Best Route to Port of Galveston from Houston?

[cold in MN]

I apologize if this has been answered, but I've spent the last 1/2 hour searching this board and can't seem to find the answer I'm looking for.

 

We are driving from downtown Houston to the Port of Galveston on Sun, Jan 15th to board the Carnival Magic. Doing some googling of directions and it shows the route to take is I45 from Houston to TX-87N/Broadway Ave J into Galveston and over to Harborside Dr.

 

I also see that you can get onto Harborside Dr earlier from I45.

 

So my question is for those that live in Galveston, or have driven this, is one route better than the other in terms of ease and/or quickness?

 

Thanks in advance for your help. I love these boards!!

[Galveston Cruiser]

Harborside is the fastest though it goes through all the industrial area.

Broadway has lights every other block.

I recommend exiting 45 to Harborside even with the traffic from the cruise terminals.

[CoastalDreamsB&B]

We're talking a difference of five minutes, taking Broadway versus Harborside. Take I45 (which turns into Broadway) all the way into Galveston, and turn left on 23rd Street. Enjoy the historic neighborhoods and beautiful architecture on your way to the port.