Alaska to Iowa Auto Transport Shipping
Shipping a car from Alaska to Iowa is really two trips. Cars from Anchorage sail south to Tacoma, Washington, on TOTE Maritime or Matson, and the voyage takes about three days. Fairbanks cars first ride about 360 miles south on the Parks Highway to Anchorage. Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan have no road connection to the rest of the country, so cars from Southeast Alaska go south by barge to Seattle. From Tacoma or Seattle, a car carrier drives about 1,560 to 1,905 miles to Iowa. Carriers headed for Sioux City usually take I-90 to South Dakota and then I-29 south. For Des Moines, Iowa City and Davenport, most cross Wyoming and Nebraska on I-80, which runs straight across Iowa. Cedar Rapids is about 25 miles north of Iowa City on I-380. Alaska to Iowa Auto Transport usually takes 2 to 4 weeks from pickup to delivery. Auto transport rates can vary a lot between carriers, which is why getting several quotes matters. We provide up to 10 free quotes from our network of licensed, insured carriers, so you can compare pricing, transit times, and service options before you decide. Fill out the quote form on this page to compare offers, or call 1-800-590-6492 to talk through the ship and truck legs. For more information about shipping to the destination, visit our Iowa Auto Transport page.
Alaska to Iowa Auto Transport At a Glance
| Primary Transport Corridors | Ship or barge to Washington, then I-90 or I-80 east |
| Approximate Distance | ~1,560-1,905 road miles from the port, plus the sea voyage |
| Estimated Transit Time | 2-4 Weeks |
| Popular Origin Cities | Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan |
| Popular Destination Cities | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City |
Alaska to Iowa Auto Transport Shipping Rates
Most quotes from Alaska to Iowa run about $2,925 to $4,900 for a standard car. That covers the trip by sea and a truck trip of 1,560 miles or more. TOTE's published price for the southbound sailing from Anchorage to Tacoma alone is about $1,913 for a small or medium car, and Matson's is about $2,025.
For prices based on your car and dates, request your free quotes here and compare carriers side by side.
Anchorage is the cheapest place in Alaska to ship from, because it has the main port. Fairbanks adds a truck ride to Anchorage, and Southeast Alaska adds a barge to Seattle. Size matters on the ship: TOTE charges the same southbound price for cars and SUVs under 84 inches tall, but anything bigger needs a custom quote. On the truck leg, a large SUV or pickup usually adds $75 to $150, and a car that doesn't run adds about $150 to $300. Our guide to what affects your auto transport quote covers the rest. Shipping an electric car or plug-in hybrid? Complete the form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 before you book, because the ships and barges out of Alaska no longer accept them.
Ships out of Anchorage sail all year, so the sea leg is rarely the holdup. Winter is the slow season on land, with wind and snow in Wyoming and blowing snow across Nebraska and Iowa. Spring can bring flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Summer and early fall are the easiest times. Read more about seasonal auto transport prices.
Average Cost & Time to Ship from Alaska to Iowa
Distances below are road miles from the port in Tacoma or Seattle to Iowa. The trip by sea is extra, and Fairbanks cars first ride about 360 miles by road to Anchorage. Prices fluctuate with carrier availability, fuel costs, and seasonal demand. Use our quote form for real-time pricing tailored to your specific vehicle, dates, and cities.
| Route | Distance | Transit Time | Price Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK to Des Moines, IA | ~1,770 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $2,925 - $4,275 | Get Quote |
| Fairbanks, AK to Cedar Rapids, IA | ~1,840 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $3,350 - $4,900 | Get Quote |
| Juneau, AK to Davenport, IA | ~1,905 mi | 2-4 Weeks | $3,475 - $4,900 | Get Quote |
| Sitka, AK to Sioux City, IA | ~1,560 mi | 2-4 Weeks | $3,350 - $4,700 | Get Quote |
| Ketchikan, AK to Iowa City, IA | ~1,855 mi | 2-4 Weeks | $3,450 - $4,875 | Get Quote |
*Price estimates were updated in October 2026. Prices are estimates only and will vary based on your specific vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, transport type, and time of year. Complete the form above or call 1‑800‑590‑6492 to receive up to ten free, no-obligation quotes from licensed carriers, so you can compare real prices for your exact route before you book.
Leaving Alaska? The ship and the truck both need to be booked, so start early. Compare free quotes now or call 1-800-590-6492.
Alaska to Iowa Auto Transport Challenges & Tips
Alaska to Iowa takes your car by sea to Washington and then about 1,550 to 1,900 miles by truck across the mountains and the plains. Winter wind and snow cause most of the delays on land. Here's what to plan for.
Electric Cars Are Hard to Ship
TOTE stopped taking electric cars and plug-in hybrids on August 1, 2025, Matson has suspended them, and Alaska Marine Lines does not ship them either. If you drive an EV or plug-in hybrid, tell us before you book so we can talk through your options.
Sailing Schedules and Port Time
TOTE sails between Anchorage and Tacoma twice a week, so your car may wait a few days for the next sailing, and again at the port in Washington until a truck picks it up. That waiting time is part of why the trip takes weeks, not days.
Wind and Snow on I-80 in Wyoming
I-80 across southern Wyoming is high, open and known for strong winds. In winter, snow and wind can close long stretches of it, and carriers have to wait for it to reopen.
Tip: Ship the Car Empty
Ships and barges have their own rules. Alaska Marine Lines, for example, doesn't allow items in the front seat, and it insures personal items for only 10 cents a pound. Ship the car empty unless your carrier agrees in advance to carry personal items.
Tip: Register Within 30 Days in Iowa
Iowa wants new residents to title and register within 30 days, even if your Alaska plates are still valid. Go to any county treasurer's office with your Alaska title and a completed application. Electric cars pay an extra yearly fee, $130 for full EVs and $65 for plug-in hybrids.
Tip: Prepare Your Vehicle Properly
Clean your car and remove personal items before pickup. Take date-stamped photos from every side, keep the gas tank at a quarter full or less, and check tire pressure. For a full checklist, read our article on Preparing Your Car for Transport.
Still deciding? Call 1-800-590-6492 and we can go over dates and costs, or get up to 10 free quotes in a few minutes.
Alaska to Iowa Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions
Plan on about 2 to 3 weeks from Anchorage and Fairbanks, and 2 to 4 weeks from Juneau, Sitka or Ketchikan. TOTE sails between Anchorage and Tacoma twice a week, and the voyage takes about three days. The truck trip from Washington to Iowa adds the rest.
Cars from Anchorage and Fairbanks sail from Anchorage to Tacoma, Washington. Cars from Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan go south by barge to Seattle, because those towns have no road link to the rest of the country. From there, a car carrier drives your car the rest of the way. Carriers headed for Sioux City usually take I-90 to South Dakota and then I-29 south. For Des Moines, Iowa City and Davenport, most cross Wyoming and Nebraska on I-80, which runs straight across Iowa. Cedar Rapids is about 25 miles north of Iowa City on I-380.
It is difficult right now. TOTE, Matson and Alaska Marine Lines no longer carry EVs or plug-in hybrids. TOTE does still accept mild hybrids that don't plug in. Call us before booking an EV so we can go over what is possible.
Title and register it at any county treasurer's office within 30 days of becoming a resident. Bring your Alaska title and a completed title and registration application signed by all owners. You may also be asked for ID. Iowa DOT: Register a Vehicle
For more frequently asked questions about auto transport, visit our Auto Transport FAQs page.
Other Routes
- Iowa to Alaska Auto Transport
- Alaska to Indiana Auto Transport
- Alaska to Kansas Auto Transport
- Alaska to Kentucky Auto Transport
- Alaska to Louisiana Auto Transport
- Alaska to Maine Auto Transport
Helpful Links
- FMCSA SAFER System: Check a Carrier
Look up any carrier's federal operating authority, insurance on file and safety record before you book. - Iowa Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to Iowa road conditions, traffic alerts and construction updates. - Alaska Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to Alaska road conditions, traffic alerts and construction updates. - Alaska 511: Alaska Road Conditions
The Alaska Department of Transportation's live map of road conditions, closures and traffic cameras, useful for the drive to the port or a Fairbanks pickup. - AccuWeather Iowa
Forecasts for your delivery city, so you know if storms might slow the last leg of the trip. - AccuWeather Alaska
Check the forecast for your pickup date, since winter storms in Alaska can delay the drive to the port or a sailing.
Call now at 1-800-590-6492 or complete the form on this page to find the best Alaska to Iowa auto shipping rates and when a truck will be in your area.