How Much to Ship a Car from Alaska to Washington

Alaska to Washington is one of the most searched car shipping routes. See what it costs from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Wasilla to Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane and Vancouver, how long it takes, and how to book safely.

Reviewed by Transportvibe Editorial Team

How much does it cost to ship a car from Alaska to Washington?

Shipping a standard sedan from Alaska to Washington costs about $1,600–$3,900 with ocean and truck transport. Anchorage to Seattle runs about $1,750–$2,450 and takes 7–12 days. Enclosed or container shipping costs $2,325–$6,250.

Transit time: 7–19 days, depending on the cities and sailing schedule.
Cheapest time: outside summer PCS season.
How it ships: ocean sailing plus mainland trucking; port-to-port is cheapest.

Average cost, sedan: $1,600–$3,900Estimate, depends on cities
Transit time: 7–19 daysIncluding sailing
Route: Ocean + truckScheduled sailings
Container or enclosed: 40–60%Over standard price

Price by city

Alaska to Washington car shipping prices

Prices for a standard sedan between the main cities and ports on each side. Darker cells cost more. Tap a city pair to start a quote for that route.

Estimated rates based on distance, carrier demand and season, including ocean freight.
From ↓ / To →	SeattleWashington	TacomaWashington	SpokaneWashington	VancouverWashington
Anchorage	$1,750–$2,450Ocean (port to port) · 7–12 days	$1,750–$2,450Ocean (port to port) · 7–12 days	$2,175–$3,000Ocean, plus 280 mi by truck · 8–15 days	$2,075–$2,925Ocean, plus 130 mi by truck · 8–15 days
Fairbanks	$2,350–$3,350Ocean (port to port) · 10–16 days	$2,350–$3,350Ocean (port to port) · 10–16 days	$2,775–$3,900Ocean, plus 280 mi by truck · 11–19 days	$2,675–$3,825Ocean, plus 130 mi by truck · 11–19 days
Juneau	$1,600–$2,300Ocean (port to port) · 8–14 days	$1,600–$2,300Ocean (port to port) · 8–14 days	$2,025–$2,850Ocean, plus 270 mi by truck · 9–17 days	$1,950–$2,775Ocean, plus 160 mi by truck · 9–17 days
Wasilla	$1,750–$2,450Ocean (port to port) · 7–12 days	$1,750–$2,450Ocean (port to port) · 7–12 days	$2,175–$3,000Ocean, plus 280 mi by truck · 8–15 days	$2,075–$2,925Ocean, plus 130 mi by truck · 8–15 days

LowerHigher

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Three ways to move your car to Washington

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How your car gets there

The journey from Alaska to Washington

Every car shipped from Alaska crosses the ocean on a scheduled sailing, with trucking on the mainland side.

TruckAnchorageDrop your car at the port or have it collected.Pickup · Alaska Time
ShipPort of Alaska, AnchorageDrop-off and inspection before loading.Cutoff times
ShipOcean crossingYour car travels as roll-on cargo or in a container.About 3–4 days at sea
TruckPort of TacomaUnloading and inspection on the mainland.Pickup window
Seattle or your addressCollect at the port or have it trucked to Washington.Delivery · Pacific Time

Regular sailings run between Tacoma and Anchorage. Juneau and Southeast Alaska are served by barge from Seattle instead.

What to expect

Your shipment, day by day

A typical Anchorage to Seattle shipment booked with flexible dates.

Day 0
Book and verify
Compare quotes, check the company's USDOT or MC number, and confirm the price and deposit in writing.
1–2 weeks before
Sailing booked
Your car is booked on a sailing. Missing the port cutoff can push it to the next ship.
Drop-off day
Inspection and loading
You and the port agent note any existing damage on the Bill of Lading before the car is loaded.
+7–12 days
At sea
Your car crosses the Pacific on a scheduled sailing, plus trucking time on the mainland.
Delivery
Inspect and sign
Check the car against the pickup report before signing. Note new damage on the Bill of Lading.

Port or door?

Port-to-port vs door-to-door

The biggest price decision on an ocean route is who moves the car to and from the ports.

Port to port

$1,750–$2,450

You drop off at: Tacoma
You collect at: Anchorage
Best for: Lowest price
Transit: 7–12 days

Door to door

$2,050–$3,050

Pickup: Your address in Alaska
Delivery: Your address in Washington
Best for: Convenience
Transit: 9–16 days

Prices are estimates for a standard sedan between Anchorage and Seattle. Military members on PCS orders may be entitled to have a vehicle shipped by the government, so check your orders before booking.

Both ends of the trip

Leaving Alaska, arriving in Washington

Before drop-off in Alaska

What ocean carriers check at the port.

Clean the car inside and out. A clean car makes the port inspection accurate.
Leave a quarter tank or less. Ocean carriers limit fuel for safety.
Empty the car. Most ocean carriers don't allow personal items, apart from standard equipment like a spare tire.
Bring your paperwork. Expect to show your title or registration, photo ID and, if the car is financed, a letter from your lender authorizing the shipment.

After delivery in Washington

For new Washington residents. Confirm current rules with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).

Register within 30 days. New residents register through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
Check inspection rules. Washington has no emissions testing and no annual safety inspection.
Get a Good To Go! pass if you'll use toll roads in your new area.

Timing

Best time to ship a car from Alaska to Washington

Sailings fill up fastest during summer moving and military PCS season.

Dec–Feb

Winter

Lower demand

Most sailing space

Fewer moves mean easier booking. Roads north of Anchorage are harder in winter.

Mar–May

Spring

Moderate

Bookings pick up

Book sailings several weeks ahead as moving season begins.

Jun–Aug

Summer

Peak

Military PCS and moving season

June to August fills sailings fastest. Book as early as you can.

Sep–Nov

Fall

Moderate

Space opens up

Demand eases after the summer PCS season.

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Questions

Alaska to Washington car shipping FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Alaska to Washington?

Shipping a standard sedan from Alaska to Washington costs about $1,600–$3,900 with ocean and truck transport, depending on the cities. Anchorage to Seattle is about $1,750–$2,450. Enclosed or container shipping costs about $2,325–$6,250.

How long does it take to ship a car from Alaska to Washington?

Most cars arrive 7–19 days after drop-off, depending on the cities, sailing schedule and port handling. Book several weeks ahead, since sailings run on fixed schedules.

Is port-to-port or door-to-door cheaper?

Port-to-port is cheaper because you handle the drive to and from the ports yourself. Door-to-door adds trucking on one or both ends but saves you the trips.

Can I pack personal items in my car?

Usually not. Most ocean carriers require the car to be empty apart from standard equipment like a spare tire and jack. Ship household goods separately.

Can I drive to Alaska instead?

Yes, on the Alaska Highway through Canada, but it's a long drive with border paperwork. Most people ship by sea between Tacoma and Anchorage, which is usually more predictable.

Will the military ship my car?

Service members on PCS orders may be entitled to have a vehicle shipped by the government. Check your orders and transportation office before booking a private shipment.

Is it cheaper to ship a car from Washington to Alaska?

It can be. Prices depend on how many cars are moving in each direction, so the reverse trip may cost more or less. Compare prices on our Washington to Alaska page.

Do I need to register my car in Washington after moving?

Yes. New Washington residents need to title and register their vehicle with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) within 30 days. Washington has no emissions testing and no annual safety inspection.

Related routes and guides

How we estimate prices. Prices, distances and transit times on this page are estimates for a standard sedan, based on route distance, typical carrier rates, ocean freight rates, seasonal demand and the extra cost of enclosed transport. Quotes from individual companies can be higher or lower. Washington registration details come from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).