Ferry into Galveston?

[bob68]

I will be coming into Galveston from the north and wanted to know is it best to ride the free car ferry or go all the way around the bay and come in from Houston?

[Galveston Cruiser]

Depends on the time of day and weather conditions. Today we have wet weather and high winds with high tides which will cause coastal flooding on Hwy. 87 (Bolivar) and could possibly close the road. Much of the beach was washed away from Ike so the Gulf is closer to the hwy.

 

The ferry though is great and it is free! But you can't get to it if there are high tides so check weather conditions.

[bob68]

Thanks for the information about hwy 87 during bad weather. Are there any hotels to stay along hwy 87 between Port Bolivar and High Island?

[Galveston Cruiser]

No. The few motels that existed wiped out by Ike. The drive is not that long though. Hotels in Beaumont and Galveston. You would want to drive 87 during the day anyway.

[tootsiebit]

We will be in Lake Charles at the casino for a couple of days before our cruise in Sept. on Conquest....and what I am wanting to know is what exit/hwy do I take off I-10 to get to Port Bolivar. Really hoping not to have to drive all the way around thru Houston to get to Galveston if possible....any help is appreciated:)

[Host Kat]

If I remember correctly, somewhere around Winnie, TX on I 10 take TX 124 South for about 20 miles. You bear to the right to take TX 87 South for about 25 miles to the ferry in Bolivar.

 

It has been a while since I came that way and it was before Ike. Therefore, can't tell you anything about the condition of the roads.

Kat

[tootsiebit]

If I remember correctly' date=' somewhere around Winnie, TX on I 10 take TX 124 South for about 20 miles. You bear to the right to take TX 87 South for about 25 miles to the ferry in Bolivar.

 

It has been a while since I came that way and it was before Ike. Therefore, can't tell you anything about the condition of the roads.

Kat [img']http://skins.*****/skins/mailskins/em/110105/110105_emYA42_prv.gif[/img]

 

Thanks Kat...I appreciate your taking the time to answer my question...and will give hubby info, because I never thought about the condition of the roads still..something to keep in mind...Thanks again:D

[Host Kat]

You are most welcome!

 

Glad to be of service,

Kat

[cruiselover5461]

Hwys 124 and 87 are both still good roads, we went that way from LA for our Nov. cruise. The only difference we take the Bridge City exit and follow that Hwy to 124. Can't remember the Hwys at present but if interested I will look at map and let you know.

 

Happy Cruising

[dna1990]

If coming from LA, and you build in some extra time, the ferry is a good way to save some miles (and get a free advance salt spray). From I-10 Exit for Hwy 124 in Winnie. There is no way to get lost after that. If you haven't been that way post-Ike...prepare yourself for desolation. If not, Exit 146 and come across the Hartman bridge to get from I-10 to I-45, without having to come all the way into the city.

 

The OP coming from IN, by either flight or drive - I see NO advantage to trying the ferry side. There is little left to sightsee, and it will be way out of the way to veer off of I-45. Just come thru Houston and down to Galveston. Now once there, if you have time - go park your car at the ferry and just ride it as a pedestrian to/back. Nice little view of the channel that way.

[Texas Teen]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned that Hy. 87 is a two lane rual road! The ferries are fun to ride on however!

[dnhill]

From the Texas Department of Transportation website:

 

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/travel/ferry_schedules.htm

 

Duane

[jabez]

I take the ferry 2 or 3 times a week. Exit I- 10 at Winnie, turn left and head to Crystal Beach. It'll take about 45 minutes from Winnie to reach the ferry. Generally, there is very little waiting going towards Galveston, especially if not mid-March or summer. Figure 30 minutes,including the ferry ride. If you arrive between 3:30-5:00 on weekdays there is a little more delay time.

Returning by ferry often has a longer wait,especially early morning and late afternoon.

There really is no set daytime schedule for the ferries. They come and go all day and more are added in heavier season.