Virginia to Alaska Auto Transport Shipping
Car carriers rarely drive the Alaska Highway through Canada, so nearly every car from Virginia reaches Alaska in two parts. First, a truck drives it about 2,750 to 2,975 miles across the country to the port in Tacoma or Seattle, Washington. From Tacoma, TOTE Maritime and Matson sail to Anchorage in about three days, and Fairbanks cars then ride about 360 miles north on the Parks Highway. Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan have no road connection to the rest of the country, so cars for Southeast Alaska go north by barge from Seattle. Virginia to Alaska Auto Transport usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to Anchorage and Fairbanks, and 3 to 5 weeks to Southeast Alaska. 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 go over dates and pickup details. For more information about shipping to the destination, visit our Alaska Auto Transport page.
Virginia to Alaska Auto Transport At a Glance
| Primary Transport Corridors | Truck to Tacoma or Seattle, then ship or barge north |
| Approximate Distance | ~2,765-2,975 road miles to the port, plus the sea voyage |
| Estimated Transit Time | 2-5 Weeks |
| Popular Origin Cities | Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington |
| Popular Destination Cities | Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan |
Virginia to Alaska Auto Transport Shipping Rates
Most quotes from Virginia to Alaska run about $3,800 to $6,275 for a standard car or SUV, which makes it the most expensive route from Virginia. That covers a truck trip of about 2,750 to 2,975 miles plus the sailing. TOTE's published northbound price from Tacoma to Anchorage is about $2,576 for a small car and $3,220 for most SUVs and pickups.
For prices based on your actual dates, request your free quotes here and compare carriers side by side.
Fairbanks costs the most, because it adds a truck ride north from Anchorage. Alaska Marine Lines, which runs the barges to Southeast Alaska, doesn't publish its prices, so quotes for Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan can vary more than Anchorage quotes. On the ship, size matters a lot: TOTE charges about $644 more for a medium SUV or pickup than for a small car, and large pickups cost more still. A car that doesn't run adds about $150 to $300 on the truck leg. 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 to Alaska no longer accept them.
The ships sail all year, so the sea leg is rarely the holdup. Summer is the busiest season for moves to Alaska, so book early if you are shipping between May and August. Winter can slow the truck in the mountains out West, and Fairbanks winters are long and very cold. Read more about seasonal auto transport prices.
Average Cost & Time to Ship from Virginia to Alaska
Distances below are road miles from Virginia to the port in Tacoma or Seattle. The trip by sea is extra, and Fairbanks cars ride about 360 more miles by road from 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA to Anchorage, AK | ~2,915 mi | 2-3 Weeks | $4,000 - $5,625 | Get Quote |
| Norfolk, VA to Fairbanks, AK | ~2,975 mi | 2-4 Weeks | $4,425 - $6,275 | Get Quote |
| Chesapeake, VA to Juneau, AK | ~2,920 mi | 3-5 Weeks | $3,850 - $5,525 | Get Quote |
| Richmond, VA to Sitka, AK | ~2,860 mi | 3-5 Weeks | $3,825 - $5,500 | Get Quote |
| Arlington, VA to Ketchikan, AK | ~2,765 mi | 3-5 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.
Moving to Alaska? The truck and the ship both need to be booked, so start early. Compare free quotes now or call 1-800-590-6492.
Virginia to Alaska Auto Transport Challenges & Tips
Shipping a car from Virginia to Alaska takes more planning than any other move from Virginia. Your car rides a truck across the country, waits at the port in Washington, then sails or rides a barge north. Most delays come from the sailing schedule and the busy summer moving season. 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, call us before you book so we can talk through your options.
No Roads to Southeast Alaska
Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan can't be reached by road from the rest of North America. Cars for these towns ride a barge from Seattle, which adds time and cost compared with Anchorage.
Waiting for the Ship
TOTE sails between Tacoma and Anchorage twice a week, so your car may wait a few days at the port for the next sailing. In summer, when many people move to Alaska, space can fill up, so book early.
Tip: Measure Your Vehicle
On the ship, the price depends on size. TOTE's small rate covers most sedans under 68 inches tall, its medium rate covers most SUVs and pickups under 84 inches, and anything bigger costs more. Measure the height with any roof rack or antenna.
Tip: Register Within 10 Days in Alaska
Alaska asks new residents to apply for registration within 10 days of arriving or starting a job there, a much shorter deadline than most states. Bring your Virginia title, or your current Virginia registration if a lender holds the title. You have 90 days to switch to an Alaska driver license.
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.
Virginia to Alaska Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions
Plan on about 2 to 4 weeks to Anchorage or Fairbanks, and 3 to 5 weeks to Juneau, Sitka or Ketchikan. The truck trip to Washington takes about 7 to 10 days, TOTE sails from Tacoma to Anchorage twice a week, and the voyage takes about three days.
A car carrier drives it to the port in Tacoma or Seattle, Washington. Cars for Anchorage and Fairbanks sail from Tacoma to Anchorage, and Fairbanks cars then ride about 360 miles north by truck. Cars for Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan go north by barge from Seattle.
Apply for Alaska registration within 10 days of arriving or taking a job in the state. Bring your Virginia title, or if a lender holds it, your current Virginia registration. You have 90 days to switch to an Alaska driver license. Alaska DMV: Visiting or New to Alaska
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.
For more frequently asked questions about auto transport, visit our Auto Transport FAQs page.
Other Routes
- Alaska to Virginia Auto Transport
- Virginia to Alabama Auto Transport
- Virginia to Delaware Auto Transport
- Virginia to Connecticut Auto Transport
- Virginia to Colorado Auto Transport
- Virginia to Arkansas 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. - Alaska Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to Alaska road conditions, traffic alerts and construction updates. - Virginia Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to Virginia road conditions, traffic alerts and construction updates. - Virginia 511: Virginia Road Conditions
The Virginia Department of Transportation's live map of crashes, work zones, closures and traffic cameras on Virginia highways. - AccuWeather Alaska
Forecasts for your delivery city, so you know if storms might slow the last leg of the trip. - AccuWeather Virginia
Check the forecast for your pickup date, since snow in the mountains and storms on the coast can affect pickup plans.
Call now at 1-800-590-6492 or complete the form on this page to find the best Virginia to Alaska auto shipping rates and when a truck will be in your area.