Galveston Hotels with Cruise Shuttle Services and Parking

Explore Galveston hotels with cruise shuttles by comparing locations with cruise parking and shuttle options for stress-free sailing from the Port of Galveston.

I can tell you first-hand that staying overnight in a hotel before you sail will make the start of your cruise easier, more relaxing, and a lot smoother than driving into a port city on embarkation day.

There is so much to consider, things like Houston traffic, Galveston cruise port traffic, the probability of inclement weather, cruise ship boarding times, and other unexpected travel challenges.

In this post, I’ll help you plan by listing 10 Galveston hotels with cruise shuttle services and parking.

This list will help make your planning a little easier because transportation to the cruise port will be one less thing on your list of “to-dos” in cruise planning.

This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links, Galveston Cruise Destinations may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read the disclaimer for more information.

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Galveston Hotels with Cruise Shuttle and Parking

I know what it’s like to search for the ideal hotel when cruising out of Galveston. 

Ideally, we want a hotel that is near the Port of Galveston, has cruise parking, and even if it’s not as close to the cruise port as other hotels, let it at least have a cruise shuttle to avoid cruise terminal parking and embarkation day traffic. I feel your pain!

I’ve listed 10 Galveston hotels to help you make your pre-cruise planning as effortless as possible. In this list, you’ll see shuttle options, parking information, hotel highlights, and attractions that are nearby. Let’s get started.

1. Hilton Galveston Island Resort – 5400 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551

The Hilton Galveston Island Resort has a Park, Stay, & Go package that offers parking for one vehicle for up to 7 nights and round-trip shuttle transportation to and from the hotel to the cruise port when you book a one-night stay.

I truly enjoy staying at Hilton hotels, and I appreciate their Hilton Honors benefits, which include a food and beverage credit. This is especially useful when traveling because some hotels do not have complimentary breakfast.

Even if you aren’t a Hilton Honors member (it’s easy and free to sign up!), you know that Hilton is a trusted brand.

2. The Tremont House – 2300 Ship Mechanic Row, Galveston, TX 77550

💰 Price: $$$

⭐ Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5

📍 Distance to Port: approximately less than 1 mile (0.4 – 0.5 mile walk)

Yes, you read it correctly. The Tremont House, Wyndham Grand Hotel, is less than a mile from the Galveston cruise port!

The Tremont offers a Park & Sail package that includes parking for one car up to 7 days. There is a fee for shuttle transportation, but since it’s so close to the cruise port, you have the option to walk if you prefer. 

It’s a great location because it is in the Historic Strand District, so you’ll be close to local boutiques, shops, restaurants, and all that downtown Galveston has to offer.

3. Grand Galvez Hotel & Spa – 2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550

💰 Price: $$$$

⭐ Review Rating: 4.3 out of 5

📍 Distance to Port: approximately 1.6 – 1.8 miles

The Grand Galvez, also known as the “Queen of the Gulf,” offers a cruise shuttle service. At the time of this post, a cruise package or cruise parking is not noted, although it may exist. 

To take advantage of cruise parking and shuttle services, you must contact the hotel for offers and seasonal promotions.

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4. Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center – 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554

Moody Gardens now offers a Stay, Park, and Sail cruise package on four days: Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays. 

The cruise package includes valet parking for one vehicle, round-trip cruise port transportation for up to four guests. 

When I spoke to the reservation agent, it was confirmed that the cruise package has a one-nightstay requirement. This means that if you want additional pre-cruise nightly stays, you will need to contact the hotel for assistance; otherwise, a reservation with more than one night’s stay will not be considered a cruise package reservation. 

If you’ve never been to Moody Gardens, you’ll enjoy it. I like Moody Gardens for pre- and post-cruise stays because it is, by far, the most family-friendly hotel, due to its blended resort and themed attractions. 

If you make Moody Gardens your cruise shuttle hotel, make sure you purchase a combination ticket to the Aquarium Pyramid and Rainforest Pyramid as part of your pre-cruise itinerary.

Perfect for: Families, groups, and solo travelers

🏨 Book now: Click HERE to reserve your room at Moody Gardens

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5. Holiday Inn Resort Galveston – On the Beach – 5002 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551

The Holiday Inn Resort offers an 8-day Park, Stay, & Go cruise package with round-trip cruise shuttle transportation to the Galveston cruise port. You can park your vehicle (one vehicle) for the duration of your cruise. 

If you have additional nights for a pre- or post-cruise stay, there are fees for overnight parkingfor the days before or after your scheduled cruise.

Good to know: rooms with ocean views, outdoor pool, children under 12 eat free

🏨 Reserve your stay: Click HERE to check availability at Holiday Inn Resort – On the Beach.

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6. Avenue O Bed & Breakfast – 2323 Ave O Galveston, TX 77550

💰 Price: $$

⭐ Review Rating: 4.9 out of 5

📍 Distance to Port: approximately 1.6 miles

Bed and Breakfast Inns are personable and hospitable, and Avenue O Bed & Breakfast offers just that with homemade breakfasts and peaceful gardens!

When you stay one night, you’ll get free off-street parking and a free ride to the cruise port, among other perks, but cruise transportation and parking must be booked at the time of reservation, and it is subject to availability. 

Best for: solo travelers and couples who want personalized hospitality

🏨 Check availability: 🌺 Book your reservation for Avenue O Bed & Breakfast HERE

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7. Comfort Suites Galveston – 3606 89^th Street, Galveston, TX 77554

💰 Price: $$

⭐ Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5

📍 Distance to Port: approximately 6-8 miles

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel that offers round-trip shuttle service to the Galveston cruise terminals, cruise parking, and free breakfast, Comfort Suites may be an option for your pre-cruise stay.

Highlights: budget-friendly, spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast

🏨 Book your stay: Reserve a room at Comfort Suites Galveston by clicking HERE

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8. The George Manor – 1502 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550

💰 Price: $$$

⭐ Review Rating: 4.7 out of 5

📍 Distance to Port: approximately 1 mile

Think about what it would be like to stay in a historic estate before your cruise.

At The George Manor, you’ll enjoy a beautiful courtyard, refined décor, and personalized service close to downtown Galveston. 

This boutique-style inn offers private round–trip shuttle transportation to the cruise terminals ($15 one-way) with a two–person minimum and $12.50 for each additional person.

There is an option for cruise parking for $150 per week, but you must email info@thegeorgemanor.com for availability or inquire at the time of reservation.

Why cruisers love it: elegant atmosphere and close proximity to the cruise port

🏨 Reserve now: Explore and book your stay at The George Manor by clicking HERE

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9. The San Luis Resort – 5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551

💰 Price: $$$$

⭐ Review Rating: 4.6 out of 5

📍 Distance to Port: approximately 3.9 miles

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center offers pre- and post-cruise transportation to and from the Galveston cruise port with their Stay, Park & Cruise package.

You can enjoy a beachfront pool area, fine dining, world-class service, and luxury.

Highlights: beachfront cabanas, spa, and award-winning restaurants

🏨 Book a stay:  Click HERE to check San Luis Resort availability

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10. Courtyard by Marriott Galveston Island – 9550 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554

💰 Price: $$

⭐ Review Rating: 4.2 out of 5

📍 Distance to Port: approximately 7 miles

At the Courtyard Marriott, you can book The Perfect Cruise Experience cruise package that includes round–trip cruise transportation to the Galveston cruise port for up to two guests, $20 food credit at their restaurants (ask hotel for details), and cruise parking for one vehicle.

Best for: solo, family, and group travelers, spacious rooms, oceanfront location

🏨 Book here: Click HERE to reserve your room at the Courtyard by Marriott

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Quick Comparison: Hotels Near Galveston Cruise Port with Shuttle

I’ve included a chart of the 10 Galveston hotels with cruise shuttle transportation and parking that are within 6-8 miles of the Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian (NCL), MSC, and Princess cruise terminals.

Hotel Name	Price Range	Rating	Distance to Port	Shuttle/Package Availability
Hilton Galveston Island Resort	$$$	⭐4.0/5	~4.2 miles	Free shuttle for Park & Cruise guests
The Tremont House (Wyndham Grand)	$$$	⭐4.5/5	<1 mile	Shuttle & walkable downtown location
Grand Galvez Hotel & Spa	$$$$	⭐4.3/5	~1.8 miles	Cruise packages & private shuttle
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center	$$$	⭐4.4/5	~5-6 miles	Stay, Park & Cruise packages
Holiday Inn Resort Galveston-On-The-Beach	$$	⭐3.9/5	~3 miles	Cruise shuttle and parking available
Avenue O Bed & Breakfast	$$	⭐4.9/5	~1.6 miles	Private shuttle, parking included
Comfort Suites Galveston	$$	⭐3.5/5	~6.5 miles	Shuttle for Park & Cruise guests
The George Manor	$$$	⭐4.7/5	~1 mile	Shuttle by arrangement
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center	$$$$	⭐4.6/5	~3.9 miles	Shuttle & valet parking
Courtyard by Marriott Galveston Island	$$	⭐4.2/5	~7 miles	Shuttle and cruise parking deals

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Galveston Park and Cruise Packages Explained

You’ve more than likely noticed that as you search for hotels in Galveston, many offer what some call a Stay, Park & Cruise, Cruise and Park, or Sleep and Sail packages, etc.

These cruise packages allow Galveston cruisers who are guests at the hotel to park their vehicles for the duration of their cruise while using the hotel’s shuttle. The cruise package is also available; whether you have a vehicle or not, you can still take advantage of the shuttle to and from the cruise terminal.

Recently, when I booked my cruise packages online for separate cruises at different hotels, I wanted to stay at the hotels a couple of days before embarkation. When I saw the confirmation page, the online reservation systems did not attach the cruise package to the reservations for either hotel.

After chatting online and calling the hotels, I found that some hotels only allow for one day before embarkation to receive the cruise package. At one of the hotels, the agent had me place a follow-up call the next morning so that a manager could assist with the additional day.

✏️ Please note: In case you are trying to book a cruise package with a hotel, you may need to book two separate reservations. One reservation for the additional days (nights) beyond the day (night) that is included in the cruise package, and another reservation for the one day (night) before the cruise, which will include the remaining cruise parking days (nights) and shuttle transportation.

Each hotel will be different. For example, I was also given the option to book the reservation as is, with the length of my hotel stay on one reservation, and later add the cruise package on arrival.

At another hotel, I was given the option to book the reservation and call back so that the manager could assist with the additional day (night). 

Yet another option, as mentioned earlier, suggested that when the entire stay with the additional days (nights) beyond the package was booked, it caused the reservation system to remove the cruise package from the online booking, and a recommendation for a separate booking that met the cruise package requirements was the alternative.

If you are staying extra days before or after your cruise, the best approach would be to check with your preferred hotel for the best and most economical option for cruise packaging and pre- and post-cruise itinerary stays, so that you get the best deal while still meeting your travel needs.

What to Know:

• Reserve in advance: Shuttles are extremely convenient, and so they fill up fast, especially on weekends, because the shuttle is not only used for cruisers, but some hotels offer airport transfers and local transportation for tourism.
• Confirm your cruise terminal: Even if your reservationist doesn’t ask at the time of cruise shuttle booking or if you booked your cruise package online, be sure to contact the hotel front desk (by phone, email, app, etc.) to let them know which terminal you will be sailing from.  

• Ask about drop-off and return pick-up times: Make sure you confirm that your preferred hotel offers the type of transportation you need because there are some hotels that offer one-way transportation, while others offer round-trip.

*It’s also important to note that there are specific drop-off and pick-up times, so make sure that you allow enough time for your scheduled embarkation time.

💡 Pro tip: It’s best to arrive early to avoid traffic delays at the cruise port. 

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Tips for Choosing the Right Cruise Shuttle Hotel

1. 📍 Location, location, location: Location matters if you want to be near downtown, the beach, or main attractions like Pleasure Pier. 

If you want to explore The Strand, local boutiques, and museums, book a hotel near downtown. For beach views and Pleasure Pier, your best location would be on Seawall Boulevard.

2. 🅿️ Parking duration: Speaking from experience, be sure to confirm exactly how many nights are included in your cruise package. From my phone calls and conversations with the hotels I contacted, at least one and no more than one night is included in the cruise package (each hotel will vary, so confirm with the hotel you choose).

3. 🚐 Return transportation: It is easy to assume that all hotel shuttles, cruise packages, and private shuttle transportation include round-trip transportation to and from the cruise port.

Not so. Some shuttle services (hotel or private) only provide drop-off service to the cruise port and not pick-up. Pick-up service is sometimes restricted to pick-up from the cruise port and transport to the airport only, or local transportation to Galveston attractions, or discontinue pick-up after a specified time.

4. ⏰ Check-in times: Hotel check-in times are, for the most part, at 4 p.m., and some hotels, 3 p.m. If you are driving long distances, this may or may not work for you. 

I personally like early check-in since check-in times are so late (3 p.m. and 4 p.m.), and check-out times are so early (11 a.m. and noon). I want to enjoy the hotel room I’m paying for, whether it’s budget-friendly, mid-range, or luxury. To be fair, I also understand that rooms are being cleaned, and we all want to give the hotel staff time to do so.

If you are planning on an early check-in, be aware that some hotels surcharge as much as $50, while others accommodate at no charge. Either way, ask the hotel about the earliest check-in time to make the most of your stay and confirm if there will be a surcharge. When I’ve asked, most will confirm on the same day of check-in based on room availability.

5. ☕️ Breakfast: When you’re away from the conveniences of home, where the kitchen is only a few feet away, free breakfast at a hotel can make all the difference. If you have a choice between a cruise shuttle hotel that offers complimentary breakfast (even if it’s a continental breakfast), it’s worth considering.

6. ♿ Accessibility: If you or someone in your family or travel party has need of ADA accommodations, please inform the hotel ahead of time to make sure that an ADA-compliant shuttle is available per your request.

Even if you’ve booked an accessible room, the hotel may not make the connection with the need for an ADA-compliant shuttle for cruise transportation (also, if you haven’t already, make your cruise line aware of ADA requirements as well, if embarkation assistance is needed).

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Getting From Houston to Galveston Hotels

✈️ If you’re not a Houstonian and you’re flying into Houston Hobby (HOU) or Intercontinental (IAH) airport, you’ll need to reserve a shuttle or private transfer. Here are some options:

Private Transportation and Shuttle Services

• Transportation Executive Inc.: 832-891-9690 or txairportcar.com
• Galveston Limousine:409-740-5466 or galvestonlimo.com
• Galveston Express: 409-762-4397 or galvestonexpress.com
• Island Breeze Shuttle: 409-770-0100 or islandbreezeshuttle.com
• Republic Limousine Company: 409-771-9980 or republiclimotx.com ​​​
• Get Transfer – Same-day transportation from the airport to Galveston, cruise port, or hotel.
• Welcome Pickups -Transportation from the airport to Galveston and to the cruise port or hotel.

Travel time from Houston Hobby (HOU) is approximately 45 minutes, and 75 minutes from Intercontinental (IAH).

Traffic, weather, time of day, and the day of the week will influence travel time may delay scheduled arrivals.

If you are traveling and scheduled to arrive on the cruise embarkation day, it’s best to arrive at the Galveston Cruise Port at least 2 hours before your scheduled embarkation time.

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Why Stay in Galveston Before Your Cruise?

Galveston has developed an impressive cruise reputation for a number of reasons, including Royal Caribbean’s $125 million terminal, the addition of new cruise lines, the expansion of itineraries, and Disney Cruise Line’s soon-to-be year-round sailings.

No wonder it’s so tempting to think of Galveston as only or just a cruise port. Quite the contrary, although Galveston is the cruise capital of the Gulf and the fourth-busiest port in the United States, it holds its own reputation because of its rich, resilient history.

Think about it, how many cruise port cities have downtown Victorian architecture, Seawall beaches, or a 10-mile Seawall for that matter!

Yes, there are plenty of reasons to stay in historic Galveston Island before your cruise!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do any Galveston hotels offer free shuttle services to the port?

Yes, there are some hotels that include the shuttle service in their cruise packages (Comfort Suites and Hilton Galveston Island Resort, to name a few).

Be sure to check with the hotel of your choice, and those that I mentioned earlier in the post, because in the travel world, all things are subject to change at any time and without advance notice.

Which Galveston hotel is closest to the cruise terminal?

Both The Tremont House and The George Manor are under a mile away, so if you are pressed for time, the distance would equal to a quick shuttle ride or even a short walk (if you have a little more time on your hands).

Are there hotels that include free cruise parking?

Most hotels include parking in their cruise package for the length of your cruise, and so, because parking is included when you book a cruise package, you can consider it free.

There are additional parking options for cruise packages, like valet and garage parking at some hotels (some for additional costs), but on-site parking at most is included in the cruise package without the need to add valet or garage (if valet or garage parking is not already included as a perk in the cruise package). Again, check with your preferred hotel for details.

Can I book a shuttle from Houston Airport directly to my hotel?

Yes, there are companies like Welcome Pickups and Get Transfer that provide shuttle services and private transportation from the airport in Houston to any Galveston hotel of your choice. 

What’s the most family-friendly hotel near the port?

Of all the hotels, Moody Gardens Resort is considered the most family-friendly because of all of the attractions on the grounds of Moody Gardens, and if you’re looking more on the budget-friendly side, the Holiday Inn Resort is another alternative.

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Final Thoughts

I hope this post has helped you with your pre-cruise planning. Whatever hotel you choose, remember that your pre-cruise planning can go a lot smoother when pre-cruise accommodations, transportation, and parking are taken care of and all in one place (your preferred hotel).

If your travel budget allows, spending an extra day or two in Galveston can make your pre- or post-cruise stay more relaxed so that you are ready to sail or ready to return home without the embarkation or disembarkation rush.

So, take an extra day, if you can, to stroll The Strand and enjoy coastal sunsets by the Seawall for the start or end of a memorable cruise from Galveston.

Ready to plan our trip?

➡️ Check hotel deals HERE | 🚢 Click HERE to book your Galveston cruise now | 🏖️ Explore things to do in Galveston before or after your cruise by clicking HERE

✅ Insider recommendation: Before sailing, combine your hotel stay with a local walking tour or think about visiting Moody Gardens for aquatic and exotic marine life and animal exhibits to experience Galveston Island at its best before you set sail!