DannyMac

If you are planning a cruise out of Galveston, please take into account freeway construction and closures on I-45. You can go to www.transtar.com for current road conditions. There are several freeway construction projects ongoing plus construction at Bush (IAH) airport.

You will find that Texans get around in cars, the freeway system is extensive! "Metro" in Houston offers buses and trains through out the area. "www.ridemetro.org" should provide you information on routes, schedules, etc. Metro's transportation system is not anywhere near what you have in the UK. Pickup stations are open air with a small cover. The Cypress Outlet Mall that you referred to is about 70 miles from Galveston, about 35 miles from downtown Houston. I am not sure if there is a car rental facility in Galveston, suggest you contact the Galveston Chamber of Commerce or Galveston Visitors Center.

Check this website. www.galveston.com There is a trolley that makes runs from the seawall to the Strand, but public transportation is not available. Taking an Uber/Lyft would be your best option, suggest you contact the Galveston Visitors center for more information, www.visitgalveston.com I

I'm not able to help you with transportation company's. I live 40 minutes from Galveston and have no need for them.

Didn't know that!

Uber

You don't indicate what day you will board the ship, Saturday/Sunday? Saturday traffic on I-45S gets busy as the day progresses, Sundays are not too bad. It is about an hour and a half drive from IAH to Galveston. I-45S is routed elevated through downtown Houston and can be a problem if traffic is heavy or there is a wreck. Once through that area 45S is clear all the way. There is some construction between the Clear Lake area but nothing that would cause a delay. If you can leave for Galveston by 9:00am you should get there with plenty of time to spare.

You don't indicate which airport IAH or Hobby. If you can, spend your night in Galveston and enjoy the area, The area around Hobby is "questionable"! Check out Galveston.com for hotel info.

Depends on what you are up for! There are plenty of good restaurants in Galveston. Check out Galveston.com