How to Ship a Car to Alaska (2026) — Cost, RORO Process & ALCAN vs. Ocean

How to Ship a Car to Alaska (2026): RORO Ocean Transport vs. Driving the ALCAN

Alaska auto transport is unique: unlike the continental US, you can't simply load your car on an open carrier and drive to Anchorage. You have two real options — ocean RORO freight through Tacoma, or driving 1,500+ miles of the Alaska Highway (ALCAN). This guide breaks down both options with real costs for 2026.

Option 1: RORO Ocean Shipping to Alaska (Recommended)

The most common and practical method for shipping a car to Alaska is RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) ocean freight via the Port of Tacoma, WA to Anchorage (or Whittier, AK).

How it works:

1. Open carrier picks up your vehicle at your address anywhere in the US

2. Ground transport to Tacoma, WA (Alaska Marine Lines' main port)

3. Weekly RORO sailing: Tacoma → Anchorage (~60 hours ocean transit)

4. Port clearance and final delivery to your Alaska address

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Alaska?

Origin	Avg. Cost	Transit Time
Washington/Oregon	$1,800 – $2,200	10–14 days
California	$2,000 – $2,800	14–21 days
Texas	$2,800 – $3,600	16–24 days
Florida	$3,500 – $4,500	18–28 days
New York	$3,500 – $4,500	18–28 days

These prices include ground pickup, Tacoma port staging, ocean freight, and Anchorage delivery.

Add-ons to budget for:

Enclosed carrier (add $400–$700)

Inoperable vehicle (add $200–$400)

Whittier instead of Anchorage delivery (add $100–$200 + tunnel fees)

Option 2: Driving the ALCAN Highway

The Alaska Highway (ALCAN) runs ~1,387 miles from Dawson Creek, BC to Delta Junction, AK. Total drive from Seattle is roughly 2,250 miles. It sounds adventurous, but here's the real cost breakdown:

ALCAN driving costs (Seattle → Anchorage):

Fuel (2,250 miles at 25 mpg, $3.50/gal): ~$315

Food & lodging (4–5 nights): $400–$700

Wear and tear on vehicle: $300–$600 estimated

Canada entry (no fee, but need passport + customs declaration)

Total: $1,000–$1,600

The catch: The ALCAN is famous for road damage, gravel sections, and tire/windshield damage. Rental car agencies prohibit ALCAN driving. Windshield replacement on the highway can cost $400–$800. Many vehicle warranties are voided by off-road driving.

Verdict: Driving makes sense if you're moving from the Pacific Northwest with a rugged vehicle and enjoy the adventure. For vehicles with significant value, shipping via RORO is safer and often cheaper when you factor in ALCAN wear.

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Which Port Is Used for Alaska Car Shipping?

Mainland port: Port of Tacoma, WA (Alaska Marine Lines hub). All vehicles from other states are ground-transported to Tacoma before ocean departure.

Alaska ports:

Anchorage (main port) — 95% of shipments arrive here

Whittier (southwest of Anchorage) — requires a $15 tunnel fee each way, not recommended unless you're in the Kenai Peninsula area

Carrier: Alaska Marine Lines (AML) operates weekly sailings from Tacoma. Your auto transport broker coordinates with AML on your behalf.

What to Prepare Before Shipping to Alaska

Pre-Shipment Requirements:

Fuel tank: ¼ tank maximum

No personal items inside — not allowed on ocean vessels

Battery must be fully charged (car must start)

No active leaks (oil, coolant, fuel)

Pre-ship inspection with photos documenting existing damage

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Winter tires: Required in many Alaska communities from October–April. Ship with snow tires or plan to buy them in Anchorage.

Block heater: Most Alaska vehicles have oil pan block heaters installed. Cost is $150–$250 at any Anchorage shop.

Remote delivery: If you're in Juneau, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, or other remote areas, expect additional delivery time and cost for the ground leg from Anchorage.

Military Car Shipping to Alaska: PCS Guide

If you're PCSing to JBER (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson) or Fort Wainwright, JPPSO handles your household goods but vehicle shipment entitlements vary. Key facts:

One vehicle shipment is authorized for PCS moves to Alaska (unlike Hawaii, which is overseas)

You must coordinate through your Installation Transportation Office (ITO)

Dependents' additional vehicles ship at personal expense — typically $2,000–$3,000 from the continental US

Submit your request 60 days before RNLTD to avoid last-minute surcharges

Timeline Breakdown

From Washington state (fastest):

Ground transport to Tacoma: Same day – 2 days

Port staging: 1–3 days (weekly sailings)

Ocean transit: ~60 hours

Port clearance + Anchorage delivery: 2–3 days

Total: 7–12 days

From California:

Ground to Tacoma: 3–5 days

Ocean + clearance + delivery: 5–8 days

Total: 8–13 days

From Texas/Southeast:

Ground to Tacoma: 6–9 days

Ocean + clearance + delivery: 5–8 days

Total: 11–17 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship to Juneau, Fairbanks, or other Alaska cities?

Ocean shipments arrive at Anchorage or Whittier. From Anchorage, ground transport can reach Fairbanks (6 hours, $300–$500 extra) or other Interior/Southcentral locations. Juneau has no road connection to Anchorage — Juneau deliveries require a separate Southeast Alaska ferry leg.

What happens if the sailing is delayed?

AML sails weekly. If you miss the sailing window due to late ground pickup, your car waits in Tacoma for the next sailing (adds ~7 days). Book with adequate lead time.

Is my car insured during ocean transport to Alaska?

Yes. AML cargo insurance covers the ocean leg. Your auto transport broker carries additional contingent cargo coverage. Verify policy limits — $50,000+ coverage is standard.

Does it cost more to ship in winter?

Winter (November–March) can add 2–5 days due to weather delays on the ocean leg and icy conditions on the Tacoma ground approach. Costs are typically slightly lower in winter (off-peak season).

How does paying for Alaska car shipping work?

Most brokers collect the deposit at booking and the balance on delivery. Never pay 100% upfront. KeepShippin charges no deposit until your carrier is confirmed and dispatched.

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How to Ship a Car to Alaska (2026): Cost, RORO Ocean Transport & What to Expect