How long does it take?
Ocean transit is commonly 3–4 days; allow 1–2 weeks door to door around sailing schedules. The route covers about 1,000 ocean miles from South Florida to San Juan.
Shipping a car from Miami to Puerto Rico
Published estimates for shipping a car from Miami to Puerto Rico ranged $845–$1,779 (standard sedan; carrier tariffs are port-to-port from Jacksonville), and transit is commonly 3–4 days.
Know this first: Budget for the arbitrio — the island’s excise tax on arriving vehicles — on top of any transport quote, and look it up for your specific vehicle before committing.
What route does the car take?
Sailings from Florida ports — Jacksonville and the South Florida ports among them — into San Juan.
When should I ship?
Sailings run year-round on fixed weekly schedules. Hurricane season (June–November) can shift sailings by days; holiday seasons fill vessels early.
What will it cost?
Published third-party estimates ranged $845–$1,779 (standard sedan; carrier tariffs are port-to-port from Jacksonville, collected August 2026). The transport quote covers the truck-to-port and ocean legs; Puerto Rico’s excise tax (arbitrio) is a separate government charge assessed on the vehicle’s value and paid before release in San Juan. Get both numbers before deciding.
What this route costs
Published estimates collected August 2026 · standard sedan; carrier tariffs are port-to-port from Jacksonville
$845–$1,779
$1,140
as published by Crowley
Jacksonville to San Juan, port-to-port, includes fuel, port and customs-filing surcharges (published tariff estimate)
$1,220–$1,320
as published by TOTE Maritime
Jacksonville to San Juan, port-to-port, priced by vehicle height; twice-weekly sailings, ~55-hour transit
$845–$1,195
as published by National Car Transport
Florida to Port of San Juan, door-to-port flat rate via Jacksonville
$1,779
as published by Montway
Miami to San Juan door-to-port average, 9–11 days total
Carrier tariffs (Crowley, TOTE) mean you drop the car at the Florida terminal yourself — door-to-port arrangements price higher.
These figures are estimates published by third-party transport companies, shown here for orientation with their sources and collection date. They are not quotes from Car Shipping Miami or from providers on this marketplace, and they are not binding on anyone. Independent providers set their own pricing for your specific shipment.
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Sourced data
The numbers behind this route
Every figure below names its source — the standard the whole site holds itself to.
2–3× weekly
vehicle sailings from Florida ports to San Juan
One of the most frequent ocean car lanes in the US.
Source: Ocean carrier published schedules (Crowley, TOTE, Trailer Bridge)
3–4 days
typical ocean transit, Florida to San Juan
Source: Ocean carrier published schedules
Miami to Puerto Rico, easy as 1-2-3
Tell us the route and the vehicle
Both endpoints, the vehicle, whether it runs, and your timing — an island move starts the same way a driven one does.
A provider quotes it and books a sailing
Ask whether the figure is port-to-port or door-to-port, then book against the sailing’s drop-off cutoff.
Port drop-off, crossing, island pickup
Deliver the car nearly empty with the title and ID, then collect it at the island port once arrival fees are settled.
How this route behaves
What to know about Miami to Puerto Rico
The port deadline runs the schedule
Vessels sail on fixed days and cars must be checked in at the port ahead of the cutoff — arrive after it and the vehicle waits for the next sailing. Providers quote around a target vessel; get the car to them (or the port) with margin, not on the deadline day.
Budget for the arribo, not just the ocean
Puerto Rico charges an excise tax (arbitrio) on vehicles brought to the island, assessed on the vehicle’s value and payable before release at the port. It is a government charge, separate from any transport quote — look it up for your specific vehicle before committing to the move.
Prep like an ocean shipment, not a road trip
Quarter tank or less, no personal items, alarm disabled, and the original title (or lien authorization) at booking. The car is inspected and documented at check-in — photograph it yourself the same day.
Common questions
Miami to Puerto Rico car shipping, answered
How long does car shipping from Miami to Puerto Rico take?
Ocean transit is commonly 3–4 days; allow 1–2 weeks door to door around sailing schedules. The route covers about 1,000 ocean miles from South Florida to San Juan.
When is the best time to ship a car from Miami to Puerto Rico?
Sailings run year-round on fixed weekly schedules. Hurricane season (June–November) can shift sailings by days; holiday seasons fill vessels early.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Miami to Puerto Rico?
Published third-party estimates ranged $845–$1,779 (standard sedan; carrier tariffs are port-to-port from Jacksonville, collected August 2026). The transport quote covers the truck-to-port and ocean legs; Puerto Rico’s excise tax (arbitrio) is a separate government charge assessed on the vehicle’s value and paid before release in San Juan. Get both numbers before deciding.
How much is the Puerto Rico excise tax on my car?
It depends on the vehicle’s assessed value — Hacienda publishes the schedule and providers can estimate it for your exact car. It is a government charge, separate from transport, and the port won’t release the vehicle until it’s paid.
Do I need to be in San Juan to receive the car?
You or an authorized agent handles port pickup after the tax is settled. Many providers offer door delivery on the island as part of the chain — ask for the full door-to-door picture.
Is the price port-to-port or door-to-door?
Published ocean-carrier tariffs are usually port-to-port — you deliver the car to the Florida terminal and collect it at the island port. Door-to-port and door-to-door arrangements exist and cost more because a truck leg is added at one or both ends. Always ask which basis a quote uses.
What documents does the port need?
Typically the original title (or a lien-holder authorization if the car is financed), your photo ID and the booking confirmation. Ports enforce document and drop-off cutoffs ahead of each sailing, so have the paperwork ready before you drive to the terminal.
Can I ship belongings inside the car?
On ocean moves, generally no — carriers require the vehicle near-empty, and the fuel tank kept low. Pack separately rather than planning to use the car as a container.
Can a non-running car go by ship?
Often yes, with notice — the terminal needs to move it with its own equipment, which adds handling charges. Whether the car rolls, steers and brakes decides how workable it is, so describe the condition accurately when you request quotes.
Open transportThe standard way most cars move.Non-running vehiclesInoperable, project and salvage cars.
Other routes people ship from Miami
Distances and transit ranges describe how these routes typically behave. They are not quotes, and they are not a commitment by Car Shipping Miami or any provider. Import duties, taxes and vehicle-eligibility rules are set by governments and change — confirm current requirements before booking any ocean or international shipment. The provider you speak with gives the estimate that applies to your shipment.
Car Shipping Miami is a marketplace and advertising platform. Car Shipping Miami does not transport vehicles or provide transportation services. Transportation quotes and services are offered by independent providers. Review provider information and terms before choosing a service. How this marketplace works
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