On a related question, is it difficult to get from the Amtrak station to the Greyhound terminal, and is there a reasonable bus service in the area of the Amtrak station to go downtown?
The Greyhound station is across downtown from Amtrak. Amtrak is almost under a freeway overpass and some sketchy areas (from when I lived in Houston 1965 - 1994) until you get in an ok area. The bus station is always surrounded by some very interesting characters day and night so becareful. Cabs are your best bet. I don't know anything about the Greyhound station in Galveston.
It is entirely possible to get from the Houston Amtrak Station on a Houston transit bus.
But you would need to get an eastbound bus on Washington ave. (where the Amtrak station is), take it a few blocks, then transfer to a southbound bus to the greyhound station.
However, I would never do this. It wouldn't be real easy if you have a lot of luggage.
Also, the Amtrak station in Houston is in a not-so-good area of downtown,
and I wouldn't want to be walking around there even in daylight.
Taxis are abundant in Houston, so I would recommend just taking a taxi to the Greyhound station.
I have done that several times. The taxi ride is about $6 or $7.
Also, I just looked on Amtrak's site, and there is connecting service via motorcoach in both directions into Galveston at Longview.
However, it is very difficult to get around Galveston if you don't have a car there. There is some public transportation, but having a car would be preferrable.
From Houston, it's an easy drive to Galveston, less than an hour.
'Hope some of this helps.
David
I wouldn't give up just yet. AU can sometimes exhibit a bit of a tenderfoot attitude that doesn't necessarily match up with what's really possible, especially if you're the independently efficient and resourceful type. You might be able to swing this trip without a car and you'd have a much more interesting trip report to post afterward. Once you blaze the trail perhaps others will come across your report and follow in your footsteps.
Julian, as I told you earlier, there are only two Greyhound buses to Galveston daily. If you take the Eagle/bus connection to Houston, however, that may work and they let you off at the railroad museum curbside only which is only one block from the cruise ship terminal. If you are totally against renting a car, then try the Eagle connection as it is a dedicated Amtrak bus. They do require a 24 hour notice for a pick up in Galveston. If you are coming in on the 4:40am train the take a cab to the Greyhound bus depot in Houston and get on the 7:45am bus to Galveston. It arrives at 8:50am. Unfortunately the Greyhound bus terminal in Galveston is at 3825 Broadway which is nowhere near the cruise terminal which means you would have to take another cab in Galveston. The Greyound bus terminal in Galveston is a Valero gas station. Galveston is a tourist city now with few if any services that cater to people with no car. It is actually close to a ghost town except for the Strand area and the beaches. Galveston's public transit is skanky at best. It has some nice historic sites and some beautiful old 1900's era houses. But most of them are second homes owned by people from Houston who are only there on weekends. The Strand has some interesting shops and there are plenty of good places to eat seafood.
Yes, the car rental idea sounds the best. Only issue is how early arrival is in Houston. I think it's much simpler to depart from LA for a cruise, but that side of Mexico is not doing so well to say the least. Hate to fly, so leaving out of Florida for Caribbean is not as attractive. Again, thank you.
