Port of Galveston
Galveston, USA · Caribbean
Galveston is the #4 US cruise port + biggest on the Gulf Coast — Carnival, Royal Caribbean + Disney Cruise Line all base ships here. 60 km southeast of Houston. Houston Hobby (HOU) is 60 min away; Houston Intercontinental (IAH) is 90 min. Pre-cruise nights split between Galveston Island itself + suburban Houston depending on flight arrival.
1.9 million passengers (2024)
How to get here from the airport
William P. Hobby Airport
HOURecommended 55 km from port · 55 min transit
Transit options: Uber $60-90 · Shared shuttle $40-55 · Galveston Limousine Express $45
Cheaper flights on Southwest. 55-min drive south.
Houston George Bush Intercontinental
IAH 105 km from port · 90 min transit
Transit options: Uber $100-140 · Shared shuttle $50-70 · Galveston Limousine Express $55
International arrivals hub. Add ~35 min vs HOU.
Cruise lines + terminals
Carnival Cruise Line
Cruise Terminal 25
Carnival Breeze + Vista homeport
Royal Caribbean
Cruise Terminal 10 + 28
Allure of the Seas Western Caribbean
Disney Cruise Line
Cruise Terminal 1
Disney Magic homeport
Norwegian Cruise Line
Cruise Terminal 25
Peak season: October-April · Christmas + spring break peak
Pre-cruise tips for Galveston
- 1Fly HOU over IAH when possible — 35 min closer to Galveston.
- 2Galveston Seawall hotels give beach + walkable-to-port option.
- 3Book Galveston Limousine Express shuttle for cheapest airport→port ($45-55).
- 4Hurricane season June-October — buy travel insurance for late-summer cruises.
Where to stay pre-cruise
Galveston Seawall (walkable to some terminals)Galveston Historic StrandHouston Hobby area (day-of pre-cruise)
Find hotels in Galveston
1.4M+ properties · Trip.com
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FAQs — Galveston cruise port
HOU or IAH for a Galveston cruise?
HOU is 60 min (35 min closer). IAH is 90 min but has more international arrivals + more flight options. Choose HOU when flight prices are within $100.
Pre-cruise hotel: Galveston Island or Houston?
Galveston Island (Seawall or Historic Strand) if arriving 1+ days early. Houston hotels only if arriving day-of and same-day cruise departure.