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Cruise TipsEmbarkationBest Galveston Cruise Parking Tips, Rates & Locations

Best Galveston Cruise Parking Tips, Rates & Locations [2023]

This Galveston cruise parking guide cuts through the clutter to help you find the best parking option for your cruise.

If you’re used to spending upwards of $15, $20, and $30 a day to park your car during your cruise, you’re going to love parking in Galveston before your cruise.

Not only is the price cheaper, but there are more options as well.  We will look at parking lots that are covered and uncovered.  Some are very close to the port, and some will require a 10-minute shuttle.

We will look at everything you need to know before parking your vehicle in Galveston prior to your cruise.  So, park yourself on this page while we dive into some parking lot nuggets of wisdom.

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Related: Port of Galveston guide: everything you need to know

You’ll want to plan in advance where you’re parking in Galveston while you’re on your cruise and how to get your luggage from car to ship.

Galveston cruise parking can seem overwhelming due to the sheer amount of choices offered to cruise travelers. However, because Galveston is one of the busiest cruise ports in the US it has become a popular vacation destination in its own right.  You’ll be able to take advantage of competitive prices and lots of options to find the perfect parking conditions for your vehicle during your cruise vacation.

Parking Lots

Being one of the busiest cruise ports in the US, Galveston boasts plenty of parking lots. Almost all of them are located very close to the cruise ship terminal.

If you are going to park in a lot, there are a few considerations to be made.  Do you prefer covered parking?   How close do you want to be to the cruise terminal?   What kind of transportation do you need to and from the Galveston cruise port?  What is the cost?  And do you need a parking spot that will accommodate an oversized vehicle such as an RV?

Hotels provide another option if you are going to be staying in Galveston the night before your cruise.  (More on this near the bottom of the post.)

 

Parking at the Cruise Terminal in Galveston

Port of Galveston

The Port of Galveston parking lots are the official cruise parking lots of the Port of Galveston. If you are the type to worry about the safety of your vehicle while you’re away, this lot is your best bet. Being the official cruise parking lot of Galveston means that there is 24/7 police patrolled security here. Keep in mind this parking lot offers a covered parking garage as well as an uncovered lot.

Levels 2 and 3 in the parking garage are covered and level 4 is not covered.  These are filled on a 1st come, 1st served basis.

The garage is within walking distance to the terminal, and the lot offers a shuttle that will transport you to your terminal.

How much does it cost to park at the Galveston cruise terminal?

Economy Lots

  • Lots A-B are located on either side of Harborside Drive, between 29th Street and 33rd Street.
  • The lots are fenced and lit.
  • Parking for oversize vehicles is available for an extra charge.
  • The price is $105 for a 7-day cruise and $78 for a 5-day cruise.
  • A shuttle to the ship is provided.

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  • Express Lot: Located at the door of Cruise Terminal 28, this lot offers the ability to park and walk just a few steps to the terminal.
  • Pier 25 Lot: Located at Pier 25, this lot is a short walk to Cruise Terminal 28.
  • Covered Parking Garage: Located across the street from Harborside, this garage is a short walk to both Cruise Terminals 28 and 10.
  • The price is $129 for a 7-day cruise and $98 for a 5-day cruise.
  • No shuttle is provided given the short distance.

Cruise Terminal 10 Parking

Cruise Terminal 10 is the newly built Royal Caribbean terminal, located east of the other terminals. This spot offers four parking areas, with varying prices and shuttle availability:

  • North Lot: Located closest to the terminal, this lot costs $176 for a 7-day cruise and $127 for a 5-day trip.
  • South Lot: This lot costs $161 for a 7-day cruise and $116 for a 5-day trip.
  • Pier 14 Lot: This lot costs $161 for a 7-day cruise and $116 for a 5-day trip.
  • Pier 14 Indoor Lot: This lot costs $199 for a 7-day cruise and $143 for a 5-day trip.

Cost

Parking costs at the Port of Galveston vary from $105 to $199 for a 7-day cruise.

Note: The port recommends dropping off your luggage and any other passengers in the vehicle before parking your car.  There are usually plenty of porters to help assist you with your luggage.

 

8 Galveston Cruise Parking Lots and Their Accommodations

Want to save some money even if it means taking a shuttle to the cruise terminal?  The below parking lots offer special parking just for cruise passengers in Galveston.

Cruise Park Galveston

Cruise Park Galveston is one of the closest parking lots to the terminal. They call themselves a “park and walk lot,” meaning there is no shuttle to the terminal. It will take you 5-7 minutes to walk to your ship.

Cruise Park charges $79 for a week long cruise. Be aware that Cruise Park only offers parking to those cruising on Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas and Carnival VISTA, and you will need to drop off your own luggage with your cruise porters. Cruise Park is fenced, lighted and locked.

  • Distance to terminal: .4 miles
  • Transportation to and from port: No
  • Luggage handling: No
  • Cost for 7-day cruise: $79
  • Covered: No
  • Elevated: No
  • Oversized vehicles: No

Discount Cruise Parking

Discount Cruise Parking is the farthest parking lot from the cruise terminal. They offer free shuttles to and from the port terminals every 15 minutes, with porters to handle your luggage for you. Discount Cruise Parking charges $70 per week.

Their lot is uncovered, gated with an attendant and security cameras. This smaller lot is quite popular, so be sure to pre-pay ahead of time to reserve your space!

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  • Distance to terminal: 4.5 miles
  • Transportation to and from port: Yes (shuttle every 15 minutes)
  • Luggage handling: Yes
  • Cost for 7-day cruise: $70
  • Covered: No
  • Elevated: No
  • Oversized vehicles: No

Lighthouse Parking

Lighthouse Parking is a good option for those cruisers interested in covered parking. They are approximately a half mile from the main cruise terminal entrance, and offer a shuttle with luggage handling every half hour.

Lighthouse parking starts at $95 for a week uncovered and $125 for covered parking. They have video surveillance and an on-site security attendant. Lighthouse Parking also offers parking for oversized vehicles.

  • Distance to terminal: .5
  • Transportation to and from port: Yes
  • Luggage handling: Yes (shuttle every 30 minutes)
  • Cost for 7-day cruise: $95 uncovered, $125 covered
  • Covered: Partially
  • Elevated: No
  • Oversized vehicles: Yes

Galveston Park and Cruise

Galveston Park And Cruise is one of the closest parking lots to the cruise terminal. Because of their proximity to the port, they do not offer a shuttle or luggage porters. Galveston Park And Cruise has uncovered parking for $101 per week and covered parking for $121 per week. They are gated and fenced with surveillance cameras. They cannot accommodate oversized vehicles.

  • Distance to terminal: .2 miles
  • Transportation to and from port: No
  • Luggage handling: No
  • Cost for 7-day cruise: $101 (uncovered), $121 (covered)
  • Covered: Partially
  • Elevated: No
  • Oversized vehicles: No

EZ Cruise Parking

EZ Cruise Parking is just two blocks from the cruise terminal. While they do have a shuttle available, EZ Cruise Parking offers a discount to those cruisers who are willing to handle their own luggage and walk to their port.

Simply, they charge $120 for a 7 day cruise, with a $15 discount if you choose to park and walk. While EZ Cruise Parking does not offer covered parking, you can rent a car cover for $10. EZ Cruise Parking is gated and boasts elevated lots. They cannot accommodate oversized vehicles.

  • Distance to terminal: .3 miles
  • Transportation to and from port: Optional, there is a fee
  • Luggage handling: Optional, there is a fee
  • Cost for 7-day cruise: $120
  • Covered: Uncovered, $10 car covers available
  • Elevated: Yes
  • Oversized vehicles: No

*Prices may change based upon availability

Port Parking

Port Parking offers both covered and uncovered cruise parking lots less than a mile from the terminal. They have a free shuttle that will take you and your luggage to and from your ship.

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This is one of the best options if you want indoor cruise parking.  There are over 200 parking spots and they fill up fast.  Reserve well ahead of time to sure you have a spot.

Similar to EZ Cruise Parking, they offer a discount if you park and walk to your ship. Prices for a 7-day cruise are $86 for uncovered parking without the shuttle, or covered park and walk, and up to $156 for covered parking with shuttle service. Port Parking boasts 24 hour security. They can accommodate oversized vehicles.

  • Distance to terminal: 1 mile
  • Transportation to and from port: Yes
  • Luggage handling: Yes
  • Cost for 7-day cruise: From $86 to $156 depending on shuttle
  • Covered: Partially
  • Elevated: No
  • Oversized vehicles: Yes

Port Parking is located at 202 Harborside Drive, at the of 37th st. and Harborside Dr, and just blocks from the terminal.

*Prices may change based upon availability

Galveston VIP Cruise Parking

Galveston VIP Cruise Parking is the absolute closest cruise parking to the ship terminals. They are directly across the street from the ships, and therefore do not offer a shuttle service. Their covered parking is $144 for a 7-day cruise. They cannot accommodate oversized vehicles.

  • Distance to terminal: .1 miles
  • Transportation to and from port: No
  • Luggage handling: No
  • Cost for 7-day cruise: $144
  • Covered: Yes
  • Elevated: No
  • Oversized vehicles: No

Locations with Indoor Cruise Parking

To recap these are the parking locations from above which offer a covered parking lot if that is a must-have for your cruise:

  • Port of Galveston
  • Lighthouse Cruise Parking
  • Galveston Park and Cruise
  • EZ Cruise Parking
  • Port Parking
  • Galveston VIP Cruise Parking

 

How Do I know Which Terminal to Go to for My Cruise Line?

Typically Carnival cruise ships use Terminal 1 and Royal Caribbean and Disney use Terminal 2.  You will still want to check with your cruise line and check the signs leading up to the cruise port to make sure, but this is a good rule of thumb.

Currently, cruise ships going out of Galveston are on itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean.  There are also some occasional Transatlantic cruises and even Panama Canal cruises to check out.

 

Hotel Parking

Many cruisers opt to arrive in Galveston a day or two before their cruise departs. For those travelers flying into Texas, this greatly lessens any worries about flight delays or missing luggage. And because embarkation day can be hectic, even cruisers who don’t have to fly to Galveston often choose to take a day before their cruise embarks to relax.

Frugal travelers will love that they can save on Galveston cruise parking if they are savvy to the local hotels. Many Galveston hotels offer free parking or a cruise parking package to their guests.

7 Hotels that Can Help You Save on Your Galveston Cruise Parking

Comfort Suites Galveston

Comfort Suites Galveston is located the farthest away from the cruise terminal, however, they offer free parking for cruisers and a $20 shuttle to the terminal. Travelers interested in the predictable perks of a large suite chain – valet cleaning service, laundry, etc – will find their needs met here.

  • Star rating: 4
  • Free WiFi: Yes
  • Complimentary breakfast: Yes – hot
  • Distance to cruise terminal: 6 miles
  • Shuttle: Yes ($20)

Gaido’s Seaside Inn is home to the beloved Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant. Directly across the street from the beach, this hotel is less than 3 miles away from the cruise terminal. Gaido’s is a family owned hotel that offers cozy little touches like a free lending library and 24/7 freshly popped popcorn.

Gaido’s offers free parking for the duration of your cruise vacation if you stay in the hotel the night before your departure. They also have a free shuttle to and from the port.

  • Star rating: 4
  • Free WiFi: Yes
  • Complimentary breakfast: Yes – hot
  • Distance to cruise terminal: 2.4 miles
  • Shuttle: Yes – free

Hilton Galveston Island Resort will be a luxury lover’s first choice for lodging in the port of Galveston. Hilton Galveston Island boasts a swim-up bar, poolside cabana rentals, 2 onsite restaurants and room service. The Hilton Galveston offers a “park and go” package – free parking for a week, and a shuttle to and from the cruise port.

  • Star rating: 4
  • Free WiFi: Yes
  • Complimentary breakfast: No
  • Distance to cruise terminal: 3.8 miles
  • Shuttle: Yes

Holiday Inn Resort Galveston On the Beach, located 4 miles from the port, offers fun for the whole family. This Holiday Inn boasts an arcade, nanny and babysitting services, plus kids stay for free and eat for free. Holiday Inn Resort Galveston also offers free parking and transportation to the terminal.

  • Star rating: 4
  • Free WiFi: Yes
  • Complimentary breakfast: No, but up to four kids ages 12 and under eat free any time of day in the on-site restaurant.
  • Distance to cruise terminal: 3.4 miles
  • Shuttle: Yes – free.

Inn at the Waterpark

The Inn at the Waterpark is a 3.5 star hotel located right next door to Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Moody Gardens, making it a favorite for families.

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They offer a cruise ship travelers package – free parking at the hotel for the duration of your cruise, and a free shuttle to and from the cruise terminal. The Inn at the Waterpark recommends prebooking your shuttle, as it does fill up.

  • Star rating: 4
  • Free WiFi: Yes
  • Complimentary breakfast: Yes, continental
  • Distance to cruise terminal: 5.7 miles
  • Shuttle: Yes – free

Scottish Inns Galveston is a wallet-friendly hotel option in Galveston. A quaint motel located about 2 miles from the cruise terminal, Scottish Inns Galveston offers a free continental breakfast, free parking and a free shuttle to and from your cruise ship.

  • Star rating: 3.5
  • Free WiFi: Yes
  • Complimentary breakfast: Yes, continental
  • Distance to cruise terminal: 2.6 miles
  • Shuttle: Yes – free

Super 8 Galveston

Another thrifty option, Super 8 Galveston offers free 7 day cruise parking for hotel guests. Super 8 Galveston is located about 5 miles from the cruise terminal and does not offer a shuttle, so plan to arrange for your own transportation to and from the port.

  • Star rating: 3.5
  • Free WiFi: Yes
  • Complimentary breakfast: Yes, continental
  • Distance to cruise terminal: 5 miles
  • Shuttle: No

Tips & Tricks for Galveston Port Cruisers

Embarkation

Embarkation day can be draining.  Your itinerary for the day may include checking out of a hotel or traveling from the airport, parking your vehicle, arranging for shuttle transportation, loading and unloading luggage, keeping track of travel documents, and waiting in line. Here are some tips to keep things streamlined and stress-free.

  • Reserve your parking spot ahead of time. We cannot stress this one enough! Not only will pre-booking your parking spot save you money, but many parking lots and hotel shuttles fill up. You don’t want to be stranded.
  • Know your parking facility’s luggage policy. Some parking lots offer luggage handling, while others suggest that you drop your luggage off at the terminal with cruise line porters before parking your car. Make sure you know what your parking facility’s policy is so that your luggage makes it onto the right ship!
  • Pack a small “day bag” to keep with you on cruise embarkation day. Sometimes it can take hours for your luggage to arrive to your cabin. Keep a small bag with you packed with your necessities to get you through – snacks, travel documents, medications, and if you have little ones, some distractions and a change of clothes for them. Minimize meltdowns during this waiting period!
  • If you are traveling with young children who still require car seats, ensure that you know how you are traveling to and from the terminal. While shuttles do not require car seats, if you are parking in a lot that does not offer a shuttle, know that taxicab, Uber and Lyft drivers will not allow children without car seats in their vehicles. You may need to plan on traveling with your child’s car seat (it may come in handy for cab rides at ports of call!) or consider packing a Bubble Bum.

Tipping

    Ah, tipping. That gray area that can mystify even the most seasoned traveler. Should you tip your shuttle driver? Well – that depends. If you have chosen Galveston cruise parking that includes a free shuttle, the answer is yes.

Plan on tipping your shuttle driver $5 for the ride, plus $1-$2 per bag for luggage handling. If you paid for the shuttle, a minimum of $2 tip plus a minimum of $1 for luggage handling is a good rule of thumb.

Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or a first-timer, you don’t need to let worries about where to park your car in Galveston trump your excitement. The port of Galveston is a tourist destination with plenty of cruise parking options.

You’ll find parking lots and garages for your car or RV, as well as hotels to suit any traveling style and budget with parking amenities while you’re on your cruise.

Galveston offers such a huge variety of parking options for your cruise vacation that with just a little planning, you’ll be all taken care of.

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