With a vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and the thrill of endless adventure, it’s no wonder Puerto Rico is an appealing destination. If you’re planning a move or long-term visit, you’ll likely want to have your personal vehicle on hand to explore the island at your own pace. While purchasing a car on the island is possible, many find shipping their vehicle from the mainland more convenient and a better value. 

In this guide, we’ll explain the costs associated with shipping a car to Puerto Rico to help you make an informed decision. 

Puerto Rico car shipping costs explained

There are logistics complexities when shipping a vehicle from the U.S. to Puerto Rico that incur costs. As an island, vehicles must be transported via ocean freight, which inherently adds to the cost compared to inland state-to-state shipping. Factors like the total distance, the size and weight of the vehicle, and the time of year all play a role in determining the final cost. 

Is it cheaper to ship a car or buy in Puerto Rico?

Unfortunately, the answer to that question is likely, “it depends” because every situation is unique. If your vehicle is relatively new, shipping might be more cost-effective than buying a comparable new car in Puerto Rico. If your vehicle is fairly old or in need of repairs, it might make more sense to sell it while in the states and purchase a new or used vehicle on the island. When shipping a car to Puerto Rico, you will likely need to pay an excise tax, also known as “Impuesto de Consumo,” which is calculated based on various factors, but mainly the vehicle’s value, make, model, and year. 

What factors affect Puerto Rico car shipping costs?

There are several factors that affect the cost of shipping a car to Puerto Rico. One of the main factors is the total travel distance. Do you plan on driving your vehicle to the Jacksonville, Florida port or having it shipped from your home? Montway’s door-to-port service is convenient and affordable, but it adds to the total cost. 

Other factors to consider include the shipping dates, vehicle details, and seasonal fluctuations. For the most accurate estimate, call (224) 236-2790 to speak with a Montway car shipping advisor. 

Puerto Rico shipping cost examples

With Montway’s door-to-port service to San Juan, Puerto Rico, a carrier will pick up your vehicle at your mainland address and drop it off at the Jacksonville, Florida port. It will then be loaded onto an ocean vessel. The chart below displays estimated costs for this type of service on our most popular routes.

Shipping From	Shipping To	Average Distance	Transit Time	Price Estimate
Orlando, FL	San Juan, PR	1,609 miles	8-9 days	$1,649
Miami, FL	San Juan, PR	1,1812 miles	9-11 days	$1,879
Los Angeles, CA	San Juan, PR	3,877 miles	13-15 days	$2,609
New York, NY	San Juan, PR	2,432 miles	10-12 days	$2,309

How to reduce Puerto Rico shipping costs

Many Montway customers choose port-to-port service to reduce costs. You will be responsible for dropping your vehicle off at the Jacksonville, FL port for ocean transport to San Juan, PR. Often called Roll on Roll off (RoRo), this means vehicles are driven or rolled onto the vessel at the origin port and rolled off at the destination. 

Factors such as time of year, vehicle type, and exact dates will determine the final cost, but this chart shows average port-to-port costs when shipping a vehicle to or from Puerto Rico.

Shipping From	Shipping To	Average Distance	Transit Time	Price Estimate
Jacksonville, FL	San Juan, PR	1,275 miles	5-7 days	$1,299
San Juan, PR	Jacksonville, FL	1,275 miles	5-7 days	$949

If you do choose to have your vehicle picked up on the mainland and transported to the Jacksonville port, selecting open transport will be less expensive than enclosed transport. Other ways to save money are to be flexible with your shipping dates and plan your shipment early. 

How to get a Puerto Rico car shipping quote

To get an estimate for shipping your car to or from Puerto Rico, call (224) 236-2790 for an instant quote. All we need is your pickup and drop-off locations, vehicle type, and a few other small details to get started. Our car shipping advisors can also answer any questions you may have about the process and our services. 

Learn more about our Puerto Rico car shipping services. ¿Hablas español? Lee más sobre nuestros servicios.

FAQs about Puerto Rico car shipping costs

Q: Is shipping a vehicle to Puerto Rico expensive?

A: Shipping a vehicle from the U.S. mainland to Puerto Rico is more expensive than inland shipping. However, it can be more convenient and cost-effective than buying a new vehicle on the island. The exact cost depends on the total distance, vehicle type, season, and more. Call (224) 236-2790 for a free estimate or to learn more. 

Q: What ports does Montway ship cars to/from Puerto Rico?

A: Montway can arrange safe and reliable vehicle shipping between Jacksonville, Florida, and the San Juan ports. 

Q: What are the most common Puerto Rico car shipping routes?

A: Since Florida is home to the main port for vehicles heading to Puerto Rico, it is the most popular route. However, we provide door-to-port service for customers across the country, with common pickup cities including Miami and Jacksonville in Florida, as well as Dallas, TX; Phoenix, AZ; New York City, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; and Los Angeles, CA. 

Q: Are there additional fees associated with car shipping to PR?

A: Puerto Rico collects an excise tax for vehicles shipped to the island. The amount depends on how much the vehicle is worth in Puerto Rico. The customer pays this tax directly to the “Departamento de Hacienda de Puerto Rico” and is required before the vehicle can be released.

Q: Is it cheaper to buy a car in Puerto Rico than in the U.S.?

A: Generally, cars tend to be more expensive in Puerto Rico than on the U.S. mainland. This is primarily due to import costs, limited inventory, and local taxes. While occasional deals might exist, prices are often higher on the island.

Simple auto shipping by Montway

Montway Auto Transport is one of the nation’s top-rated car shipping companies with service in all 50 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.  Having delivered over one million vehicles, we’ve earned a 4.7 star average rating from over 100,000 customer reviews. We make car shipping simple, safe, and professional. For more information, call (224) 236-2790.