Moving from Melbourne to Brisbane: Shipping Your Car Door-to-Door or Depot-to-Depot
Published 03/10/2026 · Updated 07/10/2026 · Auto Mover Australia
Shipping a car from Melbourne to Brisbane at the time of writing starts from $770 for a standard running sedan on a depot-to-depot basis, covering the roughly 1,680 km route up the east coast. Most vehicles arrive within 3–8 business days, and you can choose between dropping off and collecting at a depot yourself, or paying extra for door-to-door pickup and delivery. The cheapest and most flexible way to book is to get an instant quote online before you commit to a moving date.
Relocating from Melbourne to Brisbane is one of the more popular interstate moves in Australia, and for good reason — it swaps Victorian winters for Queensland warmth without the cost or hassle of a multi-day drive. Rather than putting thousands of kilometres on your odometer (and wearing out tyres, fluids and your own patience), most people choose to have their vehicle transported professionally while they fly, drive a smaller trip, or simply focus on the move itself.
Depot-to-depot vs door-to-door: which suits your move?
The two main ways to ship a car between Melbourne and Brisbane both get your vehicle there safely — the difference is in convenience and cost.
- Depot-to-depot is the most budget-friendly option. You drop your car at the Melbourne depot and collect it from the Brisbane depot once it arrives. This works well if you're happy to do a short drive to the depot at either end, or if a friend or family member can help with drop-off and pickup.
- Door-to-door adds collection from your current address and delivery to your new one in Brisbane. It costs more, with the exact surcharge depending on how far your addresses are from the depots, but it saves you the extra legwork — particularly handy if you're juggling removalists, flights, or young kids on moving day.
Many customers mix the two — for example, a depot drop-off in Melbourne paired with door delivery in Brisbane, or vice versa. When you get an instant quote, you can compare the combinations and see exactly what each option costs for your specific addresses.
Where the depots are
Auto Mover Australia operates depots in every state, and the Melbourne–Brisbane route runs between two well-placed locations:
- Melbourne depot: Craigieburn depot, 4/54 Potter St, Craigieburn VIC 3064 — in Melbourne's north, just off the Hume Freeway, making it an easy drop-off if you're already heading north out of the city.
- Brisbane depot: Stapylton depot, 6 Elliot Drive, Stapylton QLD 4207 — on the M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, about 35 minutes south of the Brisbane CBD, so it also suits those relocating to the Gold Coast end of South East Queensland.
Full details on both locations, including other depots around the country, are on our locations page. For complete specifics on this corridor, see the car transport Melbourne to Brisbane route page.
How long does the trip take?
The direct road distance between Melbourne and Brisbane is about 1,680 km, and depot-to-depot transit typically takes 3 to 8 business days. The exact timing depends on how freight is consolidated along the route, current demand, and weather or road conditions through New South Wales. Door-to-door services may add a day or two on either end to account for collection and final delivery scheduling. If your move is time-critical — say, you need the car for a specific start date at a new job — it's worth booking a week or two ahead and discussing your deadline when you request a quote. For a broader look at how timing varies across different interstate routes, our transit times guide explains the factors at play.
What affects the price
The $770 starting price applies to a standard running sedan in good working order travelling depot-to-depot. Your actual cost will vary based on a few factors:
- Vehicle size and type — SUVs, utes, vans and larger vehicles generally cost more than a standard sedan due to the space they take on the carrier.
- Door-to-door distance — the further your pickup or delivery address is from the Craigieburn or Stapylton depot, the higher the collection/delivery surcharge.
- Running condition — non-running vehicles typically require extra handling equipment and cost more to move than a car that can be driven on and off the carrier under its own power.
- Fuel levy and seasonal demand — like most transport providers, pricing can be affected by fuel costs; see our fuel levy page for how this is applied.
Because every move is different, we don't publish a single fixed price list — the most accurate figure for your situation comes from an instant online quote, which only takes a couple of minutes to complete.
Preparing your car for the move
A little preparation helps your car move smoothly through the depot network and reduces the chance of delays:
- Give the car a quick wash so any existing scratches or marks are easy to see and document at drop-off.
- Remove personal items and valuables from the interior and boot.
- Leave the fuel tank around a quarter full — enough to drive it on and off carriers, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.
- Check for existing leaks and make sure the battery is in good condition.
- Take dated photos of the exterior and interior before handover, for your own records.
Our car carrying page has more detail on how vehicles are loaded, secured and handled in transit, including what's covered during the move.
Not just cars: other vehicles on this route
The Melbourne-to-Brisbane corridor isn't only used for sedans and SUVs. Plenty of customers relocating up the coast also move:
- Utes, trucks and commercial vans — see trucks and vans transport for details.
- Boats and jet skis, for those heading to the Gold Coast or Moreton Bay — check boats and jet ski transport.
- Caravans and trailers, common for retirees and grey nomads making the move north — see trailers and caravan transport.
Whatever you're moving, the same depot network and general booking process applies, with pricing tailored to the specific item.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Melbourne to Brisbane?
At the time of writing, prices start from $770 for a standard running sedan travelling depot-to-depot. The final cost depends on your vehicle type and whether you add door-to-door collection or delivery, so it's best to get an instant quote for an accurate figure.
How long does it take to transport a car between Melbourne and Brisbane?
Depot-to-depot transit typically takes 3 to 8 business days across the roughly 1,680 km route, depending on scheduling, demand and road conditions.
Can I choose door-to-door instead of using the depots?
Yes, door-to-door collection and delivery is available at both the Craigieburn (Melbourne) and Stapylton (Brisbane) depots for an extra charge based on distance from each depot to your address.
Do I need to empty my car before shipping it?
You should remove valuables and personal items, though leaving some non-hazardous belongings in the boot is generally fine — it's best to confirm any restrictions when booking.
Is my car insured while it's being transported?
Vehicles are covered during transit under the carrier's policies; for specific coverage details and claims information, see our FAQ page or speak with our team via Contact.
Can I track my car during the move?
Yes, updates are provided as your vehicle moves through the depot network, so you'll know roughly where it is between Melbourne and Brisbane drop-off and delivery.
Ready to book?
Auto Mover Australia is trusted by 10,000+ happy customers for interstate vehicle transport, with depots in every state and straightforward depot-to-depot or door-to-door options on the Melbourne to Brisbane route. Get an instant quote now to see your price and book a pickup date that suits your move.
Route details and booking
See car transport Melbourne to Brisbane for today's from-price, transit time and depot details. Heading the other way? See car transport Brisbane to Melbourne.