Alaska to California Car Shipping for Safe, Easy Transport
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- Alaska to California
Last Updated: 3 days ago
Quick Answer: Shipping a car from Alaska to California averages $1,600 and usually takes 8-14 days.
See route-specific prices and distances in the table below.
| 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 - $6,935.20 | 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 - $6,473.14 | 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 - $7,455.96 | 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 - $7,159.72 | 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?
Most Alaska to California transports cost $1,500 to $2,600, depending on the port used, vehicle size, carrier type, and seasonal weather. Shipping commonly begins in Anchorage or Fairbanks, moves by barge to Seattle or Tacoma, then continues by truck into California. Costs rise for larger SUVs, remote Alaska pickups, or winter departures when port schedules narrow. Use our car shipping cost guide to compare typical ranges.
How long does it take to ship a car from Alaska to California?
Transit time is typically 10 to 18 days. Alaska departures rely on fixed barge schedules to the Lower 48, so timing depends on the sailing date, offloading at Seattle, and the truck route into California. Winter ice and reduced daylight can extend processing at Alaska ports, while summer schedules usually move faster. Once on the mainland, the Seattle to California leg moves in 3 to 6 days.
Can I ship a non-running car from Alaska to California?
Yes. Non-operational vehicles can be moved, but they require winch or forklift support at the Alaska port and during mainland loading. Expect added fees of $150 to $300, depending on weight and port labor needs. Inform the carrier early so the correct equipment is arranged. You can review options in our car transportation services.
Is enclosed transport available for Alaska to California routes?
Enclosed carriers are available once the vehicle reaches the mainland. The Alaska-to-Seattle barge portion uses standard protected vessel storage, and enclosed trucking can begin after unloading. Enclosed service costs 20 to 40 percent more, but it’s preferred for classics, exotics, and vehicles sensitive to coastal salt exposure. Learn more through enclosed auto transport.
What documents are required to ship a car from Alaska to California?
You’ll need a government-issued ID, current registration, and proof of ownership such as a title or lienholder authorization. Alaska ports also require the vehicle to be clean and free of personal items for security inspection. A bill of lading is signed at both pickup and delivery to record the vehicle’s condition.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Alaska to California?
The most affordable option is standard barge transport from Anchorage or Fairbanks to Seattle, paired with open-carrier trucking into California. Choosing a major California metro like Los Angeles or Sacramento lowers cost because carriers run frequent lanes. Departing in summer often avoids winter surcharges tied to ice, delays, or limited barge frequencies.
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