Dec–Feb
Winter
Pass delays
Winter is steady, but snow on Snoqualmie Pass can slow eastbound trucks.
Car Shipping in Seattle
Shipping a car up to Anchorage, across the Cascades to a new job, or from the Eastside to California. Seattle is the main gateway for car shipping to Alaska. Here's what it costs and where carriers can meet you.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Seattle?
Shipping a standard sedan from Seattle costs about $825–$1,750 on an open carrier to most mainland cities, depending on distance. Seattle to Anchorage runs about $1,750–$2,450 (7–12 days, by ocean), and Seattle to Los Angeles about $825–$1,050 (2–4 days). Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%.
- Alaska: cars to Anchorage sail from the Port of Tacoma, about $1,750–$2,450 port to port.
- Winter: Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 can require chains and slow eastbound trucks.
- Main truck routes: I-5, I-90, I-405 and SR 167.
Pickup and delivery
Where car carriers can meet you in Seattle
Seattle's hills, water and bridges make some neighborhoods much easier than others. Pick your area to see truck routes and good meeting spots.
Hills, bridges and ferries shape pickups
Steep streets in central Seattle are hard for a loaded carrier, and car carriers rarely use the state ferries. Plan a meeting point on flatter ground near I-5 or I-405.
Steep downtown and Queen Anne hillsWashington State FerriesSR 520 bridge tollsI-405 express toll lanes
Downtown & Capitol Hill
Truck access: Hard for trucksSteep hills, one-way streets and limited loading zones make central Seattle one of the hardest areas for carriers. Most meet customers near I-5 to the south.
Truck routes
- I-5 through downtown
- I-90 east to Bellevue
Good meeting spots
- Industrial areas in SoDo near I-5
- Large retail lots south of downtown
Tip: SoDo, south of the stadiums, is the usual meeting area for central Seattle.
North Seattle & Ballard
Truck access: ModerateBallard, Fremont, Green Lake and Northgate have narrow residential streets but good access to I-5 and SR 99.
Truck routes
- I-5 north
- SR 99Aurora Avenue
Good meeting spots
- Retail lots near Northgate
- Shopping center lots along Aurora Avenue
Tip: Northbound carriers heading to Everett and Canada pass right by Northgate.
West & South Seattle
Truck access: ModerateWest Seattle, Georgetown and Rainier Valley have a mix of hills and flat industrial areas. Georgetown is one of the easiest spots in the city to load.
Truck routes
- SR 99SR 99 tunnel and viaduct route
- SR 509 to the south
- I-5
Good meeting spots
- Industrial lots in Georgetown
- Retail lots near I-5
Tip: West Seattle's bridge can back up at rush hour; pick a midday slot.
Eastside
Truck access: EasyBellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and Issaquah are suburban with wide roads and quick I-405 and I-90 access. Door pickups are common.
Truck routes
- I-405
- I-90 to Snoqualmie Pass
- SR 520SR 520 bridge (toll)
Good meeting spots
- Your driveway in most neighborhoods
- Office and retail lots near I-405
Tip: Tech relocations to the Eastside often include car shipping; ask your employer before booking.
Tacoma & JBLM
Truck access: EasyTacoma, Lakewood and Joint Base Lewis-McChord sit on I-5 next to the Port of Tacoma, where Alaska sailings leave.
Truck routes
- I-5
- SR 167Valley Freeway
- SR 16Tacoma Narrows Bridge to Kitsap
Good meeting spots
- Your driveway in most neighborhoods
- Lots near the Port of Tacoma
Tip: Shipping to Alaska from nearby? Dropping your car at the port yourself saves the truck leg.
Everett & the North End
Truck access: EasyEverett, Lynnwood and Marysville are suburban with I-5 access. Naval Station Everett is here, with NAS Whidbey Island further north.
Truck routes
- I-5
- I-405 south
Good meeting spots
- Your driveway in most neighborhoods
- Retail lots near I-5
Tip: Service members at Naval Station Everett should share base access details when booking.
Kitsap Peninsula
Truck access: ModerateBremerton, Silverdale and Port Orchard are across the water. Carriers drive around via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge rather than taking a ferry, so pickups can take longer.
Truck routes
- SR 16Tacoma Narrows Bridge (toll)
- SR 3To Bremerton and Silverdale
Good meeting spots
- Your driveway on wider streets
- Retail lots near SR 16
Tip: Naval Base Kitsap members can meet carriers just outside the gate in Bremerton or Silverdale.
Prices
Car shipping prices to and from Seattle
Estimated open-carrier prices for a standard sedan. Routes with a guide link to city-by-city prices; the rest start a quote.
Shipping from Seattle
- Seattle → Anchorage, AK
Ocean (port to port) · 7–12 days$1,750–$2,450
Route guide → - Seattle → Honolulu, HI
Ocean (port to port) · 12–18 days$1,700–$2,500
Route guide → - Seattle → Los Angeles, CA
1,150 mi · 2–4 days$825–$1,050 - Seattle → Phoenix, AZ
1,340 mi · 3–5 days$900–$1,150 - Seattle → Denver, CO
1,220 mi · 3–5 days$850–$1,100 - Seattle → Dallas, TX
2,020 mi · 4–7 days$1,125–$1,425 - Seattle → Chicago, IL
2,080 mi · 4–7 days$1,150–$1,450 - Seattle → New York, NY
2,880 mi · 6–9 days$1,375–$1,750
Shipping to Seattle
- Anchorage, AK → Seattle
Ocean (port to port) · 7–12 days$1,750–$2,450
Route guide → - Honolulu, HI → Seattle
Ocean (port to port) · 12–18 days$1,700–$2,500
Route guide → - Los Angeles, CA → Seattle
1,150 mi · 2–4 days$825–$1,050 - Dallas, TX → Seattle
2,020 mi · 4–7 days$1,125–$1,425 - Phoenix, AZ → Seattle
1,340 mi · 3–5 days$900–$1,150 - New York, NY → Seattle
2,880 mi · 6–9 days$1,375–$1,750
Enclosed transport adds about 40–60%. SUVs and pickups usually add $100–$250.
Book with confidence
Three ways to ship your car in Seattle
Compare independent companies, let our own licensed team handle it, or check a quote you already have.
Full Service
Let Transportvibe handle it
Full Service is our own licensed brokerage. Our team books a vetted carrier for your Seattle move, including a truck-friendly meeting point, and handles the details. Shown separately from TrustScore rankings.
Explore Full ServiceCompare
Compare independent companies
See FMCSA-checked brokers and carriers serving Seattle, ranked by TrustScore with verified reviews. Companies can't pay to change their score.
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Check a company before you pay
Paste a USDOT or MC number to see FMCSA authority, insurance status, complaint history and warning signs, including quotes far below the $825–$1,750 market range.
Run Red Flag CheckerLocal know-how
What makes Seattle car shipping different
The gateway to Alaska
Cars headed to Anchorage sail from the Port of Tacoma, about $1,750–$2,450 port to port. Hawaii sailings also leave from the Seattle–Tacoma area.
Snoqualmie Pass in winter
From November to March, I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass can require chains or close for storms, slowing trucks heading east.
A major military market
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Station Everett and NAS Whidbey Island bring constant PCS moves, including to Alaska and Hawaii.
No inspections
Washington has no emissions testing and no annual safety inspection. New residents have 30 days to register.
Toll bridges and lanes
The SR 520 bridge, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and I-405 express lanes use Good To Go passes. Remove yours before pickup.
Book a little earlier
Seattle sits at the end of I-5 and I-90, so fewer trucks pass through than in California or Texas. Book a few days earlier than you would in a bigger hub.
Timing
Best time to ship a car in Seattle
Summer relocations, PCS moves and Alaska sailings drive Seattle prices most.
Mar–May
Spring
Alaska season starts
Spring brings more Alaska shipments as roads and ports up north thaw.
Jun–Aug
Summer
Moving and PCS peak
Summer is the busiest season for relocations, PCS moves and Alaska sailings.
Sep–Nov
Fall
Good time to ship
Fall is often a good time to ship, with steady demand before winter weather.
Moving checklist
Moving to or from Seattle with a car
Moving to Seattle
Confirm current rules with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
- Register within 30 days of becoming a Washington resident, through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
- Inspection: Washington has no emissions testing and no annual safety inspection.
- Plan for parking. Many Seattle neighborhoods use restricted parking zones that require a permit.
Leaving Seattle
Things Seattleites forget before the truck arrives.
- Remove your Good To Go pass. It can register bridge and express lane tolls while the car is on the truck.
- Prepare for Alaska. If shipping to Anchorage, check antifreeze, battery and tires for cold weather.
- Pick a flat meeting point if you live on one of Seattle's steep hills.
- Leave about a quarter tank and remove personal items before pickup.
Ready to ship your car in Seattle?
Let our Full Service team find a carrier and a meeting point that works, or check any company with the Red Flag Checker before you pay a deposit.
Questions
Seattle car shipping FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Seattle?
Shipping a standard sedan from Seattle costs about $825–$1,750 on an open carrier to most mainland cities, depending on distance. Seattle to Anchorage runs about $1,750–$2,450 (7–12 days, by ocean), and Seattle to Los Angeles about $825–$1,050 (2–4 days). Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Seattle to Alaska?
About $1,750–$2,450 from the Port of Tacoma to Anchorage, taking about 7–12 days. Shipping to Fairbanks or Juneau costs more.
Can I ship a car from Seattle to Hawaii?
Yes. Sailings to Honolulu leave from the Seattle–Tacoma area, about $1,700–$2,500 and 12–18 days.
Does Snoqualmie Pass affect car shipping from Seattle?
In winter, yes. Chain requirements and storm closures on I-90 can slow trucks heading east from November to March.
Will a car carrier take a ferry to Bainbridge or Vashon?
Rarely. Carriers usually avoid the state ferries, so islands and the Kitsap Peninsula often need a mainland meeting point or a longer drive around.
Do I need an inspection after moving my car to Washington?
No. Washington has no emissions testing and no annual safety inspection. New residents have 30 days to register.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Seattle?
Book an open carrier one to two weeks ahead, avoid peak summer, and meet the truck near I-5 or I-405 on flat ground.
How long does it take to ship a car from Seattle?
About 2–4 days to Los Angeles, 4–7 days to Chicago and 6–9 days to New York after pickup. Add 2–5 days for scheduling.
Related routes and guides
- Washington to Alaska
- Washington to Hawaii
- Alaska to Washington
- Hawaii to Washington
- Car shipping in Washington
- Car shipping in New York City
- Car shipping in Los Angeles
- Car shipping in San Diego
- Car shipping in Chicago
- Car shipping in Houston
- Car shipping in Miami
- Car shipping in Dallas
- Car shipping in San Jose
- Car shipping in Atlanta
- Get a car shipping quote
How we estimate prices. Prices and transit times on this page are estimates for a standard sedan, based on route distance, typical carrier rates, seasonal demand and the extra cost of enclosed transport. Quotes from individual companies can be higher or lower. Registration details come from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL); truck route rules from Washington State Department of Transportation information.