Arriving at the right spot, on time, sets the tone for your entire cruise vacation. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to the Carnival Cruise Galveston Terminal — whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser.
The Official Address & Getting There
- Carnival Cruise Terminal:
2502 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550 - From Houston Airports:
- Hobby (HOU): Take I-45 S to Exit 1C/Harborside Dr, about 45–55 minutes with light traffic.
- Bush Intercontinental (IAH): Allow 75–90 minutes; take Beltway 8 South to I-45 S.
- From Downtown Houston:
I-45 S the whole way. Once in Galveston, Harborside Dr leads straight to the cruise port.
Step-by-Step Driving Directions to Carnival Cruise Galveston
- Enter I-45 South and follow signs for Galveston Island.
- Cross the Galveston Causeway Bridge.
- Take Exit 1C to Harborside Dr (TX-275).
- Continue about 4 miles; look for signs for Cruise Terminal.
- Turn left on Kempner/22nd St to access port entrance.
Roadblocks & Traffic Considerations
- Cruise day traffic: Terminal area is congested between 9 am–2 pm; arrive outside peak if possible.
- Port security: Expect checkpoints and ID checks at the terminal entrance.
- Street confusion: Several one-way streets and sudden lane merges; signage is not always clear.
- Porters & drop-off: Allow extra time for luggage handling and curbside drop-off.
Parking Options (And Their Drawbacks)
- Port Parking Garages/Lots: Costly ($80–$150 per week), fills up fast.
- Remote Lots: Cheaper but require shuttle buses and long wait times, especially during busy hours.
- Street Parking: Strictly enforced, short-term only—not recommended for cruise travelers.
The Simplest Solution: Direct Shuttle to Carnival Cruise Galveston Terminal
Royal Galveston Shuttle delivers you right to the Carnival cruise Galveston terminal for just $30 per person.
- Avoid all parking and traffic stress
- Drop-off at the exact spot for your cruise line
- No need to navigate the port or handle heavy bags far from the entrance
Book your spot on the $30 Royal Galveston Shuttle now and guarantee a seamless start to your voyage!
Related Travel Guides:
Traffic in Galveston TX | Dinner Cruises in Galveston Texas | Road Trip to Galveston Texas | Things to Do in Galveston Texas in February
