Table of contents
Quick answer
Most cars reach Anchorage by ship from Tacoma, Washington. TOTE sails twice a week with about three days in transit, and Matson also serves Alaska. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry carries vehicles from Bellingham to Southeast Alaska, and you can also drive through Canada with a passport or other border document. Neither TOTE nor Matson accepts electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Once you're a resident, Alaska asks you to register within 10 days.
Three ways to get your car to Alaska
Ocean shipping
Your car sails from Tacoma to Anchorage on a cargo ship.
- Most common for moves to Southcentral Alaska
- A truck can bring the car to Tacoma
- You fly while the car sails
State ferry
The Alaska Marine Highway carries vehicles along the coast.
- Serves Southeast Alaska from Bellingham
- You can travel with the car
- Book early in summer
Drive through Canada
Take the highway north through British Columbia and Yukon.
- Needs border documents
- Long distances between services
- Weather matters most of the year
Shipping by sea from Tacoma
Matson also serves Alaska and runs auto lots in Anchorage, Kodiak and Dutch Harbor. If you don't live near Tacoma, a car carrier can truck your car to the port, and some companies arrange both parts of the trip.
- Book the sailingReserve space and ask for the drop-off cutoff.
- Get the car to TacomaDrive it or book a truck from your home.
- Drop off and inspectionBring ID, keys and your vehicle documents.
- Collect in AlaskaInspect the car at the terminal before you drive away.
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
If you own an EV or plug-in hybrid, ask each carrier about its current rules before you commit, and compare the cost of driving, selling or storing the car.
Taking the Alaska Marine Highway ferry
The ferry suits moves to coastal communities in Southeast Alaska and travelers who want to go with their car. Vehicle space is limited in summer, so reserve early and check the route guide for your stops.
Driving to Alaska through Canada
- Carry a passport or other accepted document for everyone in the car
- Bring your registration and proof of insurance valid in Canada
- Check Canada's rules on items you're bringing across the border
- Plan fuel stops; services can be far apart
- Prepare for winter conditions outside summer
Preparing your car
- Follow the carrier's rules on fuel level and personal items
- Wash the car and photograph it from every side
- Check the battery, tires and antifreeze for Alaska's climate
- Bring the title, registration and any lienholder paperwork
- Leave keys for all locked compartments
What affects the cost
Haulwide doesn't publish Alaska prices, because the studies we cite don't price the ocean leg. Compare quotes for your vehicle and destination.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Vehicle length and height | Ocean carriers price by size |
| Getting to Tacoma | A truck from inland adds a separate charge |
| Destination | Anchorage, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and ferry towns differ |
| Season | Summer is busiest for ferries and moves |
| Driving instead | Fuel, lodging and time over a long route |
Vehicle length and height
- Why it matters
- Ocean carriers price by size
Getting to Tacoma
- Why it matters
- A truck from inland adds a separate charge
Destination
- Why it matters
- Anchorage, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and ferry towns differ
Season
- Why it matters
- Summer is busiest for ferries and moves
Driving instead
- Why it matters
- Fuel, lodging and time over a long route
Registering your car in Alaska
| Situation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Working in Alaska or establishing residency | Apply within 10 days |
Working in Alaska or establishing residency
- Deadline
- Apply within 10 days
Sources: Alaska DMV
Alaska also lets visitors drive on a current out-of-state registration for a limited time, so check which rule applies to you.
Which option suits you
| Option | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean shipping from Tacoma | Moves to Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska | You fly separately; EVs and plug-in hybrids aren't accepted by TOTE or Matson |
| Alaska Marine Highway ferry | Southeast Alaska towns and travelers going with the car | Limited summer space, so reserve early |
| Driving through Canada | People who want the road trip and have time | Border documents, long distances and weather |
Ocean shipping from Tacoma
- Best for
- Moves to Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska
- Keep in mind
- You fly separately; EVs and plug-in hybrids aren't accepted by TOTE or Matson
Alaska Marine Highway ferry
- Best for
- Southeast Alaska towns and travelers going with the car
- Keep in mind
- Limited summer space, so reserve early
Driving through Canada
- Best for
- People who want the road trip and have time
- Keep in mind
- Border documents, long distances and weather
Sources: TOTE: Ship your vehicle to Alaska, Alaska Marine Highway System, CBP: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
Frequently asked questions
How do you ship a car to Alaska?
Most people ship by sea from Tacoma to Anchorage. You can also take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry or drive through Canada.
How long does it take to ship a car to Alaska?
TOTE's sailing from Tacoma to Anchorage takes about three days, plus time to get the car to Tacoma and through both terminals.
Can I ship an electric car to Alaska?
TOTE stopped accepting electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on August 1, 2025, and Matson has suspended them too. Ask carriers about current rules.
Can I take my car on the Alaska ferry?
Yes. The Alaska Marine Highway carries vehicles from Bellingham, Washington to Southeast Alaska. Reserve early in summer.
Do I need a passport to drive to Alaska?
You'll cross Canada, so bring a passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license or trusted traveler card to return to the U.S. by land.
How soon must I register my car in Alaska?
Alaska asks people working there or establishing residency to apply for registration within 10 days.
Can I pack my car when shipping to Alaska?
Check with the carrier. Ocean carriers often limit or ban personal items, so ship belongings separately.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Alaska?
It depends on the vehicle's size, destination and how the car reaches Tacoma. Haulwide doesn't publish Alaska prices, so compare quotes.
Get a quote
Sources
- TOTE: Ship your vehicle to Alaska
- TOTE Alaska notifications
- Matson car shipping FAQ
- Alaska Marine Highway System
- CBP: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
- Matson: Prepare your car
- Alaska DMV
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
