How Much to Ship a Car from Washington to Alaska

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

Reviewed by Transportvibe Editorial Team

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

Shipping a standard sedan from Washington to Alaska costs about $1,600–$3,900 with ocean and truck transport. Seattle to Anchorage 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

Washington to Alaska 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 →	AnchorageAlaska	FairbanksAlaska	JuneauAlaska	WasillaAlaska
Seattle	$1,750–$2,450Ocean (port to port) · 7–12 days	$2,350–$3,350Ocean (port to port) · 10–16 days	$1,600–$2,300Ocean (port to port) · 8–14 days	$1,750–$2,450Ocean (port to port) · 7–12 days
Tacoma	$1,750–$2,450Ocean (port to port) · 7–12 days	$2,350–$3,350Ocean (port to port) · 10–16 days	$1,600–$2,300Ocean (port to port) · 8–14 days	$1,750–$2,450Ocean (port to port) · 7–12 days
Spokane	$2,175–$3,000Ocean, plus 280 mi by truck · 8–15 days	$2,775–$3,900Ocean, plus 280 mi by truck · 11–19 days	$2,025–$2,850Ocean, plus 270 mi by truck · 9–17 days	$2,175–$3,000Ocean, plus 280 mi by truck · 8–15 days
Vancouver	$2,075–$2,925Ocean, plus 130 mi by truck · 8–15 days	$2,675–$3,825Ocean, plus 130 mi by truck · 11–19 days	$1,950–$2,775Ocean, plus 160 mi by truck · 9–17 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 Alaska

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How your car gets there

The journey from Washington to Alaska

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

TruckSeattleYour car is trucked to Port of Tacoma, or you drop it off yourself.Pickup · Pacific Time
ShipPort of TacomaDrop-off and inspection before loading. Sailings run on fixed schedules.Cutoff times
ShipOcean crossingYour car travels as roll-on cargo or in a container.About 3–4 days at sea
TruckPort of Alaska, AnchorageUnloading and inspection on arrival.Pickup window
Delivery or port pickupCollect at the port or have it delivered to your door.Delivery · Alaska 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 Seattle to Anchorage 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 Washington
Delivery: Your address in Alaska
Best for: Convenience
Transit: 9–16 days

Prices are estimates for a standard sedan between Seattle and Anchorage. 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 Washington, arriving in Alaska

Before drop-off in Washington

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 Alaska

For new Alaska residents. Confirm current rules with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles.

Register with the Alaska DMV. Bring your title, ID and proof of insurance.
Prepare for winter driving. Fit winter tires and an engine block heater if you're moving north of Anchorage.

Timing

Best time to ship a car from Washington to Alaska

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

Washington to Alaska car shipping FAQ

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

Shipping a standard sedan from Washington to Alaska costs about $1,600–$3,900 with ocean and truck transport, depending on the cities. Seattle to Anchorage 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 Washington to Alaska?

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 Alaska to Washington?

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 Alaska to Washington page.

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

Yes. New Alaska residents need to title and register their vehicle with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles.

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. Alaska registration details come from the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles.