Alaska to South Carolina Auto Transport Shipping
Shipping a car from Alaska to South Carolina 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 2,800 to 2,965 miles to South Carolina. Most carriers cross the Rockies and the middle of the country and come into South Carolina from Charlotte on I-77 or from the mountains on I-26. Rock Hill is just south of Charlotte, Columbia is in the middle of the state, and I-26 runs on to North Charleston, Charleston and Mount Pleasant on the coast. Alaska to South Carolina 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 South Carolina Auto Transport page.
Alaska to South Carolina Auto Transport At a Glance
| Primary Transport Corridors | Ship or barge to Washington, then across the country to I-77 or I-26 |
| Approximate Distance | ~2,800-2,965 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 | Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill |
Alaska to South Carolina Auto Transport Shipping Rates
Most quotes from Alaska to South Carolina run about $3,350 to $5,575 for a standard car. That covers the trip by sea and a truck trip of 2,800 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 can slow the truck in the mountains out West, and hurricane season on the coast runs from June through November. Late fall through spring is usually the smoothest time to ship. Read more about seasonal auto transport prices.
Average Cost & Time to Ship from Alaska to South Carolina
Distances below are road miles from the port in Tacoma or Seattle to South Carolina. 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 Charleston, SC | ~2,950 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $3,350 - $5,000 | Get Quote |
| Fairbanks, AK to Columbia, SC | ~2,845 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $3,700 - $5,525 | Get Quote |
| Juneau, AK to North Charleston, SC | ~2,945 mi | 3-4 Weeks | $3,850 - $5,550 | Get Quote |
| Sitka, AK to Mount Pleasant, SC | ~2,965 mi | 3-4 Weeks | $3,850 - $5,575 | Get Quote |
| Ketchikan, AK to Rock Hill, SC | ~2,800 mi | 3-4 Weeks | $3,800 - $5,450 | 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 South Carolina Auto Transport Challenges & Tips
Shipping a car from Alaska to South Carolina takes it from one corner of the country to the other: a ship or barge to Washington, then about 2,800 to 2,950 miles by truck. Winter weather out West and storms on the coast are the big wild cards. 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.
Hurricane Season
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and the Charleston area is often in a storm's path. Evacuations and flooding can close roads and push back deliveries for several days.
Tip: Book the Ship and Truck Together
Ask for a quote that covers both the sailing and the truck. When one company lines up both legs, your car is less likely to sit at the port in Washington waiting for a truck.
Tip: Pay Property Tax Before You Go to the SCDMV
South Carolina has an extra step most states don't. Your county auditor creates a property tax bill for your car, and you must pay it at the county treasurer before the SCDMV will transfer your title. Bring the paid receipt to the SCDMV, along with a $250 Infrastructure Maintenance Fee.
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 South Carolina Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions
Plan on about 2 to 3 weeks from Anchorage and Fairbanks, and 3 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 South Carolina 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. Most carriers cross the Rockies and the middle of the country and come into South Carolina from Charlotte on I-77 or from the mountains on I-26. Rock Hill is just south of Charlotte, Columbia is in the middle of the state, and I-26 runs on to North Charleston, Charleston and Mount Pleasant on the coast.
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.
Pay the property tax bill for your car at your county treasurer first. Then bring the paid receipt, your Alaska title, a completed Title Application (Form 400), your ID and your insurance information to the SCDMV, along with the $250 Infrastructure Maintenance Fee and title and registration fees. SCDMV: Moving to South Carolina
For more frequently asked questions about auto transport, visit our Auto Transport FAQs page.
Other Routes
- South Carolina to Alaska Auto Transport
- Alaska to South Dakota Auto Transport
- Alaska to North Dakota Auto Transport
- Alaska to Oklahoma Auto Transport
- Alaska to New Jersey Auto Transport
- Alaska to New Mexico 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. - South Carolina Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to South Carolina 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 South Carolina
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 South Carolina auto shipping rates and when a truck will be in your area.