Cost of Shipping Factors from Alaska to California
Alaska is located in the northwest corner of North America and is the largest peninsula in the Western Hemisphere. Canada borders the United States on the east, the Beaufort Sea and the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Bering Sea and the Chukchi Sea in the west, and the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Alaska in the south.
Meanwhile, the Golden State, California, is one of the states along the West Coast. It is located in the south-western part of the US, bordering Nevada to the east and northeast, Oregon to the north, Arizona to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
California is very far from Alaska. Therefore, the travel time, distance, and shipping method will largely determine the shipping cost.
Auto Transport Pricing & Time To Ship Your Car Examples
| To / From Alaska to California | Distance | Cost | Estimated Time In Transit |
| Anchorage, AK To Los Angeles, CA | 3398 miles | $6,115.50 - $7,474.50 | 10 - 12 Days |
| Juneau, AK To San Diego, CA | 3151 miles | $5,671.80 - $6,932.20 | 10 - 12 Days |
| Fairbanks, AK To San Jose, CA | 2985 miles | $5,372.82 - $6,566.78 | 9 - 11 Days |
| Badger, AK To San Francisco, CA | 2944 miles | $5,298.66 - $6,476.14 | 9 - 11 Days |
| Knik-Fairview, AK To Fresno, CA | 3158 miles | $5,684.40 - $6,947.60 | 10 - 12 Days |
| College, AK To Sacramento, CA | 2902 miles | $5,223.24 - $6,383.96 | 9 - 11 Days |
| Wasilla, AK To Long Beach, CA | 3387 miles | $6,096.24 - $7,450.96 | 10 - 12 Days |
| Tanaina, AK To Oakland, CA | 3030 miles | $5,453.10 - $6,664.90 | 10 - 12 Days |
| North Lakes, AK To Bakersfield, CA | 3253 miles | $5,854.68 - $7,155.72 | 10 - 12 Days |
| Sitka, AK To Anaheim, CA | 1800 miles | $3,240.00 - $3,960.00 | 8 - 10 Days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle you are shipping.
Time to Delivery and Distance to Travel
It will take about 43 hours to traverse the 2151 miles of road distance between Juneau, Alaska, and Sacramento, California. Therefore, shipping your vehicle from Alaska to California may take up to seven working days.
What Are the Shipping and Delivery Centers?
In California, our delivery centers are the following:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Jose
- San Francisco
- Fresno
- Sacramento
- Long Beach
- Oakland
Navigating Port-to-Port Logistics
Shipping a vehicle from Alaska to California involves coordination between multiple ports. Typically, your car is transported from an Alaskan port like Anchorage to a port in Washington, such as Tacoma. From there, it's loaded onto a carrier for delivery to your specified location in California. Understanding this multi-step process helps set realistic expectations for transit times and potential delays due to weather or port schedules.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Transit
Before shipping, preparing your vehicle to ensure a smooth transport process is essential. Clean your car thoroughly to facilitate an accurate inspection and document any existing damage with photos. Remove all personal items, as carrier insurance does not typically cover them. Ensure the fuel tank is about a quarter full to reduce weight while allowing for necessary loading and unloading maneuvers. Additionally, check for any mechanical issues and ensure the battery is fully charged to avoid complications during transit.
Understanding Cost Factors
The cost of shipping a car from Alaska to California varies based on several factors, including distance, vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. On average, prices range from $1,300 to $2,000. For example, shipping a car from Anchorage, AK to Los Angeles, CA might cost between $2,700 and $3,100, depending on the shipment's specifics. Opting for open transport and being flexible with scheduling can help reduce costs.
The Most Affordable Way to Transport a Car
An open carrier shipment method is the cheapest option for transporting your vehicle from Alaska to California. However, considering the distance between the two states, this option is highly discouraged. Even if it is more expensive, the enclosed shipping method is the best option for ensuring the vehicle's safety.
We Also Ship These Vehicles
We can also ship the following:
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- RV’s
- Heavy Equipment
- ATV’s
- Freight
Where To Have Your Car Picked Up
We can pick up your vehicle from the following locations:
- Anchorage
- Juneau
- Fairbanks
- Badger
- Knik-Fairview
- College
- Wasilla
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Alaska to California?
Shipping a car from Alaska to California typically costs between $1,500 and $2,700, depending on factors like the specific pickup and delivery locations, vehicle size, and transport type. For example, transporting a car from Anchorage to Los Angeles (approximately 3,421 miles) may cost around $2,700, with an estimated transit time of 14–18 days.
How long does it take to ship a car from Alaska to California?
The transit time for shipping a car from Alaska to California usually ranges from 7 to 9 days, depending on factors like the origin and destination locations, weather conditions, and the shipping method selected. For instance, shipping from Anchorage to Seattle typically takes 6–8 days, while shipping from California to Alaska may take 7–9 days.
Can I ship a non-running car from Alaska to California?
Yes, you can ship a non-operational vehicle from Alaska to California. However, transporting a non-running car requires specialized equipment like winches or forklifts, which may incur additional fees ranging from $150 to $300.
Is enclosed auto transport available for shipping from Alaska to California?
Absolutely. Enclosed transport offers added protection from weather and road debris, making it ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. While it generally costs 20%–40% more than open transport, it provides peace of mind for owners of vehicles sensitive to varying climate conditions.
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