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Complete guide to transporting a vehicle in Queensland

Covering everything from prices, how long it takes, how to find the best transport provider and much more about moving vehicles in QLD and interstate.
By · Updated June 30, 2026
Complete guide to transporting a vehicle in Queensland

Need to transport a car in QLD?

Find and compare the best transport providers in Australia, helping you get an unbeatable price and a schedule that suits you.
9.7 · 2,606 reviews
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Given the sheer size of the state and a coastline just shy of 7,000 km, it’s no surprise that opting to use a transport service to relocate a vehicle will save you heaps of time and is often the most cost effective option.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to car transport in QLD, covering everything from what it should cost to the transport options available to you and much more.

How much does it cost for car transport in Queensland?

The cost to transport a car in QLD is $240 to $2,188. Given the size of the state, the price greatly depends on the distance and locations of the move.

Below are some of the most popular routes with a price guide for each:

  • Brisbane to Gold Coast - $280 to $510
  • Brisbane to Toowoomba - $240 to $470
  • Cairns to Brisbane - $1,180 to $1,940
  • Mackay to Brisbane - $640 to $1,120
  • Townsville to Gold Coast - $740 to $1,350

There are five other factors affect the price, these are:

  • Method of transport (more detail below)
  • The car type and size
  • If the car is operational vs non-operational
  • If belongings will be in the car during transit
  • How quickly you need the car transported

How long does it take?

The move's duration also largely depends on the distance; for inner city or metro moves this can be done on the same day. For longer or regional moves this takes from 2 to 6 working days.

If you need a vehicle moved quickly, you can opt for an 'express' service. This generally comes at a higher cost, but it means your vehicle will skip the queue and be on the next available carrier to its destination.

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 higher price, and the second needs a bit more effort from you but could save you between $350 and $720. Let's jump into the options.

Door-to-door

As the name suggests, this option means your vehicle is picked up directly from address A and dropped off at address B. 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, the transport provider can store it in the short term and then deliver it when you're ready.

Depot-to-depot

This method requires you to drop off and pick up your vehicle from the car carriers' depots. The depots are often located in industrial areas on the outskirts of each city or town, 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 $720.

Not to complicate matters, but you can also choose door-to-depot or depot-to-door if you're able to drop off or pick up the vehicle at either side of its journey. This method can save you between $200 and $420, so if you're relatively close to a depot location, this can be a great cost-saving option.

Can I put belongings in the car?

If you're relocating within Queensland 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 $200 to $350.

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

Non-runners or non-operation vehicles

If the vehicle has broken down or it's part of a restoration project, you may need to transport it to a garage. Most car transport services can accommodate non-operational vehicles; however, special arrangements may need to be made.

It's important to notify the transport company about the vehicle's condition when requesting a quote so that they can provide the appropriate equipment, such as a tow truck or a trailer with a winch. This ensures the safe loading and unloading of your non-functional vehicle, preventing any additional damage.

Getting the best price from expert car transport companies

To keep costs under control, it’s worth choosing a car transport service that fits your route, timing, and budget.

The easiest way to arrange it is with Upmove. Upmove makes car transport in Australia simple, affordable, and stress-free, with trusted car transport teams ready to move your vehicle safely from pickup to delivery.

Interstate Car Transport

If you need to transport a vehicle to or from QLD, there are several factors to be aware of. While no additional documents are required for the transporting process, changing the vehicle's registration to the new state is legally required. For more details, see our comprehensive guide on registering your car interstate.

The cost to move a vehicle around Australia depends on where it's being transported from and to. City-to-city moves will be significantly cheaper than dropping to regional destinations.

Assess reviews from previous customers to ensure your vehicle is in safe hands. If the vehicle is of high value, you can look for 'enclosed' vehicle transport providers for extra protection.

Conclusion

By now you'll have a good understanding of what's involved in transporting a car around Queensland. 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, Upmove makes car transport in Australia simple, affordable, and stress-free, with trusted car transport teams ready to move your vehicle safely from pickup to delivery.

Need to transport a car in QLD?

Find and compare the best transport providers in Australia, helping you get an unbeatable price and a schedule that suits you.
9.7 · 2,606 reviews
Yahoo! Nine News Finder

What do our customers say?

Read reviews of Upmove to learn stories from our customers
$220
Warriewood, NSW
West Ryde, NSW
10
George
Reviewed 1 day ago
Very thorough, fast and thoughtful. Very short notice but still delivered and communicated fantastically.
$720
Kelso, QLD
Caravonica, QLD
10
Brent
Reviewed 1 day ago
Graham's patience and dedication to his towing business is absolutely outstanding ! He pushed through so many obstacles to retrieve our car from Townsville and delivered it right to our doorstep in Cairns . His Quote slayed any competitors and i wouldnt of expected all the extra work he did ! Truely a lovely guy we felt he deserved a good dinner and and a bonus 6 pack of rum. I can't speak highly enough of the job he did really and I never write reviews so this one's a first for me . Cheers Grayham 🍻 I'll happly send people your way Thanks Brent
$989
Motorcycle Victory Kingpin Tourer
Bell Park, VIC
Nikenbah, QLD
10
Brian
Reviewed 2 days ago
Great company, professionalism from start to finish, pick and delivery was seamless and Jamie is excellent to deal with. This is THE only bike transport company you should use. Great rates and deliver what they promise.
$795
Motorcycle Victory Magnum
Buccan, QLD
Yallah, NSW
10
Staun
Reviewed 3 days ago
Nick was an absolute professional. Excellent and clear communication with plenty of photos on pickup and once loaded. Turned up on time on both pickup and drop-off. Bike was handled with care and arrived perfect. Thanks again mate, it was a pleasure to deal with you.
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