Transport Between Houston And Port Of Galveston
If youre flying into Texas for your cruise from the Port of Galveston, chances are youll land in either the George Bush Intercontinental Airport or William P. Hobby Airport in Houston. However, Galveston Island is about an hour away from Houston on the Gulf coast of Texas. So, whats the best way to get there?
This guide breaks down six different transport options between the two locations and compares prices to help travelers find the best deals. Between taxis, ridesharing apps, private cars, cruise shuttles, independent shuttle companies, and car rental services, the article concludes that If traveling solo, then taking an independent shuttle that charges per person will be the least expensive way between the airport and cruise port. But, if youre in a larger group, Uber or Lyft will offer the lowest rates as they charge by the car, not by the person.
More On Cruising From Galveston
Getting to the Port of Galveston Transportation options from airports and the Galveston area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.
Galveston Cruise Parking Driving to the port? Not sure where to park? We prices and profiles of all the lots near the cruise terminal.
Galveston Hotels with Cruise Parking While the port offers plenty of parking, if you plan to stay the night, you can park at many hotels for free.
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If You Stay At Harbor House You Get A Close View Of Ships
If you stay at Harbor House, you get a close view of ships from around the world as the travel into the Port. Bring binoculars to see more of the ships. There is also a good vantage point to see ships on the far East point of Galveston island. Take Seawall Blvd East until the road ends, then park and watch.
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What Hotel Offer A Free Shuttle & Cruise Parking
1. Scottish Inns Galveston
The classical facade places this two-story budget friendly hotel amongst the most elegant properties in Galveston. Inside, there are beautiful tiled floors, modern art paintings and a lounge with bright, contemporary decor. Each of the forty-five rooms is tastefully presented and features round windows on either side of the front door.
Outside, theres a patio and pool. Theres free parking during your cruise vacation and on the weekends the hotel provides a complimentary one-way shuttle transfer.
Shuttle & Parking
1. Inn at the Waterpark
If your cruise vacation involves the kids, then this is the perfect place to stay as the Inn at the Waterpark is located right next to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Families can also enjoy a round or two of the hotels mini-golf.
Take advantage of the Inn at the Waterparks free long-term parking. If you are a guest of the hotel you may leave your vehicle parked at the property for the duration of your cruise. Just confirm vehicle parking with the Front Desk. On the day of embarkation, taxi and ride share are available for transportation to and from the cruise terminal.
- Free Cruise Parking
2. Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center
With delightful tropical surroundings, the Moody Gardens Hotel is right next door to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Guests can choose from several on-site dining options or simply relax in the outdoor pools or spa.
3. Clarion Pointe Galveston Seawall
- No shuttle service
Furnished Apartments Near The Port Of Galveston
Sometimes you just crave the comforts of home, even when youre on the road. When thats the case, skip the stuffy hotel rooms and book a furnished apartment in Galveston instead. Airbnb has more than 300 rooms available near Port Galveston and caters to the needs of every traveler by allowing you to filter homes by different preferences, like whether or not its a private or shared space, has a pool or gym, and much more.
Another perk of using Airbnb to find your accommodation near the Port of Galveston is the ability to choose from many unique options that you just wont find anywhere else. There are beachfront condos, manor mansions, RV/campers, boats for rent, and even a tiny home on a Christmas Tree farm for a truly special experience before your cruise departs.
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Which Houston Airport Is More Convenient To Galveston
While we live in the area, if we had to fly in for a cruise, then wed pick Houston Hobby 10 times out of 10. The shorter distance between Hobby and the cruise port makes the airport much more convenient to get to the cruise ship. Also, we like that Hobby is a much smaller airport in general, making it easier to get in and out.
The only hang-up is that Bush-Intercontinental features many more flights. That means cruisers flying to sail from Galveston might find a cheaper flight into Intercontinental or one that better meets their schedule.
For us, we would have to save more than $100 per person on a round trip flight to make the extra distance and cost of getting to the port worth our while. That said, its smart to search for flights into both, just to make sure youre getting the best price and time for your trip.
Harbor House Hotel And Marina
Located right on Galveston Wharf with gorgeous bay views, Harbor House Hotel and Marina welcomes cruisers with spacious rooms that include a refrigerator, microwave and Wi-fi. Close to the Strand for shopping and dining, this is one of the closest hotels to Galveston cruise port and convenient for visitors wanting to visit the Seaport Museum and the Tall ship Elissa.
- Distance from port: 0.3 miles
- Address: No 28 Pier 21, Galveston Island
- Phone number: 763-3321
- Shuttle? Yes
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What Are The Best Beach Hotels In Galveston Near Cruise Port
1. The San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center
If you want hi-end, unashamed luxury, then this fabulous spa resort is the place to stay. A lavish 4-star resort and conference center set in 32 acres on Galveston Island, the complex has held the Triple A Four Diamond Award for the last 20 years.
With 248 rooms, ranging from plush standard to Club 10, VIP rooms to penthouse suites and superb villas, this complex has it all. With 3 award winning restaurants, 2 swimming pools, fitness center, full spa and wellness treatment center, plus large conference center, you need never step out of the resort.
If you do, you have 32 miles of beach to explore, with Moody Gardens, the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, Moody Mansion Museum, and Seawolf Park, all within five miles of the resort.
Why Stay Here
- Rooms with ocean view & balcony
Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10
2. Hotel Galvez and Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel
At over 100 years old, this 224 room, Spanish Colonial style 4-star hotel, has lost none of its impressive mystique. Close to the historic Pleasure Pier, and with a view out to the Gulf of Mexico, it is known as the Queen of the Gulf.
Cruise parking is available. It is a one-time fee of $40/vehicle. The charge includes the overnight parking stay and then up to 7-nights that you are gone on the cruise.
Why Stay Here
3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach
Why Stay Here
- Ocean facing rooms with balcony
Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10
Why Stay Here
Why Stay Here
Port Of Galveston Hotels Faqs:
What hotel is truly the closest to the Galveston cruise port?
The closest hotel to Galveston cruise port is the luxury Harbor House Hotel and Marina at Pier 21. It is just 0.3 miles from the cruise terminal and close to the Strand for shopping and dining.
Is there a hotel that is walking distance to the Port of Galveston?
There are several hotels within walking distance of Galveston cruise port including Harbor House Hotel , Tremont House and Knights Inn .
What hotels in Galveston offer cruise parking?
There are several hotels near Galveston cruise port offering cruise parking packages. Comfort Inn and Suites on Seawall Blvd is hard to beat for free cruise parking for guests.
What hotels near Galveston cruise port have free shuttle?
Gaidos Seaside Inn offers free cruise parking for guests and complimentary shuttle transfers. Alternatively, consider Beachfront Palms, at 5914 Seawall Blvd which offers free cruise parking and will arrange transfers with a local taxi company for a fee.
What is the best area to stay in Galveston?
The best area to stay in Galveston is around the Historic Strand District. This downtown area has excellent shopping, restaurants and nightclubs as well as the Pier 21 theater, Seaport Museum and the three-masted Tall Ship Elissa.
Main Photo Credit: Kokoulina / Shutterstock.com
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Airport Distance From The Port Of Galveston
Both Houston Hobby and Intercontinental are located far from the port. Houston Hobby is considerably closer, sitting on the southeast side of Houston, compared to Intercontinentals location due north of the city. In total, you should allot between 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes , at the very least.
Houston Hobby41 miles from Port of Galveston45-minute ride without traffic
70 miles from Port of Galveston75-minute ride without traffic
One thing to keep in mind is that Houston is notorious for its traffic thanks to road construction. Thats why we suggest allowing up to double the non-traffic time just to give yourself plenty of time to get to the ship.
Given the distance, we would always suggest flying into Houston the day before you sail. If your flight arrives early enough on the morning of your cruise , you should have enough time to make it to the port. However, any delays could mean you risk missing the ship on cruise day.
Luxury Hotels Near The Port Of Galveston
This is the first night of your vacation and sometimes you just want to travel in style. For a more high-end experience, these luxury hotels near the Port of Galveston are the best place to pamper yourself before you take to the seas.
The San Luis Resort and Spa is a standout hotel on Galveston Island because it has a prime location on the beach. Of course, the resort is known for more than just its sandy shores and boasts a pool and spa as well. It sits on 32 acres of land and has ten restaurants to choose from including a steakhouse for a romantic evening out and the Rainforest Cafe for fun meal with the whole family.
For something a bit more memorable than a beachside resort, consider booking a boutique experience at one of the 418 luxury rooms at the Moody Gardens Hotel. The Moody Gardens are a top attraction in Galveston with glass pyramids, live animals, and exotic plants, and now you can sleep smack in the middle of it in their hotel and enjoy the pool, spa, fitness center, and golf course while you do.
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Galveston Hotels With Shuttles To The Cruise Port
Comfort Suites GalvestonAddress: 3606 89th Street | Phone: 409-741-9977 | Paid ShuttleSituated on Galvestons west end, this hotel is close to the water, as well as attractions like Magic Carpet Putt-Putt, batting cages, a movie theater, and the Galveston fishing pier. Rides are a little pricey at $20 round trip per person, but will get you there on cruise day.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 6 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
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Galveston Hotels With Cruise Shuttles To The Port
Headed for a cruise in Galveston and need a hotel with a shuttle to the port?
Staying on the island before or after your cruise is highly recommended. Galveston is one of the most historic cities in Texas, and as a tourist destination, there are tons of things for you to do. Add that to the miles of Gulf Coast beaches and Galveston should be a port of call itself not just a place to board your cruise ship.
Of course, if youre staying at a local hotel, then you still have to get to the cruise port.
Luckily, Galveston is a fairly compact. Any hotel on the island will only be a $10-15 Uber/Lyft ride to the cruise terminal. Still, its much more convenient if you dont have to worry about a ride at all and simply have transportation provided by the hotel.
Thats why we called and spoke to dozens of hotels on the island to see if they offer a shuttle to the cruise port. Many hotels do, making it easy to get to the ship on cruise day.
The hotels listed below told us they offer a shuttle to the port or have one listed on their website. We suggest calling ahead about any prices listed, as they can change.
Note: This article contains affiliate links to Kayak. We earn a commission for clicks made on their website, at no charge to you. Review ratings come from Google and are rounded to the nearest half-point.
Holiday Inn Resort Galveston
5002 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77551 | 409-740-5300
The Holiday Inn Resort Galveston On The Beach is a perfect spot for passengers looking for a pre-cruise stay. Long term parking for a cruise in Galveston and port shuttles are complimentary, but there are also cruise packages available such as the Park, Stay and Go package which offers breakfast for two adults in addition to the parking and transportation.
Its location is perfect under 3 miles from the cruise terminal and offers beachfront accommodations for a great price. Kids will enjoy the playground, arcade, as well as the childrens pool which is attached to the large outdoor pool with waterfall and the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, is nearby. There are numerous onsite eateries, a tennis court and fitness facilities if you want to get one last workout in before you indulge on the the ship. For more information on The Holiday Inn Resort Galveston On The Beach, click here.
Miles to Port : 2.7
Port Transfer : Yes with Park Stay and Go Package
Long-Term Parking : Yes with Park Stay and Go Package
Breakfast : $
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The Complete Guide To Hotels Near The Port Of Galveston
Florida may be the cruise capital of the world, but dont count Texas out just yet the Port of Galveston is a popular departure point for almost a million people taking to the seas every year.
If youre ready to join them, dont forget to reserve a pre-departure hotel room in Galveston for the night before your cruise. This will eliminate the risk of flight delays or cancellations causing you to miss your ship andensure a stress-free trip to the port.
From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels to unique Airbnb apartments and everything in between, this Port of Galveston hotel guide has everything you need to book the perfect stay before your cruise!
Things To Keep In Mind
Although Galveston is geared toward welcoming visitors and has many hotel rooms to choose from, we recommend you make your reservations in advance, especially during the busy periods for cruises or during festivals when hotels might be booked up. This will help ensure you are able to get your preferred hotel and room type.
We also recommend you call the hotel you are interested in to check the availability of their Park & Cruise packages as there may be a limited number of rooms available with this offer and some hotels may only offer this option if you make the reservation directly with them.
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La Quinta Inn Galveston East Beach
La Quinta Inn Galveston East Beach is a mid-range hotel near Galveston cruise port that has contemporary rooms that include Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast. It has an outdoor pool and free parking for guests. It also offers a shuttle service to both the airport and cruise port.
- Distance from port: 1.8 miles
- Address: 1402 Seawall Blvd
- Shuttle? Yes
Ideal Hotels Near Galveston Cruise Port With Shuttle
As Galveston is a top vacation destination as well as a popular cruise port, theres a huge choice of hotels near Galveston cruise port for cruisers to choose from. We cut through the confusion and list the best hotels for cruisers, including the cheapest and closest places to stay in Galveston.
We also list hotels with cruise shuttle service to and from the port. Some charge a modest fee while other cruise shuttles are complimentary with a Cruise and Stay package.
First, a few quick facts about Port of Galveston for cruisers. The port was established in 1825, when Texas was still part of Mexico. It remains one of the oldest ports in the Gulf of Mexico. It is now the 4th busiest cruise port in North America, serving over a million cruisers every year.
Related: Extensive Guide to Port of Galveston Cruise Parking
The port itself is on the east end of Galveston Island, a 27-mile long barrier island connected to the mainland via the I-45 and the San Luis Pass toll bridge. Most hotels close to Galveston cruise port are found on Galveston Island, so check out our round-up of the most ideal hotels near Galveston cruise port for a pre- or post-cruise stay.
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