Galveston Port -transportation questions

[hillbillybob]

Considering a cruise out of Galveston. Not being familiar at all with how to get there, where does one fly into-- have heard Houston? And if so, how far is the drive if renting a car and do rental agencies do 1 way rentals ? Prices seem good, but if one incurs lots of other incidentals such as rental car, etc just trying to evaluate vs flying into Miami port as alternative.

 

Any feedback or tips be appreciated as I don't have any experience in Galveston port and want to decide vs Florida or this port.

[TEXASMUNK]

1. Two airports: Bush and Hobby. If you live in a city served by Southwest, then Hobby is definately your choice. (Hobby is 35-45 minutes from the pier, Bush is up to 90 minutes away.

Transfers: From Hobby, Galveston Limo offers vans, you do not have to wait to fill a bus, and they are reliable and moderately priced. RCI transfers are more expensive.

2. Rental cars: Only Enterprise allows one way with drop. They are actually closed on a Sunday, but you can leave the vehicle and keys, they mail your receipt.

 

Hope that helps

[Darkwolfe]

I'll second what TEXASMUNK says. That's pretty much summed it up completely.

 

I'll add emphasis on trying to fly in on Southwest. You're 40 miles from Galveston from Hobby and nearly twice that from Bush. On top of that, from Bush, you get to deal with Houston traffic. Having lived there once, I can tell you that avoiding that traffic should be a strong consideration for your travel plans. It is not pleasant!

 

Doing that particular trip in 11 days (2 days pre cruise). Flying in to Hobby and using a shuttle service to Galveston and back.

[TruckerDave]

A little more info would be helpful. Where are you coming from? What airline are you using? Your choice of airline effects which airport you would fly into. IAH vs HOU. (The same goes for cruising out of Miami as well MIA vs FLL).

[bmccarthy]

We just cruised out of Galveston last week. We flew into Houston Hobby the day prior on Southwest and used Super Shuttle for our transportation. It was just over $100/each way for our group 8 adults and 1 child. They don't provide car seats, so if you have young children, you will need to bring your own. We tipped $5/per couple/each way. It was very smooth and they were right on time picking us up yesterday at the port for our return trip to the airport. Since Enterprise isn't open on Sundays, shuttles are usually a better deal. One rental car would have cost over $400 for the week and then we would have had to pay extra for parking. There are various companies that provide transportation. Research your options and decide what works best for your individual/group needs.

 

Beth