The Ferry to Galveston
We didn’t just drive to Galveston.
We took the ferry.
And it turned out to be one of those happy accidents that makes a trip.
The Road There
We drove in from Bay St. Louis — through Pascagoula, Biloxi, and on into Texas. Flat, open country most of the way. At one point the road just stretched out ahead of us, straight as a ruler, over a long low bridge with nothing but marsh grass on either side and sky above.
The road to the ferry — flat, open, and...??
We could have crossed to Galveston Island by bridge. But the ferry was free, and it sounded like more fun.
It was.
The Galveston Ferry
The Bolivar Peninsula ferry crosses Galveston Bay — about 2.7 miles, roughly 18 minutes each way. It’s operated by the Texas Department of Transportation and has been running since 1934. And it’s completely free.
You just drive on, park, and cross.
On the ferry, looking back toward the peninsula.
We got out of the car and stood on the deck. It was January — grey skies, wind off the water, gulls circling overhead. Galveston grew slowly on the horizon.
Windy on the ferry deck. Worth it.
Coming into Galveston.
Eighteen minutes. A short crossing. But it felt like an arrival.
Next up: beaches, a trolley ride, the best coffee shop location we’ve ever seen, and more. Stay tuned!