Car shipping from Alaska to Washington is a specialized procedure that requires some planning and understanding of the unique logistics involved in this operation. Because Alaska is situated in the most remote place imaginable and is rugged with very few road connections to the contiguous United States, vehicle transport becomes a different kind of challenge altogether. Whether you are shifting due to your work, purchasing a new or used automobile, or wanting to get your car safely moved across a state line, Bold Auto Transport has expert solutions for you as a professional car transport company. This article will provide all necessary details you can possibly think about in car shipping from Alaska to Washington-one of which includes cost, others timelines, popular routes, and methods to induce.
Due to the geographic isolation of Alaska, car shipping from Alaska to Washington consists mainly of a water leg, with trucking services on both ends. The most usual and reliable mode is basically rolling-on/rolling-off (RoRo) type vessels between the Port of Anchorage in Alaska and the Port of Tacoma in Washington. These vessels are built to carry vehicles safely across the Gulf of Alaska and the Pacific Ocean. The Port of Tacoma is a well-established gateway into the Pacific Northwest region with extensive facilities for offloading and onward forwarding of vehicles to their final destinations.
In shipping a vehicle from Alaska to Washington, advance scheduling of shipments is preferred as vessel departures from Anchorage usually take place twice weekly. After successfully booking your shipment, you will prep the vehicle by removing personal belongings and cleaning it for inspection. Upon arrival at Anchorage port, your vehicle is thoroughly inspected and secured onto the ship.
During shipping a vehicle from Alaska to Washington, your car remains protected either on the open deck or inside an enclosed hold, based on the shipping choice you make. Once the ship docks in Tacoma, your car is once again offloaded and inspected to ensure it remains in the promised condition. Further delivery beyond Tacoma is offered by Bold Auto Transport, who can truck the vehicle straight to your home or business anywhere within Washington or in the bordering states.
Normally, the sea voyage from Anchorage to Tacoma takes approximately 6 to 7 days. Variations in total transit time may arise based on vessel scheduling, weather conditions, and any trucking done post-arrival of the ship. In fact, it is a wise choice to plan well in advance, especially during peak season when slots get taken by the grasp of the hour. Bold Auto Transport keeps you informed all through the shipping process via their live updates and tracking system.
The cost of car shipping from Alaska to Washington fluctuates according to different criteria, although for open deck standard shipping, it goes between $1,600 and $1,700. Enclosed shipping, which provides superior protection against weather and possible road debris, is several hundred dollars pricier. Seasonal fluctuations, vehicle size, and additional services such as door-to-door delivery might further affect the price. Bold Auto Transport boasts competitive rates with upfront pricing and no hidden fees so you can plan accordingly.
Understanding what influences the cost of shipping a vehicle from Alaska to Washington can help you make informed decisions:
Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans require more space and weight capacity, increasing the cost.
Shipping Method: Open deck shipping is the most economical but exposes vehicles to the elements. Enclosed shipping offers protection but at a premium price.
Seasonal Demand: Summer months and holiday seasons typically see higher shipping volumes, leading to increased rates.
Pickup and Delivery Locations: Door-to-door service is more convenient but generally more expensive than port-to-port shipping. Remote or difficult-to-access locations may incur additional fees.
Fuel Surcharges: Fluctuating fuel prices can impact overall shipping costs.
Insurance Coverage: Opting for additional insurance beyond the standard carrier coverage can increase your total cost but provides extra peace of mind.
You can make use of our Car Shipping Cost Calculator to get an estimated price for your transportation.
Car shipping from Alaska to Washington involves several well-coordinated steps:
Booking and Scheduling: Work with Bold Auto Transport to select a shipping date that fits your timeline.
Vehicle Preparation: Clean your vehicle, remove personal items, and document its condition with photos.
Drop-off at Anchorage Port: Deliver your vehicle to the port for inspection and loading.
Sea Transport: Your vehicle is loaded onto the RoRo vessel and transported across the Gulf of Alaska to Tacoma.
Arrival and Unloading: Upon arrival, the vehicle is unloaded and inspected for any transit damage.
Final Delivery: If requested, Bold Auto Transport arranges ground transport from Tacoma to your specified address within Washington or beyond.
| Shipping From Alaska | Shipping To Washington |
| Anchorage | Seattle |
| Anchorage | Tacoma |
| Fairbanks (via Anchorage) | Spokane |
| Juneau (via Anchorage) | Bellevue |
| Kodiak (via Anchorage) | Portland (often grouped with WA) |
| Anchorage | Olympia |
| Fairbanks (via Anchorage) | Vancouver |
| Juneau (via Anchorage) | Everett |
| Anchorage | Redmond |
| Anchorage | Kent |
| Quote | Date | Pickup | Delivery | Vehicle Type |
| $2,150 | May 22, 2025 | Anchorage, AK | Tacoma, WA | Sedan (Open) |
| $2,800 | May 22, 2025 | Anchorage, AK | Seattle, WA | Mid-size SUV (Open) |
| $2,300 | May 20, 2025 | Fairbanks, AK | Tacoma, WA | Compact Car (Open) |
| $3,100 | May 20, 2025 | Anchorage, AK | Spokane, WA | Full-size Truck (Open) |
| $2,650 | May 18, 2025 | Juneau, AK | Seattle, WA | Sedan (Open) |
| $3,500 | May 17, 2025 | Anchorage, AK | Bellevue, WA | Luxury Sedan (Enclosed) |
| $2,200 | May 16, 2025 | Anchorage, AK | Portland, OR* | Sedan (Open) |
| $2,900 | May 15, 2025 | Fairbanks, AK | Seattle, WA | Mid-size SUV (Open) |
| $2,450 | May 12, 2025 | Anchorage, AK | Olympia, WA | Sedan (Open) |
| $3,200 | May 9, 2025 | Anchorage, AK | Vancouver, WA | Full-size Truck (Open) |
The distance from Anchorage in Alaska to Tacoma in Washington is roughly 1,400 miles, which would be the distance covered by specialized RoRo vessels designed for the purpose of vehicle transportation. Driving, by way of land, is another option entirely, but, apart from being highly impractical for most vehicle shipments, it clocks in around 2,300 miles and requires the crossing of several international borders through Canada, complicating and elongating the shipping process.
Alaska Car Shipping Services happen through a mixed mode of trucking and maritime transport, thanks to the huge expanse of the state and limited road infrastructure. Vehicles will often be trucked from interior locations to the Port of Anchorage or other coastal ports, whereupon they will be loaded onto ships chartered for the continental U.S. during shipping a vehicle from Alaska to Washington. This, of course, is a way to reduce mountain-like wear and tear on vehicles and avoids having to fight the wrath of different weather and terrain conditions in Alaska.
Washington State boasts a robust network of auto transport services, with major ports and trucking hubs that efficiently manage incoming and outgoing vehicle shipments. The Port of Tacoma, along with Seattle and Everett, are key centers for vehicle distribution. Whether you need to ship a car within Washington, to another state, or receive a vehicle from Alaska, the state’s infrastructure supports flexible and reliable transport options. Partnering with a trusted Washington Car Shipping Company can make the entire process faster, safer, and more convenient.
No, there is no direct rail service for vehicle shipping between Alaska and Washington. The most reliable method is maritime shipping combined with trucking for car shipping from Alaska to Washington.
Typically, it takes about 6 to 7 days for the maritime portion of the shipment. Additional trucking time may add 1-2 days depending on delivery location.
Costs to transport a car from Alaska to Washington generally range from $1,600 to $1,700 for standard open deck shipping, with enclosed options costing more. Shipping a car from Alaska to Washington prices change with different factors as explained before in the article.
Since most vehicles arrive in Tacoma, expect 6-7 days for shipping plus an additional day or two for trucking to Seattle.
Car transport from Washington to Alaska typically costs between $2,200 and $2,800 depending on vehicle size and shipping method.
Similar to the above, expect costs in the $2,200 to $2,800 range for standard vehicles.
The most affordable option to transport a car from Alaska to Washington is open deck maritime shipping from Anchorage to Tacoma.
