Alaska to Washington Auto Transport Shipping
Washington is the shortest trip out of Alaska, because this is where the ships land. Cars from Anchorage sail to Tacoma 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. If you live near Puget Sound, you can often pick the car up at the port yourself. For Spokane, Vancouver and other towns farther away, a car carrier finishes the trip. Spokane is about 290 miles east of Tacoma on I-90, and Vancouver is about 165 miles south of Seattle on I-5. Alaska to Washington 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 Washington Auto Transport page.
Alaska to Washington Auto Transport At a Glance
| Primary Transport Corridors | Ship or barge to Tacoma or Seattle, then I-5 or I-90 if needed |
| Approximate Distance | ~10-290 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 | Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue |
Alaska to Washington Auto Transport Shipping Rates
Most quotes from Alaska to Washington run about $1,925 to $3,950 for a standard car. The low end is the sailing alone, for people who pick the car up at the port. TOTE's published price for the southbound sailing from Anchorage to Tacoma is about $1,913 for a small or medium car, and Matson's is about $2,025. Delivery to your door, or on to Spokane or Vancouver, adds the cost of a truck.
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 storms can close Snoqualmie Pass on the way to Spokane, and summer is the busiest season for moves to and from Alaska, so book early then. Read more about seasonal auto transport prices.
Average Cost & Time to Ship from Alaska to Washington
Distances below are road miles from the port in Tacoma or Seattle to each city. The trip by sea is extra, and Fairbanks cars first ride about 360 miles by road to Anchorage. For Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue, the low price assumes you pick the car up at the port yourself. 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 Seattle, WA | ~35 mi | 1-2 Weeks | $1,925 - $3,200 | Get Quote |
| Fairbanks, AK to Spokane, WA | ~290 mi | 1-2 Weeks | $2,775 - $3,950 | Get Quote |
| Juneau, AK to Tacoma, WA | ~35 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $2,425 - $3,750 | Get Quote |
| Sitka, AK to Vancouver, WA | ~165 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $2,850 - $3,825 | Get Quote |
| Ketchikan, AK to Bellevue, WA | ~10 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $2,425 - $3,750 | 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? Sailings fill up, especially in summer, so start early. Compare free quotes now or call 1-800-590-6492.
Alaska to Washington Auto Transport Challenges & Tips
Alaska to Washington is the shortest car shipment out of Alaska, because the ships and barges land here. Most of the time and cost is the trip by sea. Here's what to plan for, and how to save money at the port.
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.
Snoqualmie Pass in Winter
Cars headed to Spokane cross Snoqualmie Pass on I-90. Winter storms can close the pass for hours, and chains are sometimes required, so deliveries east of the Cascades can slip a day between November and March.
Tip: Pick Up at the Port and Save
If you live near Tacoma or Seattle, you can usually pick the car up at the terminal yourself and skip the truck altogether. Bring your ID and booking papers, and check the terminal's hours before you go.
Tip: Register Within 30 Days in Washington
Washington gives new residents 30 days to get a Washington driver license and register their cars, and you need the license first. Vehicle registration is done at a vehicle licensing office, which is separate from driver licensing. Bring your title and write down the odometer reading. If a lender holds your title, the lender will need to send it a copy.
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 Washington 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. Most of the rest is waiting for a sailing and, if you need it, a truck from the port.
Cars from Anchorage and Fairbanks sail from Anchorage to Tacoma. 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. You can pick the car up at the port, or a car carrier can bring it to your home. Spokane is about 290 miles east of Tacoma on I-90, and Vancouver is about 165 miles south of Seattle on I-5.
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.
You have 30 days after moving to get a Washington driver license and register the car. Get the license first, then take your title to a vehicle licensing office, which is a separate office from driver licensing. Write down your odometer reading before you go. If a lender holds the title, the lender will need to send a copy. Washington Department of Licensing: Moving to Washington
For more frequently asked questions about auto transport, visit our Auto Transport FAQs page.
Other Routes
- Washington to Alaska Auto Transport
- Alaska to Wyoming Auto Transport
- Alaska to Tennessee Auto Transport
- Alaska to Utah Auto Transport
- Alaska to Vermont Auto Transport
- Alaska to South Dakota 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. - Washington Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to Washington 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 Washington
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 Washington auto shipping rates and when a truck will be in your area.