One Way Car Rental to Galveston TX?

[bobbiwoz]

Disney doesn't go out of Galveston yet, right? DH is looking for car rental companies what would allow a 1 way rental from Houston to Galveston, and he can't find any.

There are other lines that already cruise out of Galveston, right? I would imagine there's a market for 1 way rentals there.

 

[Gina]

Well, you would think... but after Ike, it has been hard to get some businesses back. As far as I know, Enterprise still lets you rent a car at the airport (Houston-Hobby) and return it in Galveston -- but be aware that they are only open until noon on Saturdays and not open Sundays. And I have also heard very recently that Enterprise does *not* allow airport-to-non-airport one way rentals, so definitely call them and check that out for yourself.

Most people tend to just take a shuttle or limo service from the airport to the island, then take taxis around the island itself since it's small.
I don't understand why the rental companies aren't lined up to put locations right by the cruise terminal, especially with all the new business headed in soon. It leaves a bad taste in people's mouths about the beautiful city of Galveston itself, when they have no control over private business. Maybe if people keep pressuring the rental companies, they'll see the light!

Hope this helps at least a tiny bit...

-gina-

 

[bobbiwoz]

Well, you would think... but after Ike, it has been hard to get some businesses back. As far as I know, Enterprise still lets you rent a car at the airport (Houston-Hobby) and return it in Galveston -- but be aware that they are only open until noon on Saturdays and not open Sundays. And I have also heard very recently that Enterprise does *not* allow airport-to-non-airport one way rentals, so definitely call them and check that out for yourself.

Most people tend to just take a shuttle or limo service from the airport to the island, then take taxis around the island itself since it's small.
I don't understand why the rental companies aren't lined up to put locations right by the cruise terminal, especially with all the new business headed in soon. It leaves a bad taste in people's mouths about the beautiful city of Galveston itself, when they have no control over private business. Maybe if people keep pressuring the rental companies, they'll see the light!

Hope this helps at least a tiny bit...

-gina-

Thanks, gina! At least it explains why he's having a hard time right now finding something. We're not leaving until May 2013, but DH plans ahead.

 

[pdwimmer]

Wow! You are right, there are no one way rentals at all. Weird. Depending on how many are in your party it looks like renting a car, parking ($10/day), is cheaper and more convenient than taking a transfer or taxi.

 

[Ziggette]

We are going on a cruise next week out of Galveston. On the cruise critic board that I am following for that cruise, a lot to the passengers are getting GREAT deals from enterprise and the Houston airport locations. The best rental car for the entire week and parking the car rate I have seen on the board is $178 for the week. However, it looks like the cost to park at the port is around $60 for the week.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We're doing the EBTA, so leaving a car at port isn't an option.

 

[pdwimmer]

We're doing the EBTA, so leaving a car at port isn't an option.

Sorry I don't know what EBTA is. There is an Avis location that you can drop off at that is about 10 miles away (just across the bridge). Unfortunately you are stuck with a Taxi of some sort again. But at least one person could get you dropped off at the hotel or port, return the car, and Taxi it back.

 

[sissy_ib]

We're doing the EBTA, so leaving a car at port isn't an option.

How many people are in your party? Can you get together with another group from your cruise meet and share a limo? (No idea how much this would cost, just tossing out ideas)

 

[sissy_ib]

Sorry I don't know what EBTA is. There is an Avis location that you can drop off at that is about 10 miles away (just across the bridge). Unfortunately you are stuck with a Taxi of some sort again. But at least one person could get you dropped off at the hotel or port, return the car, and Taxi it back.

EBTA=East Bound Trans-Atlantic.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thank you for that information. We'll be gone for 3 weeks, the eastbound transatlantic and then a med cruise.

 

[pdwimmer]

Thank you for that information. We'll be gone for 3 weeks, the eastbound transatlantic and then a med cruise.

You are going to LOVE the med cruise. I haven't been on one since I was a kid. But it went to Egypt, Turkey, Ephesus, Greece, Isreal.... Truly an unforgettable experience.

 

[bobbiwoz]

You are going to LOVE the med cruise. I haven't been on one since I was a kid. But it went to Egypt, Turkey, Ephesus, Greece, Isreal.... Truly an unforgettable experience.

Egypt and Israel would be the two ports that we haven't been to, but hope to get to. That's on our 2014 wish list!

 

[Duhey2]

Bobbiwoz, which airport are you flying into? Intercontinental (IAH) or Hobby (HOU)? If you're on United out or Newark, it'll be IAH.

I just googled "shuttle IAH to Galveston" and got a cab company and Supershuttle among the top hits. It looks like the going rate is $145 for a van/suv. It probably sounds high but it's a haul from IAH to Galveston....the ride from Hobby is probably 1/3 shorter.

 

[woody73]

Last year, we sailed from Galveston. I could not find a one-way car rental, and ended up booking a town car from the airport to the port.

YMMV

Woody