If you’re taking a cruise from Galveston, cruise parking is something you will probably need to arrange. Most cruisers drive to Galveston Port as the nearest commercial airport is the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). It is a 45-minute drive from the port via Hwy 45. It is much cheaper and more convenient to drive to Galveston and then use cruise parking or book a hotel package that includes free cruise parking.
There are plenty of options for cruise parking around the port of Galveston so we’ve done the research for you to help you find the best Galveston cruise parking to suit your budget and needs.
In This Article…
- Things to know about Galveston Cruise Parking
- Getting to Galveston Cruise Port Parking
- Official Galveston Cruise Parking at the Port
- Private Cruise Parking with Free Shuttle
- Other Galveston Cruise Parking Options
- Galveston Hotels with Cruise Parking Packages
- Best Budget Hotels in Galveston with Cruise Parking Packages
- Hotels That Offer Free Cruise Parking in Galveston
- Cruise Parking for Disabled Passengers
- FAQs on Galveston Cruise Parking
Things to know about Galveston Cruise Parking
This historic Port of Galveston is located on a barrier island. It has two cruise terminals, both located at 2502 Harborside Drive. The port typically services almost 2 million cruise passengers and generates 14,000 jobs. You can see what tours to do in Galveston right here.
Cruise lines based in Galveston include Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Disney Cruise Line. Terminal 1 serves only Carnival cruises with all other cruise lines using Terminal 2. Official on-site cruise parking at Galveston port conveniently serves both terminals.
Also Read: 30 Things to Do in Galveston, TX for Cruise Visitors
Galveston cruise parking lots and garages will compete for your business, offering the cheapest prices and the best availability. It’s good to do your research and decide which parking option will be best for you and your car. If you are disabled or have children, you might want to book cruise parking that is onsite at the port. Other Galveston cruise parking companies usually include a shuttle transfer to and from the cruise terminals.
Several hotels offer Stay-and-Cruise packages that include a night at the hotel, transfer to the port and free parking for the duration of your cruise. We’ve got them all covered in the details below!
One thing to note is that whichever Galveston cruise parking option you choose, it pays to book online in advance to secure the most competitive prices and ensure you have a space.
Getting to Galveston Cruise Port Parking
As Galveston is the 4th busiest port in the USA, it has good infrastructure and is easy to reach from most lower US states.
From the North:
Take I-10 east from Houston then join the Texas Hwy 146 South in Baytown. Take I-45 south to Galveston then merge onto Texas Independence Trail. After 9 miles, turn left on 26th St and follow sign to the cruise terminals and port cruise parking.
From the East:
Get on Highway 87 West towards Galveston Island then use the Port Bolivar Ferry (be sure to allow additional time in case of delays). After you exit the ferry, get back on Highway 87, take a right on Harborside Drive. After 20 blocks turn right on Kempner/22nd Street.
From the North and West
Follow Interstate 45 S towards Galveston Island and get off on Exit 1C. Follow the ramp to Harborside Drive (Highway 275). Continue 4.7 miles to Kempner/22nd Street, then turn left to the cruise terminals.
Official Galveston Cruise Parking at the Port
Many cruisers opt for the convenience and security of parking onsite at the port. These official parking lots are clearly signposted and located at the intersection of 33rd St and Harborside Drive. Lots A, B, C and D use a park-and-ride shuttle bus service for passengers and their luggage. Garage parking is within easy walking distance of both cruise terminals.
Official Galveston cruise parking at the port is on police-patrolled parking lots with 24/7 security. You must book ahead to reserve a space for official Port of Galveston Cruise Parking. A $5 deposit will secure your online reservation. Choose from Economy Parking lots, Covered Garage Parking, or Reserve and Save Economy Parking.
Reserve and Save Economy Cruise Parking
Parking rates start at $55 for 4 days if you use the Reserve and Save Economy Parking Lots option. 7 days is from $85 and longer stays up to 14 days can be arranged.
Economy Lots
If you just turn up to park at the port without a prior reservation, 4 days parking costs $60, rising to $90 for 7 days.
Garage Parking
Undercover garage cruise parking at Galveston port starts from $75 for 4 days and $115 for 7 days. There is over 100,0000 sq.ft. of secure garage parking just a short walk from the cruise terminals.
Full payment is due on arrival at the port. You may cancel or change your booking up to 24 hours before your cruise departure by emailing parking@portofgalveston.com. You should include the date of your cruise departure and reservation number. If you wish to reschedule your Galveston cruise parking, a voucher will be given against a future cruise date.
- Address: 33rd St and Harborside Dr, Galveston
- Distance to port: onsite
- Shuttle service: Yes
- Cost : From $55 for 4 days
Private Cruise Parking with Free Shuttle
There are many private companies offering cruise parking near Galveston port. The following all offer a free shuttle service to transport guests and luggage from the parking lot to the cruise terminals.
Discount Cruise Parking
Galveston cruise parking is provided by Discount Cruise Parking which has regular free shuttles running to and from the port every 15 minutes. They even help load and unload your luggage from your car. Secure parking includes cameras, on-site security and even a gas station on-site.
- Address: 8115 Harborside Drive
- Distance to port: 4.5 miles
- Shuttle service: Yes (free)
- Cost: From $50 for 7 days
81st Dolphin Parking
81st Dolphin Parking is a family-owned company that offers a full cruise parking service in Galveston. The car parking is behind 10-foot high fencing topped with razor wire. It accepts oversize vehicles but they will be charged for 2 spaces. Shuttles run every 30 minutes and more often when required. Reservations are necessary.
UPDATE: According to our readers and reviews on Google, 81st Dolphin Parking is not offering a good service. We recommend not to book through this company until things improve. Cruise Hive is looking into the matter and may decide to remove them from the page.
- Address: 2801 Market St, Galveston
- Distance to port: 0.5 miles
- Shuttle service: Yes (free)
- Cost: From $55 for 4 nights
Other Galveston Cruise Parking Options
Other budget cruise parking companies close to the port that do not have free shuttles include:
Falstaff Cruise Parking
Colorful shuttle buses and 24/7 security are offered by Falstaff Cruise Parking. The shuttle takes about 10 minutes to reach the cruise port and buses are ADA capable. A small fee is charged as the Port of Galveston charges a fee every time a shuttle enters the port and this is passed on to customers. This company also accommodates larger SUVs, trucks, RVs and vans.
- Address: 3402 Church St, Galveston
- Distance to port: 1.0 miles
- Shuttle service: Yes (fee)
- Cost: From $65 for 7 days
Cruise Park
Cruise Park offers Galveston cruise parking in a secure gated compound within walking distance (about 7 minutes) of the cruise terminals. Drivers can drop off passengers and baggage and then park and return on foot.
- Address: 2815 Harborside Dr, Galveston
- Distance to port: 0.3 miles
- Shuttle service: No
- Cost: From $64.25 for 7 days
EZ Cruise Parking
EZ Cruise Parking Galveston is just 2 blocks from the cruise terminals and has secure parking facilities. There is a lower price for cruise parking for those who are prepared to park and walk (drop passengers and luggage first and it’s very convenient!). They have ADA accessible buses and parking spaces.
- Address: 2727 Santa Fe Place
- Distance to port: 0.2 miles
- Shuttle service: Yes (additional fee)
- Cost: From $60 for 4 nights (park and walk)
Galveston Hotels with Cruise Parking Packages
Why Use Stay and Cruise Hotel Packages in Galveston?
Many cruisers driving to Galveston choose to arrive the day before, which makes good sense. Bad weather, poor road conditions, auto problems and unforeseen hazards could mean your journey is delayed and you could risk missing your cruise departure. By booking a hotel that offers Stay-and-Park packages you can arrive the day before your cruise, enjoy a relaxing evening in Galveston, sleep soundly and then use the hotel shuttle to transfer you and your luggage right to the ship.
Related: 20 Galveston Hotels on Seawall Blvd for Cruise Passengers
While you’re living it up on your luxury cruise, the hotel will keep your car safely parked. On your return, use the hotel shuttle or get a taxi back to the hotel and pick up your car.
Best Budget Hotels in Galveston with Cruise Parking Packages
Inn at the Waterpark
Extend your cruise with a few days at the Inn at the Waterpark which has a pool and mini-golf on-site. This fun-filled family hotel in Galveston is right next door to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Moody Gardens. It offers special rates for guests needing cruise parking and includes a shuttle to the cruise port.
- Address: 2525 Jones Drive
- Distance to port: 5.4 miles
- Shuttle service: Yes
- Cost per night: From $80
Hotels That Offer Free Cruise Parking in Galveston
Scottish Inn Galveston
The Scottish Inn offers mid-range accommodation along with a pool and free continental breakfast. All 42 rooms have refrigerators, microwaves, Wi-Fi and tea/coffee. Stay one night or more and get free cruise parking!
- Address: 928 Ferry Rd, Galveston
- Distance to port: 2.6 miles
- Shuttle service: Yes weekends only
- Cost per night: From $99
Beachfront Palms Hotel
Beachfront Palms is an attractive hotel just steps from the beach. Relax by the pool and extend your cruise while also enjoying convenient free cruise parking. Remodeled rooms include 50” TV, microwaves, refrigerators and more. Transfers to the cruise port can be arranged through the hotel reception at your own expense.
- Address: 95914 Seawall Blvd, Galveston Island
- Distance to port: 4.1 miles
- Shuttle service: Yes using a third party (fee)
- Cost per night: From $87
Hilton Galveston Island Resort
The luxury Hilton Galveston Island Resort offers “Park & Go” packages that include free cruise parking for up to 7 nights and a shuttle to the cruise port.
- Address: 5400 Seawall Blvd
- Distance to port: 3.8 miles
- Shuttle service: Yes
- Cost per night: From $99
Cruise Parking for Disabled Passengers
ADA Handicap Accessible Parking spaces are available at the official Port of Galveston cruise parking lot. There are shuttle buses to and from the terminal for those who cannot walk the short distance.
There is a special site for Disabled Veterans Cruise Parking. Other private Galveston cruise parking companies with ADA spaces and shuttle buses include:
EZ Cruise Parking Galveston, just two blocks from the cruise terminals with secure parking facilities. They have ADA accessible buses and parking spaces. Falstaff Cruise Parking also has shuttle buses that are ADA-capable.
Cruise Parking for Oversize Vehicles
Cruise parking companies that accept oversize vehicles, RVs etc. include:
81st Dolphin Parking, a family-owned company that accepts oversized vehicles, but they will have to pay for two spaces. Falstaff Cruise Parking accommodates larger SUVs, trucks, RVs and vans.
FAQs on Galveston Cruise Parking
Carnival Cruise Line sail from Terminal 1 and the most convenient cruise parking is right at the port. Book online and choose Reserve and Stay Economy Parking at the port which includes a shuttle transfer to the ship, or opt for Garage Parking which is just a short walk from the terminal. Prices start from $55 for 4 days cruise parking at Galveston port.
The closest parking lot to the port of Galveston is onsite at the port. It is only available for cruise passengers and should be booked in advance. Garage parking is a short walk from both cruise terminals while the parking lots operate a shuttle service to and from the ship for passengers and luggage.
The nearest commercial airport to Galveston cruise port is the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) which is 45 minutes from Galveston via Hwy 45. It is much cheaper and more convenient to drive to Galveston and then use cruise parking or book a hotel package which includes free cruise parking.
