Avenue O Bed & Breakfast
2323 Avenue O, Galveston, TX, 77550 | 409-789-3070 | Hotel 10 on Map Below | Read Reviews of this 3-Star Hotel | Back to Table
Located towards the south side of Galveston, Avenue O Bed & Breakfast offers a more personal stay than you might find in the big chain hotels. Just ten minutes walk from Galveston Pleasure Pier, this boutique hotel with just three individually styled rooms even offers its guests complimentary snacks in the afternoon!
Amenities, depending on which room you book, include spa robes, over-size showers, a view of the tropical gardens or a private balcony. Could be the perfect way to start your Caribbean cruise
DISTANCE TO PORT: < 10-minute drive
PARKING: 7 days
The Cruise Port Of Galveston Tx
The port of Galveston has two terminals and is used by several cruise lines including Carnival, Disney, Princess, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Interstate 10, Highway 146, and Interstate 45 link Galveston to mainland Texas and there is ample parking at the port with a guaranteed place for every cruise passenger who requires it.
The Port of Galveston is 45-minutes from Houston Hobby Airport and 75-minutes from Houston Intercontinental Airport.
Related to Port of Galveston in Texas
About The Galveston Cruise Port
The Port of Galveston is located on the upper Texas coast at the mouth of beautiful Galveston Bay, just 30 minutes steaming time from the open sea. The two closest airports to the Port of Galveston are Houston Hobby International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental .
The nearest airport to Port of Galveston is Houston Hobby International Airport .The distance between them is 42 miles and the trip takes about 30 minutes. A taxi will cost approximately $85 a carload and the shared shuttle about $45 per person.
An alternative airport is George Bush Intercontinental, located on the north side of Houston, but its about 70 miles from the port and the ride can take about 1 ý hours. Taking a taxi will cost approximately $135 a carload and the shared shuttle $55.
If youre driving to the port the parking lots available to passengers are located 1/2 mile from the cruise ship Terminal. The parking lots are safe and secure. Gates will be locked upon vessel departure and no entry will be available on non-cruise days. Lots are to be monitored by Port police every two hours.
Drop off passengers and luggage at the cruise terminal before heading to the parking lot. Porters will assist you with your baggage and Police Officers will direct the driver to the appropriate parking lot for that day. There are shuttles running continuously to take passengers from the lot to the terminal for check-in.
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Cruise Critic Members Share Galveston Vacation Tips
Sponsored by Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
With a long and storied history, bountiful beaches and so much to eat and drink , Galveston has a lot to offer for your pre- or post-cruise pleasure. The fourth-busiest U.S. cruise port is a great drive-to spot, but its also near two major airports, making it convenient for those flying in from parts elsewhere. Here, the ultimate experts — that is, your fellow cruisers, who have been there — recommend their favorites, so you can try them, too.
Where To Stay Near Cruise Port Of Galveston In Texas
You can easily find Galveston cheap motels and affordable or more luxurious hotels in different parts of town, and most of them are situated close to the cruise ship terminals. Stay within easy walking distance, or a short distance away right on the beach . Some hotels will shuttle you for free to the port and offer free car parking.
If you want to stay close to the port, nearest hotels are located within walking distance of both terminals. Closest properties are The Tremont House and Harbor House Hotel and Marina. Both hotels are 5 minutes drive from Galveston Beach, as well as the dining and shopping options of the Strand Historic District.
Some Galveston hotels offer a free shuttle to the port, as well as free car parking such as the Holiday Inn Resort, and Inn at the Waterpark. Very reasonable is the La Quinta Inn & Suites.
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Cheap Hotels Near The Port Of Galveston
The best way to cut accommodation costs on a trip is by booking a shared hostel dorm rather than a private hotel room. There arent any hostels on Galveston Island but you can still save money by booking one in the nearby city of Houston.
If youre flying into Houston before your cruise, consider spending the night in the HI Houston at the Morty Ranch hostel or the Wanderstay Houston hostel. You can book a bed in the dorms at both on HostelWorld.com for around $25 to $35 per night depending on the season and availability.
If youd prefer to make the hour-long trip from Houston to Port Galveston immediately after your flight arrives, these cheap hotels near the Port of Galveston are also available for budget-conscious travelers: The Roadway Inn Galveston, Pearl Inn, Beachtree Motel, Beachcomber Inn, Sleep Inn, Motel 6 Galveston, Baymont by Wyndham Galveston, Quality Inn and Suites Beachfront, and the Rodeway Inn Galveston all offer standard double rooms for around $50 to $65 per night.
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.
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Moody Garden Hotel Spa & Convention Center
While not offering amenities specific to cruising, this list would not be complete without mentioning Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center. This 4 star hotel is popular among Galveston visitors because there is so much to do and see, right on the resort property. There is a botanical garden, aquarium and rain-forest, a spa, beautiful beach and three restaurants. Kids will enjoy the 3-D theatre and Discovery Pyramid science exhibit and Palm Beach with its lazy river, wave pool and slides.
The hotel itself has an outdoor tropical pool with a swim-up bar, Jacuzzi and adults-only area, complete with cabanas and poolside beds. There is also an indoor lap pool, perfect for a bit of exercise, or a dip in the water in cooler weather. This pool is fully accessible. The rooms themselves offer luxurious bedding, complimentary WiFi, bath robes and maid service twice a day. Long term parking and shuttle can be arranged by contacting the hotel. For more information on Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center and great prices on rates, click here.
Miles to Port : 5.7 miles
Airport Transfer : No
Towneplace Suites By Marriott Galveston Island
TownePlace Suites Galveston Island is a top Travelers Choice with TripAdvisor guests. Enjoy modern comfortable rooms with kitchenettes, free breakfast, pool, and fitness center as well as bicycle rentals for exploring the flat locality along Galveston Seawall.
- Distance from port: 7.1 miles
- Address: 9540 Seawall Blvd
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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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Full List: 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 to confirm, as policies 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.
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Dining Out: Fresh Eats Fished From The Gulf
Surrounded by saltwater, restaurants on Galveston Island serve up some of the best and freshest seafood youll find anywhere. Set at the nexus of the South, the West and Texas, with Caribbean and Latin America not so far away, this is a place with diverse culinary influences.
But, defying what your mother always told you, try some candy before dinner. “Go to La Kings Confectionary. You can actually walk there from the cruise pier,” writes Petroplex.“I get a kick out of watching them make their own candy. I like eating the candy even more.” The 1920s throwback has a long counter selling more than 50 candies, including absolute classics like fresh, saltwater taffy and peanut brittle. Even better there’s a soda fountain, plus ice cream.
But you won’t really want to ruin your dinner, with so many places to dine out. Member ssb recommends a number of local establishments, including the romantic Rudy & Paco, which serves up Gulf shrimp, snapper and grouper with a Latin twist , as well as the fine dining at Shearns Seafood and Prime Steaks, which specializes in garlic-infused Shrimp de Jonghe and a rich lobster bisque, with ninth-floor sunset views out over Galveston Bay.
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Country Inn And Suites By Radisson
The modern Country Inn and Suites by Radisson is a mid-range hotel with excellent amenities at an affordable price. Guests enjoy free parking, breakfast, lobby coffee and use of the indoor pool and fitness center. Close to Moody Gardens and the beach, it has ocean view rooms.
- Distance from port: 2.7 miles
- Address: 2818 R 1/2, Galveston
- Phone number: 763-5000
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Galveston Hotels With Free Cruise Parking
Its one of the best-kept secrets in Galveston cruising. If you know about it, however, you can save some serious money.
Since Galveston caters to tourism and the cruise industry, many hotels will do everything they can to earn your business. That includes letting you park your car during your trip at a huge discount or often even for free. To take advantage of this perk, you simply need to stay at the hotel/motel before you leave on your cruise.
While a number of the hotels have cruise and park packages that raise the price of the room to include parking, lots of smaller or independent places will just let you park for free. Many will also provide a free shuttle to the port.
To give you an idea of where you can find hotels offering this service, we started with all the hotels on Galveston Island. Then, using Kayak.com, we narrowed our list down to those offer 2-star or higher accommodations and positive reviews. Finally, we searched for only those offering cruise parking. The list below should be a good starting point, but keep in mind that it may not list every hotel with the perk.
Also, be sure to confirm the details with the hotels below just in case anything has changed.
Two Star Hotels:
Homewood Suites By Hilton
Homewood Suites by Hilton is another well-located hotel for cruisers with lots of added benefits including rooms with kitchenette, microwave and refrigerator. Guests have free parking and a tasty breakfast as well as childrens activities. Theres a fitness center, pool and shuttle bus service and its just steps from the sandy beach. Beat that!
- Distance from port: 2.1 miles
- Address: 110 Seawall Blvd
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Hilton Galveston Island Resort
5400 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77551 | 855-271-3621
Enjoy your pre-cruise stay at the Hilton Galveston Island Resort. With their Park and Go Package, you receive parking for 7 nights and a round-trip shuttle to the port. This AAA 4 Diamond rated hotel is full of wonderful amenities and is located within walking distance of shopping, restaurants and is just steps from the gorgeous beach.
This 32 acre resort boasts 10 restaurants and bars including Rainforest Cafe and IHOP, heated outdoor swimming pool with swim-up bar and pool-side cabanas and fitness center. You can also treat yourself to a day of fun at the nearby Pleasure Pier, Galvestons historic amusement park. Your elegantly appointed room offers amazing Gulf views, some with private balcony.
Port Transfer : Yes with Park and Go Package
Long-Term Parking : Yes with Park and Go Package
Breakfast : $
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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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!
Galveston Is One Of The Most Popular Us Cruise Departure Ports
Cruises out of Galveston: Located just off The Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is an extremely historic port city that was devastated by a 1900 hurricane but rebuilt itself to be a thriving cruise port city once again that is home to many great treasures and attractions.
Before you take your cruise from Galveston consider seeing a few of the sights in Galveston. The Strand is a historic Landmark District full of well-preserved 19th Century Victorian houses, stores, restaurants and eclectic shops. Moody Gardens is a family resort that is home to three large glass pyramids each containing different habitats for exploration. This port city currently holds the number one title of best cruise port on the Gulf Coast for a Galveston cruise.
Cruises from Galveston center around traveling to the tropical and beautiful Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean regions year-round. Carnival and Norwegian are the predominant cruise lines offering cruises from Galveston. Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas cruises from Galveston to the Caribbean while it is home ported there during the winter season. In 2012 the Disney Cruise Line started offering a cruise out of Galveston aboard the Disney Magic, sailing to the Caribbean and Bahamas.
Some of the most popular U.S. departure ports are:
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