uber galveston cruise port

Port Guides

Convenient transportation to galveston cruise port: uber/lyft and more.

Key Takeaways

• Uber and Lyft are available at both Houston airports for transportation to the Galveston Cruise Port.
• Plan for at least 45 minutes from Houston Hobby and 75 minutes from Bush Intercontinental airports.
• Estimated fares are around $50 from Houston Hobby and $80 from Bush Intercontinental to the port.
• Walking a block or two out of the port area before requesting a ride makes it easier to catch a ride and avoid navigation challenges and crowds.

Transportation Options From Houston Airports to Galveston Cruise Port

Tips for Returning From Galveston Cruise Port

• Find parking near the port to make your return journey more convenient.
• Walking a short distance from the port can save you time and effort in finding a ride.
• By avoiding the crowded areas, you increase your chances of getting a ride quickly.
• Navigating through the port area can be challenging, so walking out of it simplifies the process.

Advantages of Uber/Lyft for Transportation to Galveston Cruise Port

Additional Information on Cruising From Galveston

Other useful information for transportation to galveston cruise port.

Can Uber or Lyft Take Me to Baltimore Cruise Port from a Nearby Hotel?

Frequently asked questions, are there any restrictions on the number of passengers that can ride in an uber/lyft to the galveston cruise port, how much time should i allocate for transportation from the galveston cruise port to houston intercontinental airport, are there any additional costs or fees associated with using uber or lyft for transportation to the port, can uber and lyft drivers pick up passengers directly from the cruise terminal in galveston, are there any alternative transportation options to consider besides uber and lyft for getting to the galveston cruise port.

There are other transportation options to consider besides Uber and Lyft for getting to the Galveston Cruise Port. It’s important to compare the costs of these alternatives to determine the most affordable option.

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Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team. From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.

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• Tuzla Cruise Port offers ancient ruins, traditional Turkish cuisine, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
• Haydarpasa Cruise Port is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and has historical and architectural significance, with easy access to attractions in the Kadikoy District.
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• Each port offers unique experiences and attractions, allowing visitors to explore the rich history, architecture, vibrant culture, and local cuisine of Istanbul.

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Salipazari cruise port, besiktas cruise port, zeytinburnu cruise port, pendik cruise port, ambarli cruise port, tuzla cruise port, haydarpasa cruise port, historical and architectural significance.

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• The historical importance of the port, as it has served as a vital transportation hub for over a century.
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The 8 Best Ways to Get from Houston to the Port of Galveston

Galveston, Texas is located 50 miles from Houston. So, whether you fly into the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) traveling between the two destinations requires a bit of planning before you arrive.

Luckily, this guide is here to help and will walk you through the eight best ways to get from Houston to the Port of Galveston, including:

Shuttles from Houston to the Port of Galveston

Private transport from houston to the port of galveston.

• Unique transportation options from Houston to the Port of Galveston

Large Group Transport from Houston to the Port of Galveston

• And much more!

Are you ready to get started? Keep reading to compare costs, discover exciting new options, and learn exactly how to book the best transportation from Houston to Galveston for you and your crew!

There are two ways to travel by shuttle from Houston to the Port of Galveston because there are both private shuttle companies and official cruise line shuttle services operating in the city. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option.

1. Independent Shuttles from Houston to the Port of Galveston

There are five main shuttle companies that transfer cruise passengers from the IAH and HOU airports to the Port of Galveston and back again.

The Galveston Express costs $35 for the one-way trip from IAH to the Port of Galveston and $70 to $75 for the roundtrip. From the Hobby airport to the Port of Galveston the trip is $30 one-way and $60 to $65 for the roundtrip. The Galveston Express also gives a $5 discount to seniors and children purchasing roundtrip tickets.

Despite the name, Galveston Limousine does offer shuttle services between the airports and the port and even has the cheapest rates of all the companies in this roundup. A trip with Galveston Limousine costs $30 one-way and $50 for the roundtrip between IAH and the Port of Galveston when booked online. Between Hobby and the Port of Galveston, the shuttle is $25 one-way and $40 for the roundtrip per person.

Island Breeze Shuttle costs $105 per couple for the one-way trip from IAH to the Port of Galveston and $190 for the round trip, coming in at almost double the price of the Galveston Limousine shuttle service. From Hobby, the price is $85 one-way and $150 for the roundtrip for two.

If you still don’t see what you’re looking for, you can also choose the Galveston Flyer or the Super Shuttle for your shared-ride shuttle services between the IAH and Hobby airports and the Port of Galveston, but you’ll need to call the companies or request a quote online because nether shuttle service lists their prices on their website.

2. Official Cruise Shuttles from Houston to the Port of Galveston

With some cruise lines, you can also skip the third-party shuttle services and book your transport from the Houston airport to the Port of Galveston with the official cruise shuttles via your cruise package.

This option is often more expensive than the third-party shuttle companies but can be more convenient as well because you don’t have to worry about a late shuttle or no-show causing you to miss your ship’s departure.

Speak with your cruise line when booking your package to ask about rates and shuttle services between Houston and the Port of Galveston if this sounds like an appealing option for your group.

If shuttles aren’t really your thing, you can also choose private transport to the Port of Galveston with taxis, rental cars, or ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of all three options below.

3. Taxis from IAH and HOU to the Port of Galveston

TaxiFareFinder estimates the one-way trip between IAH and the Port of Galveston will run you $190, but the good news is that the price is per car rather than per person. For four people, this comes out to about $100 per person for the round trip – which is double the price of the cheapest shuttle option but similar to the most expensive one. From the Hobby airport, the TaxiFareFinder estimates the trip will cost about $115 to reach the Port of Galveston.

4. Ridesharing Apps

Ridesharing with companies like Uber and Lyft is much cheaper than the taxi services in Houston. From IAH to the Port of Galveston, an Uber will only cost about $60 and can fit up to four people. For groups of two, that makes an Uber about the same price as the cheapest shuttle service and for groups of four, it’s significantly cheaper – all while being more convenient as well. From the Hobby airport, an Uber to the Port of Galveston is even more budget-friendly at only $40 per ride.

5. Rental Cars

If you’re planning to travel around Texas before your cruise or to stay in Galveston for a few days before you set sail, you may want to rent a car. Like any major airport, there are plenty of car rental companies to choose from at IAH. Click here to see all 11 rental car companies at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport and begin comparing deals.

Rental car prices vary based on the car type, length of rental, your age, your insurance, the company you choose, and about a million other things, so call multiple companies to get quotes before you choose. And, remember that if you plan to keep your car for the duration of your cruise, you’ll need to factor long-term parking fees into your transportation budget as well.

Unique Transportation Options from Houston to the Port of Galveston

Want to travel in style? Skip the shuttle bus or Uber ride and check out these four unique ways to get from Houston to the Port of Galveston and start your vacation off with a bang.

6. Limousine and Party Bus Rentals

Sam’s Limousine offers both stretch limo and party bus rentals in Houston. A regular stretch limo holds up to 10 people and costs $75 per hour while an SUV limousine can hold up to 16 people and will run you $125 per hour. The party bus and mega party bus options at Sam’s Limousine hold 25 and 36 people respectively and cost $95 and $135 per hour. However, all of these rates are based on a minimum of three hours on Sunday through Thursday, four hours on Fridays, and five hours on Saturdays.

7. Exotic Car Rentals

The Houston Exotic Car Rental Collection by Enterprise is located at the Houston International Airport and offers exotic cars like BMWs, Cadillacs, Jaguars, Porsches and more. Enterprise has offices near the Port of Galveston so request a one-way trip (which, if allowed, will come with an extra fee) so you can drop it off before your cruise and avoid parking fees while you’re away.

8. Helicopter Charters

Go all out for your transport between Houston and Galveston and consider chartering a helicopter to fly between the two destinations! There are multiple helicopter charter companies in Houston where you can start your search, including:

• Apex Helicopters
• Paradigm Helicopters
• Charter Helicopter
• Air Charter Service
• Houston Helicopter Charters

If you’d rather travel by air then by road (and enjoy some sweeping Texan views while you’re at it), contact these companies to inquire about charter rates and required permits, but just be warned that this option doesn’t come cheap!

For large groups, a van or charter bus rental is the most convenient way to travel between Houston and the cruise terminals and can end up being pretty budget-friendly as well.

The Galveston Shuttle and Limo company offers 14-passenger vans for the trip from IAH to the Port of Galveston for $350 including all taxes and fees, which comes out to about $25 per person each way. From HOU, the trip is a bit cheaper at $320 per van. Sam’s Limousine also offers charter bus rentals for up to 56 passengers for $115 per hour and, for smaller groups, the Mega Shuttle Bus option can carry 32 passengers for $95 per hour as well.

Explore Your Transport Options from Houston to Galveston With This Guide

If you’re flying into Houston there are many different ways to make the trip from the IAH and HOU airports to the Port of Galveston for your cruise.

Using a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel between the two destinations, but you can also pre-book shuttle services or even use official cruise transport as well. For a little more freedom, consider renting a car to see more of the state on your Texan vacation or explore more unique and fun transport options like party buses, limos, exotic cars, and even a helicopter charter to make the trip even more memorable!

Whichever way you want to travel between Houston and the Port of Galveston, you can rest assured that this comprehensive guide has all of your options covered. So, choose the best option for you and your crew, book your trip, and then arrive at the Port of Galveston feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to set sail!

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Galveston sits at the south end of Interstate 45 (I-45) and this is the route most drivers will use to get to the port area. Only if you are coming in from around Freeport will it make more sense to enter along the Blue Water Highway.

Driving times from nearby major cities are:

• Austin: 3.5 hours (220 miles)
• Dallas/Fort Worth: 4.5 hours (290 miles)
• Houston: 1 hour (50 miles)
• San Antonio: 4 hours (250 miles)

Click more options , once your route is displayed, to open google maps in a new window

The nearest city to Galveston is Houston, TX which as two primary airports:

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Code: IAH)

The main airport in Houston and a United Airlines hub, George Bush Intercontinental is located 70 miles north of Galveston and 20 miles north of Houston.

Hobby Airport (Code: HOU)

Located 42 miles north-west of Galveston and 11 miles south-west of Houston, Hobby Airport caters to internal flights from the major US airlines, as well as the low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines.

With both airports located a distance from the port, a taxi will be an expensive option and we advise smaller groups of cruise passengers to use one of the cheaper options available. However, if you are a larger group prices can be competitive with other options. If you want the luxury of a private transfer, the companies below can all accommodate you.

• Offering everything from town cars for three people to coaches for 55, Elite Limo Houston should be able to meet your transport needs.
• If your group is at least eight people, then Aim Limousine can offer private transfers at a competitive rate.
• Z Limousine can provide private transfers for between one and 20 cruise passengers.

READ MORE: Looking for more information to plan your visit to Galveston? Check it out here!

Uber and Lyft will cost between $75 and $100 for a transfer from George Bush to the Port of Galveston and between $45 and $60 for a transfer from Hobby  to the Port of Galveston for the standard Uber X or standard Lyft. 

For a discount on your first ride click for UBER or LYFT

Galveston has plenty of choices for shuttles from the two airports to the cruise terminal. The table below shows prices for each airport, per person, return. Because these prices are per person return, whereas private car prices are per car, a couple can save money this way; however, a family could be better off with an Uber or Lyft, which also means you aren’t sharing the vehicle with other cruisers.

Renting a car for just a few hours is our favourite way to get to the cruise terminal from the airport. As long as you don’t mind driving, possibly on the “wrong” side of the road for you, it gives you a private transfer that departs on your schedule and can be surprisingly competitive with other transportation options.

Unfortunately, Galveston is limited in car rental places with Enterprise being the only option at present and they don’t always offer one-way rentals for a sensible price at this location. If available expect to pay around $50-$60 for a rental of a standard car for less than a day.

It can be an easy option if available though as IAH has a dedicated car rental centre just outside the airport and dedicated rental car buses for all the major agencies run from each terminal to the centre. Once there, you head to your chosen provider.

Hobby Airport is the old system of each company having its own buses and off-site location, so you’ll need to find the bus for the agency you are using.

CRUISE COMPANY TRANSFER

Paying the cruise company to get from the airport to the ship is rarely good value, especially if more than one or two people need a transfer. For example, Carnival prices as of Feb 2018 are – IAH $46.99/ HOU $36.99 (one way), so you will invariably be better off using one of the alternatives above.

Looking for more information to plan your visit to Galveston?

You may find these articles helpful..

Galveston Cruise Port Guide Where to Stay in Galveston with ‘Park & Cruise’ Deals Galveston Cruise Parking Options Things to See and Do in Galveston

The map below shows the nearest main airports to Galveston in relation to the cruise terminal.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

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Galveston hotels, galveston cruise port guide, galveston cruise parking, things to do in galveston, usa.

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Home > Ride > Routes > Houston TX to Galveston TX

Best way to get from Houston TX to Galveston TX

Find the best ways to travel from Houston TX to Galveston TX. You can also request a ride directly in the app at the tap of a button.

Reserve a ride in advance to Galveston TX

Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber to get from Houston TX to Galveston TX. Request a ride up to 90 days before your trip, at any time and on any day of the year.

Reserve may not be available for your pickup location.

Getting from Houston TX to Galveston TX

When you ride with Uber on your next trip from Houston TX to Galveston TX, you’ve got choices. Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, find a ride option that fits your needs and budget. If you like to plan ahead, consider scheduling a ride to Galveston TX in advance. Or you can request a ride on demand from Houston TX in the Uber app.

The route your driver takes might depend on the time of day and other factors, like traffic and how many other riders are making requests. You can have a stress-free ride knowing that the Uber app will suggest the most efficient route to your driver.

Average Travel Time

Average route price, average route distance, how to get from houston tx to galveston tx.

Compare ride options getting from Houston TX to Galveston TX. Check the Uber app for current prices and travel options available.

Affordable rides, all to yourself

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Sustainable rides in electric vehicles

Affordable rides for groups up to 6

Sample rider prices are estimates only and do not reflect variations due to geography, traffic delays, promotions, or other factors. Flat rates and minimum fees may apply. Actual prices for rides and scheduled rides may vary.

Frequently asked questions

The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride from Houston TX anytime, 24/7.

The average price for this trip is $54. Open the Uber app and input Galveston TX in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear; scroll to see what’s available. Prices will vary based on time of day and how many riders are making requests.

The most affordable ride choice from Houston TX to Galveston TX is UberX.

The average duration for this ride is 63 minutes. Before a trip starts, your app gives an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for when your driver is likely to arrive at Houston TX. After your trip starts, your app provides an ETA for when you are likely to arrive at Galveston TX. Please note: ETAs are not guaranteed; various factors like heavy traffic or road construction could affect travel time.

The average trip from Houston TX to Galveston TX using the Uber app is about 52 miles.

If Uber Reserve is an option in the Uber app at Houston TX, you can request a ride from Houston TX anywhere from 2 hours to 90 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year. Uber’s ride-scheduling technology and Uber Reserve can help you be on time.

Check in the Uber app to see if car rentals are available at Houston TX. If you see the Rent icon, you can complete your reservation using the Uber app. Then you can rent a car and drive yourself to Galveston TX. To get more details, go to uber.com/u/uber-rent.

The data presented on this page represents historical average prices, durations, and distances for routes. Actual prices, durations, and distances may vary based on factors such as location, traffic conditions, and other variables. Information provided here is for reference purposes only and should not be considered as binding.

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12 Helpful Tips and Things to Know for Cruising from the Port of Galveston

Not that long ago, Galveston was a side note when it came to cruising. Today, the port is a powerhouse.

The Port of Galveston is now the busiest cruise port outside of Florida. It is home to two terminals ( with a third on the way ) and features year-round cruises from both Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

While no one would confuse a port like Miami with the Port of Galveston, there is a lot going on at the terminals on cruise day with thousands of passengers coming and going. If you aren’t familiar with the port, there’s a lot that you may not realize or ways that you can better prepare for sailing from the island.

From saving money to saving time, to simply what to expect, here are a dozen things to know before you take a cruise from Galveston Island.

(For more on sailing from the port, see our complete guide to the Port of Galveston .)

Prepare For a Commute to Your Cruise Ship

With millions in the Houston and Galveston area, many people within driving distance of the port sail from the island. Still, for those who fly into the area, it can be a surprise at the distance from the airports in Houston to the Port of Galveston.

Galveston doesn’t have a commercial airport, meaning passengers must fly into Houston. The city has two airports — Hobby and Bush Intercontinental. Houston-Hobby is the closer of the two at about 45 minutes from the Galveston cruise port. Bush Intercontinental is about 75 minutes away from the cruise ships.

Be prepared to factor in this commute time to your trip.

Fly into Houston-Hobby If Possible

With two major airports, you might be wondering which to use to get to Galveston. In general we recommend people fly into Hobby instead of Bush Intercontinental .

Having flown from both, Houston-Hobby is much more manageable to navigate. It is served primarily by Southwest Airlines, and features fewer gates and sprawl than the Intercontinental airport.

But the biggest reason to suggest Hobby over Bush is that it is much closer to Galveston. Houston-Hobby is on the southeast side of town, closest to the island. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the ships.

Bush-Intercontinental is on the north side of town, meaning you have to drive across the entire city to get to the cruise terminal. It will take you about 75 minutes to get to the port. Of course, if you arrive during rush hour, the trip to the port would take even longer.

Use Uber/Lyft or a Shuttle Service to Get to the Port

One of the biggest questions passengers have is how to get between the airport in Houston and the cruise port in Galveston. We’d suggest one of two ways to get from point to point.

First, you can take an Uber or Lyft. Both services will pick you up at the airport and take you to the cruise port or your hotel. Expect it to cost about $85 to go from Bush-Intercontinental to the cruise port. Trips from Houston-Hobby cost about $50. Keep in mind this is the cost per car, not per person.

The other option is to take a shared shuttle. A number of companies have sprouted up that specialize in rides between the airports and the cruise port (or hotels). You can normally find a ride for about $30-40 per person from Bush-Intercontinental or $20-30 per person from Hobby, each way.

For more details on each option, see our port transportation page here .

Driving to the Port? Park Off-Site to Save

One advantage of sailing from Galveston is that there are a number of independent lots right near the cruise terminals. This competition keeps prices down. While some ports can charge more than $20 per day for parking, the official port parking in Galveston is less than $13 per day.

Even better, independent lots right near the ships can save you even more money. There are some lots that charge less than $10 per day, saving you even more.

For more details, see our page on Galveston cruise parking . There, we have all the details, including your options and prices.

Staying in a Hotel? Look for One With Cruise Parking

If you want to save even more on cruise parking, then look for a hotel with cruise parking. As a perk to entice passengers to stay at their hotel the night before, many places in Galveston offer free or discounted parking while you cruise.

This perk isn’t worth booking a hotel room if you hadn’t already planned on it. But if you were going to stay somewhere the night before you sail, then definitely look at a hotel with a cruise parking offer.

You can see a full list of Galveston hotels with cruise parking here .

Prepare for Fog Delays in the Winter Months

Because of where the Port of Galveston sits, it is the perfect spot to have troubles with fog during the winter.

It’s not every day, but many many times during the season fog descends on the area and makes it all but impossible for the cruise ships to navigate safely. Due to the fog, many trips each year get delayed.

When these ships are delayed, it can take hours until they are able to get underway as they can’t do anything but wait for the fog to lift. This means it’s relatively common for trips to have to be cut short or have their itineraries adjusted.

Put simply, there’s nothing you or the cruise line can do about fog. Just know that it’s a possibility if you sail during the winter.

Drink Packages Don’t Work the First Day on Carnival

Sailing on Carnival and bought a drink package? At most ports they are able to be used the moment you step on board. In Galveston, however, they aren’t activated until 6:00 a.m. the next morning.

This is due to Texas rules surrounding “all you can drink” packages, which aren’t allowed in the state. To stay clear of the law, Carnival won’t allow you to use the package until the ship is well out of Texas waters the next day.

If you want to drink on the first day of your trip on Carnival, you have to pay out of pocket. (Don’t worry, you aren’t charged for the drink package on the first day since you can’t use it.)

You’ll Have a Limited Drink Menu the First Day

Rules surrounding drink packages aren’t the only ones while the ships are in Texas waters. Cruise lines aren’t allowed to serve liquor on the ship in Texas unless it’s been bought from a dealer with a local distributor’s permit.

So if the cruise line normally buys its liquor from another source (like an out-of-state vendor), then it can’t be served in Texas waters.

Because of this, the cruise lines still serve drinks, but the menu is much more limited until the cruise ship gets 12 miles offshore. So you’ll be able to get a beer or cocktail, but it might not be the exact brand you wanted until you leave Texas waters.

Board Later If Possible

Currently there are two cruise terminals in Galveston (with a third on the way). Terminals 1 and 2 sit right next to each other, right along a busy street and the Strand area of Galveston. On cruise day, things can get pretty busy.

While it’s not impossible to get to the cruise terminal at any time, it is definitely much easier if you plan to board later in the day.

Right when the boarding window opens many people try to be there to get on the ship. That not only leads to more traffic and a busy area around the ship, but it’s also busier in the terminal.

While the wait won’t be too long, it can still take some time to get through security and be checked-in to board your ship. Instead, if you show up later after the initial crowds have died down, you can get to the terminal easily and it will only take minutes to get checked-in.

Save Money By Parking… and Walking

If you use an independent parking lot like we suggest, you can save even more by walking to the cruise port.

Independent lots all run shuttles to take you from their lot to the cruise terminal. But the port charges these shuttles for access. Some lots like EZ Cruise Parking offer discounted rates if you instead park and walk to the cruise port. It’s a short walk (about 5 minutes) and can save you about $15 off a week’s parking.

For more details, see our Galveston cruise parking page .

Schedule Your Flight for Later in the Day

Flying back home after your cruise? We suggest booking your flight no earlier than noon on the day your cruise gets back if you are flying out of Houston-Hobby. We suggest no earlier than 1 p.m. if flying out of Bush-Intercontinental.

Remember, just because your ship arrives back at the port at 7:00 a.m. doesn’t mean you can just walk right off. It can take 2-3 hours to get everyone off the ship as passengers have to go through customs.

From there, it will take time to get your ride and make it to the airport, where you also have to go through security lines.

Ideally, a flight at 12 p.m. / 1 p.m. (depending on your airport) should leave you enough time, but it doesn’t hurt to depart a little later than that even.

Spend Some Time on the Island

Many people think of Galveston as a spot to depart for their cruise, but it has a lot to offer. The island is a tourist mecca in Texas. It features all sorts of things to do from Moody Gardens with its famous rainforest pyramid to the Schlitterbahan waterpark, historic mansions, the beach, museums, resorts, and more.

Visiting the island can be a vacation all by itself and there is so much to see and do . We suggest treating your stop in Galveston as another port of call and spend some time exploring the island. It’s the perfect location to spend a long weekend before or after your cruise.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, 10 best galveston cruise hotels for passengers (highly rated, close to port), hurricane beryl slams port of galveston, causing cruise delays, 20+ easy galveston park & cruise hotels (free/discounted parking), 6 easy houston to galveston cruise transport options (uber, shuttles, taxis, & more), galveston cruise parking (where to park): prices, profiles, & map, msc cruises sailing from texas starting 2025.

I think you should add that you need to watch what roads you take in if driving. Houston has a toll road coming south that you can’t pay cash at all! 8 or the beltway. If you don’t drive on it the free alternative is a stop light every 1/2 mile and everyone drives crazy. Most un tourist friendly set up I’ve seen. We accidentally got on to early and I’m sure will be getting a ticket

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Uber to Galveston Port

By bclay , February 21, 2023 in Gulf Coast Departures

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I've read that Uber can not go directly to the Galveston Port.  So where do they drop off/pick up?  Is it easily walkable with luggage?

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Call Port of Galveston to ask the question ?

Get directly from their mouth ! 

• 4 weeks later...

On 2/21/2023 at 1:40 PM, bclay said: I've read that Uber can not go directly to the Galveston Port.  So where do they drop off/pick up?  Is it easily walkable with luggage?

I read somewhere here on CC that Lyft has some kind of contract with Galveston Port.

Galveston Cruiser

3 hours ago, Lorey2007 said: I read somewhere here on CC that Lyft has some kind of contract with Galveston Port.

Transportation Network Companies (TNC's) such as taxi's ride share, shuttles, etc. must pay a fee  enter the port through a contract.  Uber has not agreed so, legally, is not to enter the port.

Drop off would be on the south side of Harborside Dr.  Depending on which terminal, could be quite a walk.  Personally, I wouldn't.

Yes, Lyft has a contract and is willing to pay the terminal fees.  Uber is not.  Their pick up is a short walk across the street (I do not know where exactly)

18 minutes ago, slyster said: Yes, Lyft has a contract and is willing to pay the terminal fees.  Uber is not.  Their pick up is a short walk across the street (I do not know where exactly)

I would like to know where Lyft drops off on embarkation. Two elderly folks dragging luggage a block from porters is not pretty.

3 hours ago, Lorey2007 said: I would like to know where Lyft drops off on embarkation. Two elderly folks dragging luggage a block from porters is not pretty.

Lyft will drop off at the terminal

On 3/16/2023 at 6:55 PM, Lorey2007 said: I would like to know where Lyft drops off on embarkation. Two elderly folks dragging luggage a block from porters is not pretty.

my understanding is Lyft drops and picks up right there at the pier/cruise terminal

17 minutes ago, slyster said:   my understanding is Lyft drops and picks up right there at the pier/cruise terminal

Do you mean dropping right by the porters? On one of our cruises the uber driver dropped us about a half a block away from the porters I believe he didn't want to get in the traffic back up. We then had to drag our bags to the porter area.

Just now, Lorey2007 said: Do you mean dropping right by the porters? On one of our cruises the uber driver dropped us about a half a block away from the porters I believe he didn't want to get in the traffic back up. We then had to drag our bags to the porter area.

Lyft drivers are able to drop off and pick up at cruise terminal.  So, yes, they pull in wherever pier workers direct them to drop off bags by the porters.

I do not know much about Uber, but I know for sure they cannot pick up at the terminal.  As for dropping off, your comment is in line with them not being able to drop off at the cruise terminal either.

6 minutes ago, slyster said:   Lyft drivers are able to drop off and pick up at cruise terminal.  So, yes, they pull in wherever pier workers direct them to drop off bags by the porters.   I do not know much about Uber, but I know for sure they cannot pick up at the terminal.  As for dropping off, your comment is in line with them not being able to drop off at the cruise terminal either.  

Thank you I'll make a note to use Lyft if the hotel we stay at doesn't have a shuttle.

37 minutes ago, Lorey2007 said: Thank you I'll make a note to use Lyft if the hotel we stay at doesn't have a shuttle.

Yes, that's your best bet.  

• 3 weeks later...

Having just completed my cruise last week, here is some more specific information.

We took Lyft to the terminal, and they drop off right at the terminal.  When we disembarked, the prices on both Lyft and Uber were extremely high.  So we walked out of Terminal 2, went about 1/4 of a mile straight out of the terminal (crossing one street) and joined about 100 other people sitting and waiting for rides. Relatively easy, even with luggage.   We then priced out both Lyft and Uber, and since we were willing to wait 45 minutes, the price to Hobby Airport was $50, versus $150-$200 if we were in a hurry.  Worked very well for us - but our plane was a little later in the day, so no hurry.  

I live in Galveston and can give some background.  Uber would not pay port of galveston fees which maintain rideshare waiting area parking lot.  Local paper just announced Uber has agreed to join the port of galveston and pay the fees.  Either way, my understanding is prior to this agreement Uber could drop off, but not pick up.

1 hour ago, MrMan said: I live in Galveston and can give some background.  Uber would not pay port of galveston fees which maintain rideshare waiting area parking lot.  Local paper just announced Uber has agreed to join the port of galveston and pay the fees.  Either way, my understanding is prior to this agreement Uber could drop off, but not pick up.

Supposedly effective May 1 , but everyone is saying Uber is accessing premises now anyway .

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