Free cancellationBest price guaranteeNo hidden fees24/7 multilingual supportCar rental in Galveston - Search, Compare, and Save
Free cancellationNo hidden feesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Galveston
Galveston
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Galveston
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Galveston
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Galveston
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Galveston?
Galveston, Texas, offers a unique blend of coastal charm, historical sites, and amusement parks. While it's possible to get around using ride-sharing services or public transportation, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore everything this island city and its surroundings have to offer.
Unrestricted Exploration. A rental car allows you to easily visit attractions like Moody Gardens, the Historic Strand District, and Galveston Island State Park, all at your own pace.
Convenience and Comfort. Traveling with family, beach gear, or luggage becomes much simpler when you have a dedicated vehicle. No more waiting for rides or lugging items on public transport.
Access to Hidden Gems. Discover secluded beaches, local eateries, and picturesque spots that are often missed by tourists relying on standard routes.
Cost-Effective for Families. For families or groups, renting a car can be more economical than paying for multiple taxis or ride-shares over the course of your vacation.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Galveston
Before renting a car in Galveston, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other essential factors.
Area
208 square miles (540 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 50,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT) - GMT-6 (CST) / GMT-5 (CDT)
Ideal for
Family vacations and beach trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during peak tourist season and around ferry terminals
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Galveston require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
2. Driver’s LicenseA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. InsuranceRental agreements usually include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available and recommended.
4. Security DepositsA security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card. The amount varies depending on the rental company and vehicle type.
5. Fuel PolicyMost rental companies require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up to avoid refueling charges.
6. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like additional drivers, child seats, GPS navigation systems, and toll charges.
Car Rental Prices in Galveston – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9.50 / $12 / €11
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high tourist traffic.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts and lower demand.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Galveston?
Booking a car in Galveston involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best rates from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for solo travel or an SUV for a family.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Booking early can help secure lower prices, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and confirmation details when picking up your rental.
General Information About Galveston
Galveston is a vibrant island city known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and unique attractions. A car is essential for exploring the island and nearby areas efficiently.
Galveston Island, located off the coast of Texas, offers an array of experiences from historic architecture to beachfront relaxation. Driving allows visitors to easily access different parts of the island, from the bustling Strand Historic District to the quieter West End beaches. While the city is relatively easy to navigate, being aware of local traffic conditions and parking regulations can enhance your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
The Strand Historic District
A charming area with Victorian architecture, shops, and restaurants.
Moody Gardens
A popular attraction featuring pyramids with aquariums, rainforests, and a discovery museum.
Galveston Island State Park
Offers beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and bird-watching opportunities.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available in the downtown area, providing convenient and secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be aware of time limits and restrictions.
Beach Parking
Parking is available near most beaches, though some areas may charge a fee.
Gas Stations in Galveston
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Galveston, especially along major roads and highways.
Major Brands
Look for brands like Shell, Chevron, Exxon, and Valero.
Refueling Tips
Refuel before returning your rental car to avoid extra charges from the rental company.
Useful Tips for Visiting Galveston
Plan for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak tourist season and around ferry terminals.
Check Ferry Schedules
If you plan to visit Bolivar Peninsula via the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry, check the schedule in advance.
Bring Sunscreen
Protect yourself from the Texas sun, especially when spending time on the beach.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.
Key Transportation Hubs in Galveston
Airports
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Located in Houston, approximately 70 miles from Galveston.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Also located in Houston, approximately 75 miles from Galveston.
Ferry Services
Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry
Connects Galveston Island to the Bolivar Peninsula, offering a free ride for vehicles and passengers.
Cruise Terminal
Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal
A major cruise port serving various cruise lines and destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Galveston?
Renting a car in Galveston is easy if you have the right documents and meet the rental requirements.
A valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Galveston as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Galveston was fantastic! Exploring the island with our car made for a perfect weekend escape.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 21.05.2025
Galveston was the perfect spontaneous weekend getaway! Having a car made exploring the beaches and historic Strand district so easy. The sea air, the beautiful architecture – I loved it all!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 15.08.2024
Heard great things about Galveston, and they were right! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze; loved exploring the island.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 10.03.2025
Relaxing beach vibes.
Kai Peterson
Reviewed: 26.11.2024
Galveston in summer was amazing! Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful beaches and great food.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 23.12.2024
Galveston charmed me! Getting around was a breeze, thanks to having a car. The beaches were stunning, and the historic Strand district was delightful.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 15.09.2024
Meh. Beach was crowded.
Mia Torres
Reviewed: 08.09.2024
Pretty chill, overall.
Riley Green
Reviewed: 27.07.2025
So glad I finally visited Galveston! Friends raved about it, and they weren't wrong. Having a car was ideal for exploring the island's charming streets and beautiful beaches. Highly recommend!
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 06.01.2025