We know the feeling of finally being ready to leave the sandy beaches of Hawaii for the lush greens of Seattle. But then we’re left wondering - how will we get our beloved surfboard/Jeep/family car to the mainland? Moving a car from Hawaii to Seattle can seem overwhelming, but fear not, we’re here to answer how much to ship a car from Hawaii to Seattle. We’ll share our top tips and guaranteed low rates for shipping your car from Hawaii To Seattle.
Whether you’ve just accepted that dream job in the Emerald City or are itching to trade your swimsuit for some cozy rain gear, making the big move with your current ride in tow is possible. As a company that’s helped residents who have also been in your sunscreen-filled shoes, we can assure you that finding an affordable option isn’t as difficult as initially sounds.
We’ll discuss how Much To Ship A Car To Maui or Honolulu from Seattle and vice versa, along with what factors influence pricing the most. We’ll also give you our tried and true tips for selecting the top-rated Seattle auto transport companies for safe car shipping.
Did you know the cost of shipping car from Washington to Hawaii is often less than shipping the reverse route from Hawaii to the mainland? While flying or taking a ferry may seem tempting to avoid cross-country transport fees, once you consider factors like enclosed protected transport, drive-on capabilities for multiple vehicles, and cargo insurance, an auto transport service usually remains the most cost-effective and convenient option. Stick around, and by the end of this post, you’ll feel like a pro in comparing auto transport quotes and know exactly how much to ship a car from Hawaii to Seattle!
Let’s First Break Down Hawaii to Seattle Shipping Process To Understand Costs:
When you ship a vehicle from one place to another with another having no road link but either airports or seaports, then you need first to move your vehicle to the ports.
So, the first and last steps of the process will always be land shipping, and the middle part will be either air or sea freight transport.
Let’s discuss the process of shipping a car from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Seattle, Washington.
- Step 1: Getting your ride to the port in Honolulu. This first leg is all about land transportation within the island state. Thankfully, several auto shipping companies, including Easy Auto Ship, service the main Hawaiian Islands and offer door-to-port pick-up and delivery. Expect to pay $150-250 to get your car from wherever it’s parked to the harbor in Honolulu.
- Step 2: Loading your car onto the Pacific Ocean-faring vessel. Now, the real shipping begins! Most Honolulu-based shipping companies will handle getting your car safely onto a cargo ship bound for Seattle. The cost here will vary depending on the size/model of your car, but on average, plan to pay $900-1300 just for the ocean leg of the shipping.
- Step 3: Unloading in Seattle and final delivery. Once your car disembarks in Seattle, it will be transferred by auto transport trucks for the last mile to its Seattle area destination. Seattle auto transport companies charge $100-200 for this delivery service within about 100-200 miles of the Port of Seattle.
Total Cost of Car Shipping From Point of Origin in Hawaii to Destination in Seattle, WA:
Now, we know the individual costs for the different aspects of the transport process from Hawaii to Seattle. However, we can further break down these costs to help you find the right way to transport. Let’s do that and then total everything.
Land Transport Port-to-Door or Door-to-Port:
The land shipping done on the mainland is cheaper than in Hawaii because of the availability of carriers, which is higher on the mainland. We gave you the estimated price of $150-250 for origin to port in Hawaii and then $100-200 for port to destination in Seattle. But this can go up if the distance is greater than 200 miles.
However, this can also increase if you move the vehicle in an enclosed carrier. For this, expect to pay $180-350 in Hawaii and $140-280 in Seattle.
Sea Transport Port-to-Port:
When moving a vehicle from port to port, you have two main options: Roll-On/Roll-Off and Container shipping. The costs differ for both of these, so let’s discuss those as well.
- Container : It’s more expensive, so be prepared to pay $1,500 to $2,500 just for container transport, and it’s still not going to be a full container dedicated to your car. It might be LTL (less than container load) where your vehicle may be parked with other vehicles, which is pretty common, so no need to worry.
- RoRo : Here, your car is parked on the ship or ferry in Hawaii port. Once the carrier reaches the port of Seattle, the vehicle is rolled off (driven off) to the port. This is cheaper but doesn’t offer the airtight protection that container shipping offers. Therefore, it costs $900 to $1,300.
If all of this seems confusing, here’s a breakdown and total cost in table form so you can easily understand everything at a glance:
Cheapest Way to Ship From Hawaii to Seattle:
| Transport Step | Shipping Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Origin to Honolulu Port | Land (Open) | $150-250 |
| 2. Honolulu Port to Port of Seattle | Sea (Ro-Ro) | $900-1,300 |
| 3. Port of Seattle to Destination | Land (Open) | $100-200 |
| Total Cheapest Cost | $1,150 to $1,750 |
Expensive But Safest Way to Ship From Hawaii to Seattle:
| Transport Step | Shipping Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Origin to Honolulu Port | Land (Enclosed) | $180-350 |
| 2. Honolulu Port to Port of Seattle | Sea (Container) | $1,500-2,500 |
| 3. Port of Seattle to Destination | Land (Enclosed) | $140-280 |
| Total Cheapest Cost | $1,820-$3,130 |
Some More Port-to-Port Cost Examples From Hawaii to Seattle, Washington:
| Port Pair | Vehicle Type | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu - Seattle | Sedan | $1,200 |
| Maui - Seattle | SUV | $1,500 |
| Hilo - Seattle | Truck | $1,800 |
| Kauai - Seattle | Sedan | $1,300 |
| Molokai - Seattle | SUV | $1,600 |
| Lanai - Seattle | Sedan | $1,300 |
| Kahului - Seattle | Truck | $1,700 |
| Nawiliwili - Seattle | SUV | $1,600 |
| Kawaihae - Seattle | Sedan | $1,250 |
| Kaunakakai - Seattle | Truck | $1,800 |
Car Transport Steps to and From Hawaii:
Are you looking to ship your car between the islands or the mainland? Let us break down the process for you.
1. Get quotes from multiple auto shipping companies
We know getting your car to or from Hawaii can be exciting for your upcoming adventures and a bit stressful to actually ship the car. Don’t worry; we’re here to help make it seamless! First things first, get quotes from at least 3 reputable car transport companies, including Easy Auto Ship, as we offer Hawaii to Seattle auto transport, and then compare rates and services offered.
Things like enclosed vs open shipping, door-to-door vs terminal-to-terminal delivery, and extra fees all vary between companies. We always recommend getting comparisons to find the best value. The average on how much to ship a car from Hawaii to Seattle ranges between $1,200-3,200 depending on vehicle size and transport options. It pays to get multiple bids!
2. Prepare your car for shipping
Once you’ve selected your transporter, it’s time to ready your car for its ocean voyage. Your shipping company will provide a checklist of items, but we normally remove all personal belongings, secure loose materials under the hood or in the truck with tape, and fill up gas to at least 3/4 tank. It’s also a good idea to take photos of your car before shipping in case of any issues.
Expect your transporter to meet you at a local terminal or your home (in case of the door-to-port service) for an inspection. They’ll carefully secure your car to the shipping hauler with straps and pads to protect it during the shipping. On average, transit time between the mainland US and Hawaii is 1-2 weeks by boat.
3. Schedule pick-up and delivery dates
The last step is to confirm pick-up and delivery dates. We highly recommend scheduling pick-up no later than 1 week before your planned departure from Hawaii or return to the mainland to allow for any delays. Your shipping company will provide the date they will ship your car via roll-on/roll-off transport vessel.
You can track the progress online. Then relax and enjoy your trip! They’ll deliver right to your driveway or convenient parking area. Typically, delivery takes 1-2 days after the boat arrives in port. With a little planning, you’ll be road-tripping in no time. Just let us know if you need any other tips for Shipping Car From Washington To Hawaii!
Vehicle Registration Process and Costs Once You Get to Seattle, Washington
The costs to move a vehicle are not finished yet. If you’re going to Seattle for a permanent, long-term, or temporary extended period, you will have to register the vehicle within 15 days of your stay. Here’s how to do that and the costs involved:
- Initiate the process by determining the source of your car purchase—a dealership or a private seller.
- Dealerships typically handle all registration paperwork; expect to receive your plates and associated documents by mail.
- If the purchase was through a private seller, follow these instructions:
- Complete a Vehicle Certificate of Ownership (Title) Application (Form TD-420-001).
- Secure the vehicle title bearing the seller’s signature.
- Should the title be unavailable, obtain a notarized Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest.
- Both seller and buyer must fill out a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale form.
- Obtain an odometer disclosure statement from a licensing office, via email, or over the phone for vehicles under ten years old.
- Calculate and be prepared to pay the necessary registration fees.
- To register, either present your documents at a local licensing office or opt for the mail-in service with notarized documents.
- Should you visit a licensing office, you’ll receive registration and plates immediately. Expect around ten weeks for postal processing.
- Account for use tax payment if the car was not previously subjected to sales tax.
- Some vehicles may need to undergo inspections, which carry additional fees.
| Type of Expenses | Costs |
|---|---|
| Service Title Fee | $15 |
| Service Registration Fee | $8 |
| Local Transportation Fees | Varies by county |
| RT Authority Tax | If applicable |
| King County Charge | $20 |
| License Plate Fee | $20 |
| Use Tax | Sales tax rate + 0.3% motor vehicle tax |
| Inspection Fees | $65 for salvaged/rebuilt vehicles |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much To Ship A Car From Hawaii To Seattle
On average, expect 10-14 days for your car to cruise from Hawaii to Seattle. Factors like vehicle size & condition, time of year, and space on the boat influence cost and timing. A standard sedan usually ranges from $1100-1600 to ship. Larger vehicles are priced proportionately. For 90% of our customers, your car will sail within 2 weeks!
How Much To Ship A Car To Maui
Moving a car between the Hawaiian Islands is a breeze compared to moving from the Mainland. Most quality car shipping companies will transport your ride in 3-5 days from any Hawaii island to Maui. Rates range from $300-700 depending on size and extras. Nearly all arrangements can be made online!
Which is the Best Company for Honolulu to Seattle Auto Transport?
For shipping car from Washington To Hawaii, trust Easy Auto Ship, the leaders in Seattle auto transport. As one of the top auto transport companies Seattle residents rely on, we help hundreds of customers annually with their big moves. With a network of top-rated carriers and over 10 years of industry experience, your car’s in safe hands. We customize options to suit all budgets. Just contact us today for a free quote!
Can I ship a car from Seattle to Hawaii?
Absolutely, shipping a car from the Pacific Northwest to paradise is no problem for us. In fact, we’ve been shipping several vehicles annually between Seattle and the Hawaiian Islands. At the same time, availability may fluctuate like the trades, boats, and ferries still sail directly from Seattle to Hawaii. There’s also the option to roll your car onto a carrier in California bound for the islands if the timing doesn’t align. Have zero concerns - we’ll get your car to Hawaii. No worries
Parting Words
We know moving a car from Hawaii to the mainland can be daunting, especially with ferry and shipping costs. While car ferry rates from Hawaii to Seattle cost thousands of dollars, car shipping by an experienced carrier is a more budget-friendly option.
After shipping hundreds of vehicles from Hawaii to Seattle over the past decade, we at Easy Auto Ship have helped many owners like yourself find the right balance of safety, security, and savings when moving their cars between the islands and the US West Coast. With competitive rates starting from just $1300 to ship a car from Hawaii to Seattle, we offer door-to-door services and ensure your vehicle arrives at its destination in the same condition it left in.
Whether you need to ship a car from Hawaii to Seattle or are looking for car shipping from Seattle to Maui, our secure Shipping Car From Washington To Hawaii services have you covered. With a network of partners across the Pacific region, we can arrange shipping on our scheduled shipping dates or deliver your vehicle within 5-7 working days on an expedited basis.
Save up to big with Easy Auto Ship over other auto transport companies in Seattle by booking well in advance. Contact us today to move your vehicle and find the most affordable Hawaii to Seattle car shipping option without compromising on safety. Remember, we ship cars, not headaches!