How long does it take to ship a car to Alaska? Expect 7-10 days for Seattle to Anchorage routes via freight carriers, or 3-4 days on ferries plus driving time through Canada. Understanding cost to ship a car to Alaska requires considering transport fees, port fees ($100-$200), and whether you choose ferry passage (travel with vehicle) or freight shipping (vehicle-only).
This guide covers Alaska car shipping cost breakdowns, transport method comparisons, timeline expectations, and choosing between driving through Canada versus marine shipping.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Alaska?
The cost to ship a car to Alaska ranges from $1,500-$3,500 depending on origin city, vehicle size, transport method, and season. Seattle and Tacoma offer the most affordable options ($1,500-$2,500), while shipping from Southern California, Midwest, or East Coast adds $500-$1,000 for overland transport to West Coast ports.
| Transport Method | Cost Range | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Marine Highway (Ferry) | $600-$1,800 | 3-4 days + Canada drive | Passengers riding along |
| TOTE (Freight) | $1,800-$2,500 | 7-10 days | Vehicle-only shipping |
| Northland Services | $2,000-$3,000 | 10-14 days door-to-door | Full-service convenience |
| Drive Through Canada | $800-$1,500 | 4-7 days | Adventure, immediate need |
Cost factors: SUVs and trucks cost $200-$400 more than sedans. Summer months (May-September) see 15-25% price increases due to peak demand, while winter offers lower rates but limited schedules. Port fees ($100-$200) and documentation handling ($50-$100) add to base costs.
Origin location impact: Seattle/Tacoma costs least due to direct Alaska routes. From Los Angeles, add $400-$600 for transport to Seattle ports. East Coast origin requires cross-country transport ($1,000-$1,500), making driving through Canada potentially more cost-effective.
For comparing costs with other long-distance shipping, see our comprehensive car shipping cost guide.
What Are the Transport Methods for Alaska Shipping?
Three main methods exist for shipping a car to Alaska: Alaska Marine Highway ferry (passengers ride with vehicle), freight carriers like TOTE (vehicle-only), or driving through Canada (self-transport). Each suits different needs and budgets.
Alaska Marine Highway (Ferry): State-operated ferry offers most economical option ($600-$1,800) while allowing you to travel with your vehicle. Departs from Bellingham, WA or Prince Rupert, BC, serving Juneau and Southeast Alaska ports. Requires driving through Canada to reach terminals. Summer booking needs 2-3 months advance notice.
TOTE (Freight): Operates weekly barges from Tacoma to Anchorage for vehicle-only transport ($1,800-$2,500). Reliable year-round schedule, professional handling, no Canada crossing required. Vehicle must be dropped at Tacoma port and picked up in Anchorage. Takes 7-10 days transit.
Northland Services: Provides door-to-door transport, picking up from Lower 48 and delivering to Alaska address ($2,000-$3,000). Most convenient but highest cost. Takes 10-14 days total. Handles all logistics professionally.
Drive Through Canada: Alaska Highway connects Seattle to Anchorage (2,300 miles). Costs $800-$1,500 (gas, lodging, meals) and takes 4-7 days. Offers complete control, scenic journey, and immediate Alaska access but requires time commitment and vehicle wear.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Alaska?
How long does it take to ship a car to Alaska depends on method: Alaska Marine Highway ferries take 3-4 days transit plus Canada driving time (total 5-7 days), TOTE freight takes 7-10 days port-to-port, Northland door-to-door requires 10-14 days, and driving yourself takes 4-7 days depending on pace.
Booking lead time: Reserve ferry space 2-3 months ahead for summer (space sells out quickly). TOTE accepts bookings 1-2 weeks in advance. Northland needs 3-4 weeks notice. Always add 2-3 days buffer for weather or scheduling complications.
Seasonal variations: Summer offers fastest, most reliable service with frequent schedules. Winter presents challenges including reduced ferry frequency (operating 2-3 times monthly instead of daily), potential Alaska Highway closures during severe weather, and slower freight transit due to marine route conditions.
How Do You Prepare Your Car for Alaska Shipping?
Prepare your car by cleaning thoroughly, maintaining quarter-tank fuel maximum (full tanks violate regulations), removing personal items (not insured), securing loose parts, documenting damage with photos, and checking tire pressure and fluid levels.
Alaska-specific requirements: Remove all items from roof racks, truck beds, and interiors. Disable car alarms. Ensure working battery for port movement. Check tire pressure for loading ramps.
Documentation needs: Have registration, proof of ownership, driver’s license, and insurance ready. Ferry travel requires passport for Canada border crossing. Financed vehicles may need lender authorization.
Photography: Take 20-30 photos from all angles showing condition before shipping. Document existing scratches or damage. These photos protect you in disputes if problems occur during transport.
Follow our complete vehicle preparation checklist for detailed steps.
Should You Ship or Drive to Alaska?
Choose shipping if you value convenience, want to avoid 2,300+ miles of driving, lack time for a week-long trip, or travel during winter when road conditions are challenging. Drive if you want adventure, need immediate vehicle access, have flexible timing, or want to save money while experiencing scenic routes through Canada.
Cost comparison: TOTE shipping costs $1,800-$2,500. Driving costs $800-$1,500 (gas, lodging, meals) but adds 2,300 miles wear-and-tear. Factor in time value—spending 5-7 days driving versus flying and having your vehicle shipped.
Convenience vs experience: Shipping lets you fly to Alaska and start immediately. Driving requires week-long commitment, Canada border navigation, and managing weather and road conditions. However, driving offers incredible scenery and adventure for those with time and interest.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Alaska Transport Method
Shipping a car to Alaska costs $1,500-$3,500 depending on method, origin, and season, with transit taking 7-14 days for marine shipping or 4-7 days for self-driving. The best choice depends on your budget, timeline, and whether you want to travel with your vehicle.
Best options: Choose Alaska Marine Highway ferry for budget travel with journey experience ($600-$1,800). Select TOTE for reliable vehicle-only transport ($1,800-$2,500). Pick Northland for complete door-to-door convenience ($2,000-$3,000). Drive yourself for adventure and immediate access ($800-$1,500).
Next steps: Book ferries 2-3 months ahead for summer. Request TOTE or Northland quotes 1 month before desired dates. If driving, plan route through Canada carefully, especially for winter travel.
For carrier recommendations, explore our best auto transport companies comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Alaska?
The cost to ship a car to Alaska ranges from $1,500-$3,500. Alaska Marine Highway ferry costs $600-$1,800, TOTE freight costs $1,800-$2,500, and Northland door-to-door costs $2,000-$3,000. Seattle/Tacoma origin offers lowest pricing.
How long does it take to ship a car to Alaska?
Shipping a car to Alaska takes 7-14 days depending on method. Ferries take 3-4 days transit plus Canada driving. TOTE freight takes 7-10 days. Northland door-to-door requires 10-14 days. Driving yourself takes 4-7 days.
Can you ship a car to Alaska by barge?
Yes, shipping car to Alaska by barge is the primary method. TOTE operates weekly freight barges from Tacoma to Anchorage ($1,800-$2,500), while Alaska Marine Highway ferries transport vehicles and passengers from Bellingham, WA ($600-$1,800).
What’s the cheapest way to get a car to Alaska?
The cheapest way is Alaska Marine Highway ferry ($600-$1,800) if you drive through Canada to reach terminals. Driving yourself costs $800-$1,500 but adds 2,300+ miles wear. Both require 5-7 days time commitment.
Is it better to ship or drive to Alaska?
Ship if you value convenience, lack time for week-long driving, or travel during winter. Drive if you want adventure, need immediate vehicle access, have flexible timing, or want to save money while experiencing the Alaska Highway.
Can you ship a car from Alaska to the Lower 48?
Yes, shipping a car from Alaska uses the same carriers with similar costs. TOTE ships Anchorage to Tacoma weekly ($1,800-$2,500), Alaska Marine Highway serves Southeast Alaska to Bellingham ($600-$1,800), and Northland offers door-to-door ($2,000-$3,000).
When is the best time to ship a car to Alaska?
Summer (May-September) offers best service with frequent schedules and reliable transit, but costs increase 15-25%. Winter provides lower rates but faces reduced ferry frequency, weather delays, and challenging Alaska Highway conditions.
Do I need special documentation to ship to Alaska?
Yes, you need vehicle registration, proof of ownership, driver’s license, and insurance. Ferry travel requires passport for Canada border crossing. Financed vehicles may need lender authorization. Verify specific carrier requirements when booking.
