42% of Alaskan roads are in mediocre condition, which means it’s expensive to drive long distances and poses security concerns to drivers. So whether it is for convenience, to avoid driving risk during winters, or to save time, you can find Alaska transport car services quite helpful. Here’s how this all works:
Know Your Alaska Transport Car Service Options
Moving your car to or from Alaska isn’t as complicated as you might think. You’ve got several solid options to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Let’s break down your choices so you can figure out what works best for your Alaska car transport needs.
Maritime Shipping Companies
Maritime shippers are the pros who’ll get your car across the water safely. Most companies sail from major spots like Port of Anchorage every other week, where most transport car service operations happen.
You can pick how hands-on you want to be with the process. Some folks drive their car to the port, while others prefer the company handle everything from their driveway to the final destination.
| Service Type | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-port | Pickup from your home, you collect at port | Saving some cash while keeping it simple |
| Port-to-port | You drop off and pick up at ports | Lowest Car Transport Costs |
| Door-to-door | Complete service from start to finish | Maximum convenience |
Auto Transport Brokers
Brokers are like your personal vehicle shipping assistants, and Easy Auto Ship is one of them. We don’t own the trucks or ships, but we know everyone who does. You’ll tell us what you need, and we’ll hunt down the best deal from our massive network of carriers.
The cool thing about brokers is we can mix and match services. Need your car shipped in an enclosed carrier to Anchorage? We’ll set it up. Want to save some cash with open auto transport? We’ve got you covered.
Most brokers, including us, now let you track your car, so you’re not left wondering where it is. Plus, if you’ve got a fancy ride or classic car, we know which carriers handle them with extra care.
Alaska Marine Highway System (Ferry)
Now, here’s something different - you can actually ride along with your car! The state-run ferry system is like a floating road trip. It covers a massive 3,500-mile stretch from Washington State all the way up to the Aleutian Islands.
The ferry is perfect if you’re not in a rush and want to see some incredible scenery. Remember, Mother Nature calls the shots here—schedules can change based on weather, especially in winter. And while it might be cheaper for shorter trips, longer journeys could cost more than other options.
During peak summer months, you’ll want to book ahead - these ferries fill up fast with tourists and locals alike. But off-season shipping? You might snag some sweet deals and have more flexibility with your travel dates.
Here Are Some Alaska Car Transport Costs Using Auto Transporters
Let’s talk money—knowing the car transport costs upfront helps you plan better. The price tag for moving your ride to or from Alaska changes, as does the weather throughout the year.
Standard/Non-Peak Months
Alaska car transport rates stay steady during the quieter months (usually October through April). A transport car service from Anchorage to Seattle typically won’t break the bank, but you’ll pay a little more from Anchorage to Los Angeles due to the longer distance. Let’s look at what you will likely pay during these calmer periods.
| Route | Standard Vehicle | SUV/Large Vehicle | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage ↔ Seattle | $1,200-1,300 | $1,350-1,450 | $1,600-1,700 |
| Anchorage ↔ California | $1,400-1,600 | $1,600-2,800 | $1,800-2,100 |
Most people don’t know that shipping rates are pretty much the same whether you’re heading north or south during standard months. That’s a sweet deal, right?
Peak Months
Summer is when prices get spicy. From May through September, everyone tries to move their vehicles, which causes a traffic jam that raises prices by 15-20%.
| Route | Standard Vehicle | SUV/Large Vehicle | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage ↔ Seattle | $1,400-1,550 | $1,550-1,700 | $1,800-2,000 |
| Anchorage ↔ California | $1,650-1,950 | $1,800-2,100 | $2,250-2,500 |
Want to ship your sedan from Seattle to Anchorage in July? Check out the table above - those peak rates can add up. Whether you’re heading north or south, the prices stay pretty much the same during these busy months.
Pro tip: Book early during peak months—like months early. Companies fill up fast, and waiting too long might mean paying premium rates or being stuck without options.
Keep in mind that these prices aren’t set in stone. Fuel costs, seasonal demand, and even weather conditions can push them around a bit. Some companies might throw in extras like expedited shipping—just ask what’s included in your quote.
5 Key Factors Affecting Alaska Car Transport Costs
Several key factors can affect the final price when planning your Alaska car transport. Let’s examine what causes your car transport costs to fluctuate throughout the year.
1. Seasonal Pricing Variations
Timing is everything when using a Transport Car Service to Alaska. Think of it like booking a flight - prices swing up and down based on when everyone else is moving.
| Season | Duration | Price Impact | Main Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northbound Peak | March-July | +15-20% | Military moves construction season start |
| Southbound Peak | May-September | +15-20% | Tourism season ends, and better weather |
| Off-Peak North | August-February | Base rate | Winter slowdown, fewer moves |
| Off-Peak South | October-April | Base rate | Limited daylight, weather challenges |
During peak northbound season, you compete with military families on the move and construction companies shipping equipment. Summer tourism also pumps up demand as rental companies move their fleets.
Southbound peaks hit differently. Think of perfect weather and endless daylight, making everyone want to move at once. Plus, all those seasonal businesses are wrapping up, sending their vehicles back south.
Winter is actually your friend if you’re watching your wallet. Sure, the weather’s rough, but fewer folks shipping means better deals. Just remember—some routes might be limited or take longer due to weather.
2. Vehicle Size and Type
Size matters when it comes to shipping costs. If you have a compact car, that’s your baseline price. If you’re moving up to an SUV or truck, add about $150 for each size jump.
Here’s the real deal with vehicle sizes:
Regular cars slide right into standard rates. But things get interesting once you start talking about lifted trucks or modified rides. Expect to pay $150-200 more than base rates.
Transport companies look at more than just size—they’re checking weight, how high your vehicle sits off the ground, and whether special equipment is needed to load it. That custom lift kit might look awesome, but it could mean special loading gear—and that costs extra.
If you’ve got something really unique, like a recreational vehicle or boat, you’re looking at custom pricing. These need special handling, different equipment, and sometimes even specific routes that can handle their size.
3. Rural Delivery Complexities
Alaska car transport gets trickier when you’re heading off the beaten path. Some spots are only reachable by unpaved roads that turn to mud in spring. Other places? You might need a ferry just to get there.
Weather throws another curveball into the mix. A transport car service might need backup routes ready when storms hit. Plus, not every truck or piece of loading equipment can make it to remote spots.
Think about places like Nome or Bethel - shipping there means planning around seasonal road access. Sometimes, you’re waiting for winter to freeze the ground solid enough for transport.
4. Shipping Method
Your car transport costs really depend on how you want your ride handled. Open transport is the budget-friendly choice most folks make. But if you’ve got a sweet ride that needs extra protection, enclosed transport is worth the extra cash.
| Transport Type | Cost Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | Base Rate | Standard vehicles, budget-friendly moves |
| Enclosed Transport | +30-40% | Luxury cars, weather protection |
| Expedited Service | +10% | Time-sensitive deliveries |
| Guaranteed Pickup | Additional Fee | Strict schedule requirements |
Expedited service speeds things up, but your wallet suffers. Those guaranteed pickup dates sound nice, but they’ll also cost you extra.
5. Port vs. Door Service
Here’s where location really affects your bottom line. Terminal-to-terminal shipping saves you money, but you’re doing the legwork yourself. Door service is super convenient but adds $200-800 to your bill.
Living in downtown Anchorage? Door service might not cost much extra. But those last few miles could seriously bump up the price if you’re out in the sticks.
Smart move? Some folks save cash by dropping their car at the port but getting door delivery at their destination. Others do the opposite—it really depends on which end has better access.
City folks usually get better deals on door service - more trucks are available, and access is easier. Rural spots might cost more or sometimes aren’t even available for door service, depending on how remote we’re talking.
How to Ship Your Vehicle To/From Alaska
Shipping your ride to and from Alaska is a piece of cake, to be honest. Just hire a car transport company and let them be in the driver’s seat of the whole process; it’s almost hands-off. Here’s how the process goes when you hire Easy Auto Ship for Alaska car transport.
1. Finalizing The Quote
Use our free car shipping cost calculator to enter all the relevant information, including vehicle and pickup/drop location information.
Our algorithm will calculate the price automatically and send you estimates in minutes. You can book the service and decide on a vehicle pickup window if you like what you see.
If you want to book Alaska car shipping through a real person, our agents are just a call away. You can call us at (888) 687-3243, email us at sales@easyautoship.net, or even hop on the live chat to talk to our agents.
2. Vehicle Preparation & Pickup
After deciding on a pickup window, you can start preparing your vehicle for transport. This means ensuring there are no major mechanical issues, the vehicle is in working condition (unless you chose nonoperational car shipping), and it is washed so that we all can see any existing damages. Noticing any new ones is also easier for the insurance claims process.
The carrier will call you before arriving at your location for pickup so that you’re ready to inspect the vehicle with him, take lots of pictures, and sign an inspection report before handing it over to him.
3. Vehicle Delivery
You or someone designated should be available at the drop location to receive the car. The carrier will call before arriving for delivery, and you can inspect the vehicle again.
The inspection report you made at the pickup time will help you compare the vehicle’s condition after the delivery to ensure no new damages are present.
Once that’s done, sign the paperwork, pay the carrier, and that’s it!
Can you drive from Alaska to the Mainland US?
Yes, you can drive up and down the Alaska Highway through Canada. However, the distance alone is thousands of miles, and you’ll have to go through Canada to reach Alaska from the Mainland.
Let’s face it: driving such a long distance alone is inconvenient, time-consuming, and risky. In fact, 42% of major Alaskan roads are in poor condition, and you can imagine what winters can do to them when there’s snow and fog everywhere, further reducing visibility.
Data Sources:
When driving to or from Alaska, there’s also the risk of crashing into other vehicles, as 54% of all crashes in Alaska involve multiple vehicles.
So, to avoid all that, you can hire a car shipper and let their experts, who travel up and down the Alaska Highway hundreds of times every year, handle the logistics and risk for you.
Is there a train from Mainland US to Alaska?
No, there’s no railroad from Mainland to Alaska or vice versa. Alaska does have a rail system, but it’s isolated from the Mainland. The Alaska car transport scene doesn’t include rail options directly from the lower 48.
Here’s something cool, though - the Alaska Railroad covers serious ground within the state. It runs from Seward all the way up to Fairbanks, hitting major spots like Anchorage and Denali National Park along the way.
| Alaska Railroad Feature | Coverage | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Main Line | 470 miles (Seward to Fairbanks) | Passenger and freight service |
| Total Track | 656 miles, including branches | State-wide connectivity |
About 17% of folks heading to Denali hop on these trains, showing just how vital this network is. The whole system spans an impressive 656 miles when you count all the side tracks and rail yards.
So, while you can’t choo-choo your way straight to Alaska, the state’s robust rail system makes getting around much easier once you’re there. Just remember to look into other shipping options for getting your ride across the border.
Easy Auto Ship Makes Alaska Car Transport 99% a Hands-Off Experience For You
If you want to make your Alaska transport car service completely hands-off, which means just getting the quotes and being there for pickup/delivery, Easy Auto Ship is your go-to company.
We hire reliable carriers and conduct strict background checks to ensure our customers get the best possible treatment.
So contact us now at (888) 687-3243 or use our free car shipping quote calculator for car transport costs in minutes.
