Galveston Hotels with Free Shuttle to Port and Cruise Parking

Located on a small island just off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston is not only a trendy resort town but a popular starting and finishing point for cruises.

The island has been shaped by the wind and waves of the Gulf, leaving it with a 32-mile-long stretch of beach while the historic districts of Galveston are dotted with charming examples of Victorian architecture.

Galveston is the perfect place for a few days vacation before or after your cruise.

Rather than parking at the port we recommend you stay at a local hotel and take a stress-free transfer to the port. Many hotels offer cheap deals. This way you can relax before and after your cruise as well as enjoying the historic attractions and beaches of Galveston.

Galveston covers a compact area and a shuttle or taxi cab fare to the port should never cost more than $10 – $15 dollars per person.

Several hotels, however, offer their own shuttle service to the port. Very often, this is complimentary especially if you choose to park at the hotel. Other times it should cost no more than a few dollars.

We suggest you select the best Galveston cruise hotel that meets your travel needs first – for size, price, location, and amenities and then organize your transportation to the Galveston cruise terminal.

To help you decide we have put together a list of 17 Galveston tx hotels.

Read also: Best Hotels near Galveston Port in 2023

Hotels with Free Shuttle Service and Cruise Parking

1. Harbor House Hotel and Marina (Pier 21) ★★★ (Walking Distance – Free Shuttle)

The Harbor House Pier 21 is located on the waterside, close to the Port of Galveston adjacent to the Historic Strand district. Most bedrooms offer stunning harbor views while the Strand Historic District is just a short walk away. The hotel provides a continental breakfast and guests can use the swimming, spa, and dining facilities at its nearby sister hotel, the Hotel Galvez.

As the Harbor House Pier 21 is located only 0.5 miles from the port’s entry you can easily walk from the hotel to the cruise terminal. If you choose to leave your car at the Harbor House while on cruise, the cost is $15/night. A shuttle to the Cruise terminal is available upon request.

• Walking Distance from Port, Free Shuttle
• Cruise Parking is $15/night

2. The George Manor ★★★★ (Bed & Breakfast)

This historic house from the 19th century is ideal located in the center of the Galveston’s historic district, close to The Strand with its restaurants, bars and antique stores. Guests staying at this bed and breakfast enjoy transportation to and from the cruise terminal ($25 for 2 and $12.50 per extra person). Walking distance to either cruise ship terminal 1 or 2 is approx. 20 minutes. The George Manor also provides transportation to and from both Houston Airports. 

For those willing to leave their vehicle while on cruise vacation the property offers safe secure long-term parking for $150 per week which includes a private shuttle (Black Suburban) to and from the Port.

• Shuttle Available
• Secure long-term Cruise Parking, Transfer to Port included

3. The Tremont House, Galveston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel ★★★★ (Walking Distance)

The Tremont House Hotel is just a pleasant stroll away from the Strand Historic District and Galveston Beach. Guests can enjoy dining and cocktails in the rooftop restaurant of the Tremont House as well as using the swimming pool and spa of the nearby Hotel Galvez.

Tremont House has cruise parking available at a reasonable cost which includes one night of hotel valet and up to 1 week of cruise parking but only when the Park & Sail package is booked. There is a shuttle service to the port but only for guests who booked this package. The property is only 5 minutes’ walk from the Galveston Cruise Terminal (Carnival). Royal Caribbean‘s new cruise terminal is a bit further away, 25 minutes walk. The best way to get there is by taxi or Uber/Lyft.

• Seven Days Cruise Parking
• Walking Distance of Cruise Terminal (Carnival)

4. Hilton Galveston Island Resort ★★★★

The Hilton Galveston Island Resort is just a few steps from the beach, making it the ideal place for adding a few extra days to your cruise vacation. There are a swim-up bar and grill at the center of the hotel’s outdoor heated swimming pool.

The Hilton Galveston Island Resort offers cruise parking and a transfer to port for a fee. There’s also a free shuttle service* to and from the port, but only if you book the park and go package. Parking for extra nights is charged for. It is best to book your transportation when you reserve your hotel room.

• Transfer to Port
• Extended parking on site (USD 50.00* per week)

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5. Avenue O Bed and Breakfast ★★★ (Free Shuttle)

The Avenue O Bed and Breakfast is located in the historic Silk Stocking District, approx. 10 minutes walk from Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and 1.2 miles from cruise terminal 1 and 2. Royal Caribbean’s International cruise terminal is about 1.7 miles from the property. A trolley that goes down 25th Street (a block down) will take you to the beach, Moody Gardens, or the downtown area.

Guests staying here can enjoy a complimentary port transfer and parking for cruisers (free cruise parking only if you book directly with hotel). Plus, free breakfast. A minimum two-night stay is required for parking longer than 7 days and on weekends.

• Free Cruise Parking
• Free Transfer to Port

6. Holiday Inn Resort Galveston – On The Beach, an IHG Hotel ★★★ (Cruise Parking)

With its beachside location, the Holiday Inn Resort Galveston is the perfect place to spend a few days in the Texan sun. Features include an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, a fitness suite, live entertainment, and a spa. The Jetty Restaurant on the hotel’s doorstep is open from early morning until late evening. Self parking on site (US$ 10 per night).

Book one of the cruise packages and transportation for up to 4 people is included to the port, as well as parking for one vehicle while aboard the ship.

• Free Shuttle included with package
• Long term cruise parking available

What Hotels in Galveston have “Free” Cruise Parking?

1. Best Western Plus Seawall Inn & Suites by the Beach ★★★ (Free Cruise Parking)

The popular Best Western Plus Seawall Inn & Suites is well located on Seawall Boulevard 5 to 10 minutes walk from Stewart beach. Enjoy wonderful views of the Gulf of Mexico from this seaside property. Amenities include a very nice outdoor pool. If you’re leaving on a cruise from Galveston, the port is a short drive away (2 miles or 6-8 minutes).

You can park for free while staying and when enjoying your cruise.

• Free Cruise Parking on site
• Complimentary Breakfast

2. Inn at the Waterpark ★★★ (Free Cruise Parking)

If your cruise vacation involves the kids, then this is the perfect place to stay as the Inn at the Waterpark is located right next to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Families can also enjoy a round or two of the hotel’s mini-golf.

Take advantage of the Inn at the Waterpark’s free long-term parking. If you are a guest of the hotel you may leave your vehicle parked at the property for the duration of your cruise. Just confirm vehicle parking with the Front Desk and park in the designated area.

• Free Cruise Parking

3. Scottish Inns Galveston ★★

The classical facade places this two-story budget friendly hotel amongst the most elegant properties in Galveston. Inside, there are beautiful tiled floors, modern art paintings and a lounge with bright, contemporary decor. Each of the forty-five rooms is tastefully presented and features round windows on either side of the front door.

Outside, there’s a patio and pool. There’s free parking during your cruise vacation and on the weekends the hotel used to provide a complimentary one-way shuttle transfer (please check with hotel directly for latest information).

Shuttle & Parking

• Free Extended Parking and Breakfast

4. Quality Inn & Suites Beachfront ★★★ (Great Value)

The ninety-one rooms of this four-story hotel are tastefully decorated and extremely comfortable. They offer spacious accommodation with seating areas and unobstructed views of the beachfront. In the communal lounge and dining room, there are lamps and artwork to add to the cozy atmosphere.

The property has an indoor pool and one outside. You can park your vehicle for the duration of your voyage, but there’s no shuttle service. Just stay one night prior or one night after your cruise. Affordable taxi services and uber drivers are available to get you to the port terminals.

• Free uncovered self parking on site
• No shuttle service

5. Beachfront Palms Hotel ★★★ (Popular)

This is one of the most booked affordable beachfront hotels offering three-star accommodation. You can admire the magnificent views of the sea and enjoy relaxing in the large pool and garden. All 151 guest rooms are attractive with comfortable furnishings and the cafeteria and lounge areas are spacious and pleasant.

The hotel doesn’t offer transportation to the cruise port, but with a permit, you can leave your car at the hotel while on your cruise.

• Free parking and Continental Breakfast

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6. Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center ★★★★

With delightful tropical surroundings, the Moody Gardens Hotel is right next door to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Guests can choose from several on-site dining options or simply relax in the outdoor pools or spa.

The Moody Gardens Hotel has a Cruise Transportation Package. Enjoy a luxurious room for one night and free parking with a valet service for the entire length of your cruise. Shuttle to the port is not included in the package but the hotel can recommend some companies.

• Cruise package which includes parking

7. Baymont by Wyndham Galveston ★★★ (Affordable)

The bold looking hotel offers exquisite rooms for your comfort. If you love spending time at the beach it is a great place for this. Enjoy the waters within the calm, serene and nature filled environment the hotel offers. You can enjoy the views, and early morning walks to the beach, or evening strolls as the sun sets.

It is close to Galveston cruise port, which gives it an additional plus. Unfortunately they discontinued free cruise parking at the beginning of 2022.

• No Cruise parking

8. Comfort Suites Galveston ★★

This unusual property features a small tower and an arched entrance to the lobby that has wrought iron balustrades lining the wide staircase. Guest rooms are large and modern with a bright decor and wooden paneling.

You can relax in the pool or visit the beach, which is two minutes away. The hotel operates a paid shuttle to the cruise port at Galveston, although kindergarten children go free. There’s also parking available while being on your cruise for a small fee. Free hot breakfast is offered to guests.

• Extended parking on site (USD 20* per stay)
• Transfer to port is around $20* per person roundtrip or around $15* per person one way

9. Motel 6 Galveston, TX Seawall ★★★ (Cruise Parking)

This property is ideal for families as it’s situated just a few minutes from the beach and Galveston’s attractions. There are ninety-six comfortable guest rooms that have plenty of space and amazing views of the sea.

In the pleasant breakfast room you’ll find a cheerful decor while outside there’s a picnic area and pool. There’s parking during your cruise which costs $10.00/day, but you’ll have to take a cab or Uber to the cruise port.

• Parking for the entire duration of the cruise (fee)
• No shuttle, best options are a cab or Uber

10. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Galveston ★★

Like many Galveston properties, this attractive budget hotel is two storys high with covered, wrought iron balconies. There’s a relaxed atmosphere in the compact, simply furnished rooms, while the communal lounges and dining areas are spacious and informal with comfortable seating.

Outside, you’ll find wooden benches and barbecue facilities on the terrace. You can park for free while taking your cruise (based on availability) and their is a shuttle service directly across the street. The port is four miles away.

• You can leave your car for free

11. Super 8 by Wyndham Galveston ★★

This charming inexpensive two-story hotel features balconies and an arched porch. You’ll find the comfortable guest rooms have a stylish, modern decor with bright colors and minimalist furnishings. The breakfast room has plenty of seating and there’s space to relax outdoors in the garden area alongside the pool.

The cruise port is five miles away and although there isn’t a shuttle service. As of March 2022, the property no longer offers free parking for cruises.

• No shuttle service

12. Grand Galvez ★★★★

The Hotel Galvez is housed in one of the island’s grandest most historic houses and is a pleasing blend of old-world elegance and modern amenities. Guests can dive into a saline pool with a swim-up bar, and a spa as well as a restaurant well known for its delicious seafood menu.

The hotel offers cruise parking at a reasonable cost. There is a complimentary shuttle service to the cruise port for all guests, whether they are using the parking facilities or not. Shuttle reservations should be made at the valet staff when checking in to the hotel.

• Free Shuttle to Port (Currently not available)
• One-time fee of $60*+tax/vehicle which includes overnight parking stay and parking for the duration of the cruise (Currently not available)

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note (*): The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Most rates listed are one-way fees and are subject to change without notice. Fees can be changed by the hotel and may change at any time. Please contact the hotel directly for latest shuttle information and hotel/cruise parking packages.
(Latest update December 20th 2023)
Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.

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Map

The Cruise Port of Galveston TX

The port of Galveston has three terminals (from November 2022) and is used by several cruise lines including Carnival, Disney, Princess, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Interstate 10, Highway 146, and Interstate 45 link Galveston to mainland Texas and there is ample parking at the port with a guaranteed place for every cruise passenger who requires it.

The Port of Galveston is 45-minutes from Houston Hobby Airport and 75-minutes from Houston Intercontinental Airport.

Cruise Terminal Locations

Terminal Number 1
2502 Harborside Dr.
Galveston, TX 77550

Terminal Number 2
2702 Harborside Dr.
Galveston, TX 77550

The new Royal Caribbean cruise terminal is located at Pier 10 in Galveston Port. The facility will be used exclusively for Royal Caribbean cruise ships sailing from the port or visiting Galveston.