Alaska to Montana Auto Transport Shipping
Shipping a car from Alaska to Montana 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 490 to 820 miles to Montana. I-90 runs from Seattle straight into Montana, over Lookout Pass and on to Missoula, Butte, Bozeman and Billings. Great Falls is about 155 miles north of Butte on I-15. Alaska to Montana Auto Transport usually takes 1 to 3 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 Montana Auto Transport page.
Alaska to Montana Auto Transport At a Glance
| Primary Transport Corridors | Ship or barge to Washington, then I-90 east |
| Approximate Distance | ~490-820 road miles from the port, plus the sea voyage |
| Estimated Transit Time | 1-3 Weeks |
| Popular Origin Cities | Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan |
| Popular Destination Cities | Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Butte |
Alaska to Montana Auto Transport Shipping Rates
Most quotes from Alaska to Montana run about $2,575 to $4,150 for a standard car. That covers the trip by sea and a truck trip of 490 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. The truck leg is short, but Montana winters are long and the passes on I-90 get heavy snow. June through September is the easiest time to ship, and fall can still bring early storms. Read more about seasonal auto transport prices.
Average Cost & Time to Ship from Alaska to Montana
Distances below are road miles from the port in Tacoma or Seattle to Montana. 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 Billings, MT | ~820 mi | 1-2 Weeks | $2,575 - $3,675 | Get Quote |
| Fairbanks, AK to Missoula, MT | ~490 mi | 1-2 Weeks | $2,850 - $4,075 | Get Quote |
| Juneau, AK to Great Falls, MT | ~640 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $3,025 - $4,125 | Get Quote |
| Sitka, AK to Bozeman, MT | ~675 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $3,025 - $4,150 | Get Quote |
| Ketchikan, AK to Butte, MT | ~600 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $3,000 - $4,100 | 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 Montana Auto Transport Challenges & Tips
Montana is one of the closest states to Alaska by truck, only about 490 to 820 miles from the port in Washington. The sea trip sets the pace, and winter on the mountain passes can add time. 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.
Winter Driving to the Port
In winter, snow and ice can slow the drive to the Anchorage port, especially on the Parks Highway from Fairbanks. If you are dropping the car off yourself between November and March, leave extra time.
Mountain Passes in Winter
The drive crosses Snoqualmie Pass in Washington, Lookout Pass on the Idaho line and Homestake and Bozeman Passes in Montana. Snow and ice can slow or close these passes from November through April, and carriers may need chains.
Tip: Drop Your Car at the Port
TOTE and Matson sail port to port, so many Alaskans drop their car at the Anchorage terminal themselves. That is usually cheaper than paying for a pickup at home. Ask about it when you compare quotes.
Tip: Register Within 60 Days in Montana
Montana gives new residents 60 days to title and register their cars, and the paperwork and fees are handled at your county treasurer's office. If a lender holds your Alaska title, ask the treasurer's office how to have it sent there.
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 Montana Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions
Plan on about 1 to 2 weeks from Anchorage and Fairbanks, and 2 to 3 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 Montana 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. I-90 runs from Seattle straight into Montana, over Lookout Pass and on to Missoula, Butte, Bozeman and Billings. Great Falls is about 155 miles north of Butte on I-15.
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 the car at your county treasurer's office within 60 days of becoming a resident. Bring your Alaska title, or if a lender holds it, ask the treasurer's office how to have the lender send it. Montana MVD: Vehicle Registration
For more frequently asked questions about auto transport, visit our Auto Transport FAQs page.
Other Routes
- Montana to Alaska Auto Transport
- Alaska to Minnesota Auto Transport
- Alaska to Mississippi Auto Transport
- Alaska to Missouri Auto Transport
- Alaska to Nebraska Auto Transport
- Alaska to Nevada 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. - Montana Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to Montana 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 Montana
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 Montana auto shipping rates and when a truck will be in your area.