How much does it cost to transport a mobile home? Routes, RoRo vs road and prices
After the price of the unit itself, transport is the biggest cost of an imported mobile home — and the one that raises the most questions. The answer depends on three factors: the route, the size of the unit and the mode of transport. This guide explains each one and gives indicative price ranges by corridor.
What makes the price vary
Three variables determine the transport cost:
- Route — the distance and whether there is a direct RoRo sea link to the destination port (Leixões, Santander/Bilbao, Le Havre).
- Size — a single unit fits in one piece; a twin (wider) travels in two halves and may require special handling, increasing the cost.
- Mode — sea RoRo versus road as an abnormal load (convoi exceptionnel), with very significant price differences.
RoRo (sea) vs abnormal load (road)
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) sea transport is almost always the most economical and safest option for units crossing the sea — the case for routes from the UK, Netherlands or Belgium to the Iberian Peninsula. The unit drives on and off the ferry on wheels, with no container cranes.
Road transport as an abnormal load / oversized road transport (convoi exceptionnel) only pays off on purely overland corridors (for example, Netherlands → France) or when there is no suitable RoRo route. Because it requires oversized-load permits and, often, an escort, it tends to cost three to four times more than the equivalent sea route. Rule of thumb: RoRo whenever a sea route exists.
Price ranges by corridor (indicative)
Indicative transport figures per unit — they vary with the season, the size and sailing availability. For an exact figure, request a quote:
| Corridor | Mode | Indicative per unit |
|---|---|---|
| UK → Spain | RoRo | ≈ €2.000–€2.500 |
| UK → Portugal | RoRo | ≈ €2.500–€4.000 |
| Netherlands → France | Road | On request (convoi) |
| Any route, convoi exceptionnel | Road | 3–4× the RoRo price |
Destinations beyond the continent: the Azores and Brazil
For destinations outside continental Europe — such as the Azores or Brazil — transport is by cargo ship, typically on a flat rack for out-of-gauge (OOG) loads. These are longer, more specialised routes with their own cost and lead time; Green Village handles these corridors on a case-by-case basis.
In summary
- Sea RoRo is typically 3–4× cheaper than road (convoi exceptionnel).
- UK → Spain by RoRo ≈ €2.000–€2.500; UK → Portugal ≈ €2.500–€4.000 (indicative).
- A twin unit (two halves) costs more to transport than a single.
- The Azores and Brazil are shipped by cargo vessel (flat rack OOG), case by case.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transport a mobile home from the UK to Portugal?
By RoRo sea transport, the indicative cost is between €2.500 and €4.000 per unit, depending on the season, the size and sailing availability. Road transport as an abnormal load (convoi exceptionnel) can cost three to four times more. The exact figure depends on the route and is given by quote.
Is it cheaper to transport by sea or by road?
By sea (RoRo), whenever a suitable sea link exists. Road transport as an abnormal load (convoi exceptionnel) requires special permits and an escort and tends to cost three to four times more than the equivalent sea route.
Does the transport include delivery to my plot?
Green Village handles transport end to end, including the road leg from the port to the plot and unloading/installation with a crane when needed. The exact terms are confirmed in the quote, depending on access to the site.