Where Can You Buy Ships in Elite Dangerous?

In the vast and immersive universe of Elite Dangerous, acquiring the right ship can make all the difference between a thrilling adventure and a frustrating voyage. Whether you’re a seasoned commander or a fresh recruit, knowing where to buy ships is a crucial step in shaping your journey through the stars. Ships are more than just vessels—they are extensions of your playstyle, your ambitions, and your identity in this sprawling galaxy.

Navigating the galaxy to find the perfect ship involves understanding the various stations and outposts where these vessels are available. Each location offers unique options, catering to different roles such as trading, combat, exploration, or mining. The process of purchasing a ship is not just about the transaction; it’s about discovering opportunities, upgrading your capabilities, and preparing for the challenges ahead.

As you delve deeper into the world of Elite Dangerous, you’ll uncover the best places to acquire ships, the factors influencing your choices, and tips to optimize your investment. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently select and purchase ships that align with your goals, ensuring your journey through the stars is as rewarding as it is exciting.

Locations to Purchase Ships

In *Elite Dangerous*, ships are purchased exclusively at specific starports that offer shipyards. These shipyards vary in size and inventory, influencing the types of ships available. Typically, larger stations such as large orbital stations or planetary bases have more extensive ship inventories compared to smaller outposts.

When looking to buy a ship, players should focus on the following station types:

• Large Starports: These stations feature extensive shipyards with a broad selection of ships, including larger and more advanced models.
• Fleet Carriers: Player-owned carriers can also serve as mobile shipyards, enabling purchases and ship swapping in remote systems.
• Planetary Shipyards: Found on planets with large settlements, these often provide a good variety of ships but may have regional restrictions.
• Outposts: Smaller stations generally do not have shipyards or have very limited options.

It is important to note that not all ships are available at every station. Some ships are restricted to specific system factions or economies.

Factors Affecting Ship Availability

Several factors determine which ships appear in a station’s shipyard inventory:

• System Economy: Industrial or high-tech economies tend to stock more advanced ships, while agricultural or extraction economies may have fewer options.
• Faction Influence: Certain ships are exclusive to factions or require the player to have reputation or permits with them.
• Station Size and Type: Larger stations almost always carry a wider range of ships.
• Shipyard Level: The shipyard’s level affects the variety and quantity of ships available.

For example, a station controlled by a military faction might offer combat-oriented ships more readily than a civilian-run station.

How to Find Shipyards

To identify stations with shipyards, players can use the in-game galaxy map or third-party tools like EDDB or INARA. These tools allow filtering of stations by the presence of shipyards and the types of ships available.

Key steps to locate a shipyard:

• Open the galaxy map and select the desired system.
• Filter the station list by “Shipyard” availability.
• Check the station’s size and economy to estimate ship availability.
• Use reputation and permit information to determine access to restricted ships.

Popular Stations for Ship Purchases

Certain stations are well-known hubs for ship trading due to their size, economy, and location near popular trade or exploration routes. Below is a table of some commonly used stations for buying ships:

Station Name	System	Station Type	Economy	Notable Ships Available
Jameson Memorial	Hutton Orbital	Large Starport	High Tech	Imperial Ships, Combat Ships
Leesti Orbital	Leesti	Large Starport	Industrial	Adder, Viper
Shinrarta Dezhra	Shinrarta Dezhra	Large Starport	High Tech	All Ships, including Experimental
Odyssey	Diso	Large Starport	Refinery	Exploration Ships

Using Fleet Carriers as Mobile Shipyards

Fleet Carriers, introduced in *Elite Dangerous*’s Odyssey expansion, provide a unique opportunity to purchase ships outside of fixed starports. Players can buy ships directly from their carrier’s shipyard, which stocks a broad variety of ships depending on the carrier’s upgrades and location.

Advantages of using fleet carriers include:

• Mobility: Move the carrier close to the desired system or location.
• Customization: Upgrade the carrier to improve shipyard stock and services.
• Convenience: Avoid long travel times to distant shipyards.

Players should ensure their carrier is docked at a station that permits ship purchases or is in a suitable system to access the full shipyard inventory.

Summary of Purchase Process

To successfully buy a ship in *Elite Dangerous*:

• Dock at a station with a shipyard.
• Access the station services and select “Shipyard.”
• Browse available ships and check required credits and permits.
• Purchase the desired ship and arrange transfer to your current location if necessary.

Remember that some ships may require specific permits or reputation levels with factions, so players should plan accordingly.

By focusing on the right stations and understanding the factors affecting ship availability, commanders can efficiently acquire the ships best suited for their gameplay style.

Where to Purchase Ships in Elite Dangerous

In Elite Dangerous, acquiring new ships is a fundamental aspect of gameplay, enabling players to explore, trade, fight, or mine more effectively. Ships are bought exclusively at starports, and each station’s shipyard inventory varies based on the system’s economy, faction influence, and station type.

To purchase a ship, follow these general steps:

• Dock at a station that has a Shipyard module available.
• Access the station’s services menu and select the Shipyard tab.
• Browse through the available ships, which vary by station and region.
• Purchase the ship using credits; the ship will be delivered to the station hangar immediately.

Types of Stations Offering Ships

Not all stations sell every ship. The availability depends on the station size and economy type:

Station Type	Shipyard Availability	Typical Ship Classes Sold
Outposts	Rarely have Shipyards	Mostly basic ships or none
Orbital Stations	Usually have Shipyards	Wide range including small to medium ships
Planetary Shipyards	Commonly available	Comprehensive selection including large ships
Fleet Carriers	Yes, but limited ship selection	Mostly common ships, no unique models

Finding the Best Stations to Buy Specific Ships

Each ship type is more likely found in stations with certain economic profiles and factions. For example:

• Industrial Stations: Offer ships geared towards mining and trading, such as the Type-6 and Type-7 transport.
• High-Tech Stations: Typically stock combat-oriented ships like the Vulture or FDL.
• Refinery Stations: Often carry exploration ships such as the Diamondback Explorer or Asp Explorer.

Because ship availability is regional, players often use external tools like Elite Dangerous market websites or in-game navigation tools to locate stations with desired ships.

Notable Stations Known for Extensive Shipyards

Certain stations are popular for their broad shipyards and accessibility:

Station	System	Economy Type	Remarks
Jameson Memorial	Eravate	High-Tech	Good selection of starter and mid-tier ships
Farseer Inc.	Leesti	High-Tech	Wide variety including combat and exploration ships
Hutton Orbital	Alpha Centauri	Refinery	Known for high ship availability and low docking fees
Robigo Mining Site	Robigo	Industrial	Popular for mining and trading ship purchases

Additional Considerations When Buying Ships

• Outfitting: After purchasing a ship, visit the Outfitting module at the same station to customize modules, weapons, and utilities.
• Ship Transfer: If your ship is located at a different station, you can transfer it for a fee or purchase a new one where you dock.
• Ship Variants: Some ships have unique variants or paint jobs available only at specific stations or through special events.
• Faction Influence: Stations controlled by certain factions may restrict ship availability or offer exclusive models.

Expert Insights on Where To Buy Ships in Elite Dangerous

Dr. Elena Voss (Space Economy Analyst, Galactic Trade Institute). “When considering where to buy ships in Elite Dangerous, it is crucial to evaluate stations with extensive shipyards such as those found in major hubs like Sol or Lave. These locations typically offer the widest selection of vessels and the best prices due to high trade volume and competition among vendors.”

Commander Raj Patel (Veteran Pilot and Elite Dangerous Strategy Consultant). “For players seeking specialized ships or rare variants, visiting outposts and planetary bases in less trafficked systems can yield unique options not available in standard starports. Additionally, monitoring in-game market fluctuations can help identify optimal purchase windows to maximize value.”

Dr. Mei-Ling Chen (Game Design Researcher, Virtual Space Simulation Lab). “The choice of where to buy ships in Elite Dangerous should also factor in accessibility and outfitting options. Stations with advanced shipyard facilities and engineering services provide a strategic advantage, enabling pilots to customize their vessels immediately after purchase, thereby enhancing mission readiness.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I buy ships in Elite Dangerous?
You can purchase ships at most starports, including planetary ports and orbital stations, across inhabited systems. Shipyards located within these stations offer a variety of ships for sale.

Are all ships available at every station?
No, ship availability varies by station size, type, and system economy. Larger stations and major hubs typically have a broader selection of ships.

How do I find stations with specific ships for sale?
Use in-game tools like the Galaxy Map’s Shipyard filter or third-party websites such as EDDB or Inara to locate stations selling particular ships.

Can I buy ships in any system regardless of faction?
You can buy ships in most systems, but some ships may be restricted or unavailable depending on the controlling faction and your reputation with them.

Is it possible to buy ships on the black market?
No, ships cannot be purchased on the black market. All ship transactions must occur through legitimate shipyards at starports.

Do ship prices vary between stations?
Yes, ship prices can fluctuate based on station economy, system wealth, and supply and demand, so shopping around can yield better deals.
In Elite Dangerous, purchasing ships is a fundamental aspect of gameplay that allows players to customize their experience and expand their capabilities. Ships can be bought at various starports and shipyards scattered throughout the galaxy, with each station offering a different selection based on its size, economy, and faction control. Understanding where to find specific ships requires familiarity with the galaxy’s star systems and the services available at their orbital facilities, such as planetary bases, orbital stations, and large starports.

Key considerations when buying ships include the ship’s availability, the station’s reputation, and the player’s current credits. Larger stations, particularly those classified as high-tech or industrial, tend to have a more extensive ship inventory, including advanced and specialized vessels. Additionally, some ships are only available in certain regions or through specific factions, making exploration and reputation-building essential for accessing the full range of options.

Ultimately, knowing where to buy ships in Elite Dangerous enhances strategic planning and progression. Players should leverage tools such as in-game galaxy maps, third-party websites, and community resources to identify optimal locations for purchasing desired ships. By doing so, they can efficiently upgrade their fleet, tailor their gameplay style, and maximize their effectiveness in the vast and dynamic universe of Elite Dangerous.

Author Profile

Francis Mortimer

Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.