CRUISES
Cruises from Galveston: Houston flights, parking and where ships go
Sail from Galveston, Texas: how to get there from Houston, where to park, which itineraries leave from the port and how to plan the trip around your flights.
Galveston is the main cruise port on the Gulf Coast and one of the largest in the country. It is popular because Texans and visitors from the central United States can drive to it, and because it offers a wide choice of Western Caribbean sailings without flying to Florida.
Where the ships go
Most sailings from Galveston are to the Western Caribbean, with stops such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, Belize and Grand Cayman. They are usually four to seven nights, and some longer ones head to the Eastern Caribbean. CruiseDirect lists Western Caribbean cruises and Mexico cruises, and describes Galveston as a Caribbean hub on its Galveston page. Several major lines sail from the port, so there is a good range of ships and prices. Read our Caribbean guide for how the routes differ.
Getting to Galveston
| From | How |
|---|---|
| By car | The island is on the Gulf Coast about an hour's drive from Houston. Allow extra time on sailing day. |
| Houston Hobby (HOU) | The closer of Houston's two main airports. Roughly an hour by road. |
| Houston Bush (IAH) | Further away, usually more than an hour. Often has more flights. |
| Transfers | Shuttles and private transfers run between the airports and the cruise terminals. See airport transfers. |
Compare flights to both Houston airports on our flight search, and plan to arrive the day before. If you rent a car, read our rental car guide and check any one-way fees.
Parking and the day before
- Port parking. Terminals have parking for sailing week, usually charged by the day. Rules and rates change, so check before you travel. See our parking guide.
- A hotel on the island or in Houston. Book early for busy weekends. See how to choose a hotel.
- The Strand. The historic district is a short trip from the port, and a nice way to spend an evening before sailing.
Weather and timing
The Gulf is exposed to the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Storms can change or cancel sailings, and fog can delay ships coming in or out. Consider travel insurance, and avoid tight flights on sailing day.
Compare and book
Start with the sailings from the port on CruiseDirect's Galveston page, then compare cabin types and the total cost. For help with the budget, see how much a cruise costs, cheap cruises and cruise deals. If you sail from Florida instead, see cruises from Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Where do cruises from Galveston go?
Mostly the Western Caribbean, including Mexico, Belize, Honduras and the Cayman Islands. Some sailings also visit the Eastern Caribbean.
How far is Galveston from Houston?
About an hour by road from the Houston airports, depending on traffic.
Which Houston airport is best?
Hobby is closer. Bush often has more flights. Compare the fares and the time to the port.
Can I drive and park at the port?
Yes. Galveston has terminal parking. Prices change, so check before you go.
Is it safe to cruise in hurricane season?
Cruises operate, and ships avoid storms, but changes happen. Consider insurance and flexible plans.
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