest importable model year is 2018. Cargo trucks and buses get a longer 15-year window, and vehicles that fail the rule are refused at Acajutla and must be re-exported at your cost.
Miami to Acajutla takes 12-16 days by RoRo and 14-18 days by container, since most services transship through the Caribbean or Panama. Houston sailings are faster at 8-12 days. Add 3-7 business days for customs clearance at the port before you can drive the vehicle away.
No, not on RoRo service. Roll-on/roll-off carriers require the vehicle to be completely empty except for the spare tire and factory jack. If you need to send belongings with the car, book a container instead — a 20' holds one vehicle plus crated household items declared separately on the manifest.
Yes. El Salvador requires a licensed agente aduanal to file the Declaración de Mercancías and pay duties on your behalf. The consignee also needs a valid NIT or DUI. AB Group Shipping coordinates with vetted agents at Acajutla, but the duty assessment itself is set by Aduana, not by the freight forwarder.
Price your shipment now
Quick Answer: Use the embedded calculator on this page to price your car to Acajutla in under 30 seconds. Enter your origin city, vehicle type, model year and shipping method. You get ocean freight, an estimated duty and IVA figure, and realistic transit days with no email required.
Two numbers decide whether this shipment makes sense: the model year and the CIF value. The year determines whether El Salvador will even accept the vehicle. The value determines a tax bill that often exceeds the freight itself.
The car shipping calculator El Salvador tool above checks both at once. Enter your details, compare RoRo against container, and see the full landed picture before you commit to a booking. No signup, no follow-up calls, no sales pressure — just the numbers you need to make the decision.