Alaska to South Dakota Auto Transport Shipping
Shipping a car from Alaska to South Dakota 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 1,150 to 1,550 miles to South Dakota. Most carriers take I-90 east through Idaho and Montana and into South Dakota past Rapid City, then across the state to Sioux Falls. Aberdeen, Watertown and Brookings are in the northeast, often reached on US-12 or US-212. Alaska to South Dakota 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 Dakota Auto Transport page.
Alaska to South Dakota Auto Transport At a Glance
| Primary Transport Corridors | Ship or barge to Washington, then I-90 east |
| Approximate Distance | ~1,150-1,550 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 | Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown |
Alaska to South Dakota Auto Transport Shipping Rates
Most quotes from Alaska to South Dakota run about $2,850 to $4,675 for a standard car. That covers the trip by sea and a truck trip of 1,150 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 blizzards on the plains can close I-90 and slow the truck from November through March. May through September is the easiest time, apart from the Sturgis rally in August. Read more about seasonal auto transport prices.
Average Cost & Time to Ship from Alaska to South Dakota
Distances below are road miles from the port in Tacoma or Seattle to South Dakota. 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 Sioux Falls, SD | ~1,550 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $2,850 - $4,125 | Get Quote |
| Fairbanks, AK to Rapid City, SD | ~1,150 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $3,100 - $4,475 | Get Quote |
| Juneau, AK to Aberdeen, SD | ~1,350 mi | 2-4 Weeks | $3,275 - $4,575 | Get Quote |
| Sitka, AK to Brookings, SD | ~1,525 mi | 2-4 Weeks | $3,350 - $4,675 | Get Quote |
| Ketchikan, AK to Watertown, SD | ~1,455 mi | 2-4 Weeks | $3,325 - $4,625 | 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 Dakota Auto Transport Challenges & Tips
From Alaska to South Dakota, your car rides a ship or barge to Washington and then about 1,150 to 1,550 miles by truck, most of it on I-90. Winter weather causes most of the delays. 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.
No Roads From Southeast Alaska
Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan can't be reached by road from the rest of North America. Cars from these towns ride a barge to Seattle, which adds time and cost compared with Anchorage.
The Sturgis Rally in August
Each August, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally brings hundreds of thousands of riders to the Black Hills. Traffic on I-90 around Rapid City and Sturgis is heavy for about two weeks, so plan around it if you are shipping then.
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 at Your County Treasurer
South Dakota gives new residents 90 days to title and license their cars, and it's all done at your county treasurer's office. Bring your Alaska title, a copy of your driver's license and a completed title and registration application. If you paid sales tax in Alaska, you may owe little or no extra excise tax.
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 Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 take I-90 east through Idaho and Montana and into South Dakota past Rapid City, then across the state to Sioux Falls. Aberdeen, Watertown and Brookings are in the northeast, often reached on US-12 or US-212.
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 license the car at your county treasurer's office within 90 days of arriving. Bring your Alaska title, a copy of your driver's license and a completed Motor Vehicle Title and Registration Application. If you paid sales tax in Alaska, you generally get credit for it against South Dakota's excise tax. South Dakota Department of Revenue: Motor Vehicle
For more frequently asked questions about auto transport, visit our Auto Transport FAQs page.
Other Routes
- South Dakota to Alaska Auto Transport
- Alaska to Oregon Auto Transport
- Alaska to Rhode Island Auto Transport
- Alaska to South Carolina Auto Transport
- Alaska to Minnesota Auto Transport
- Alaska to Mississippi 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 Dakota Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to South Dakota 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 Dakota
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 Dakota auto shipping rates and when a truck will be in your area.