IAH to Galveston Shuttle – How to Catch Your Ride from George Bush Airport to Galveston Cruise Port – By

What’s the best way to get from IAH to Galveston?

One of the most affordable and convenient way is the Royal Galveston Shuttle, which provides shared and private rides from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Galveston cruise terminals and hotels. In this article, we’re here to answer all of your questions about shuttle times, cost, travel times, and valuable information about cruise embarkation and boarding.

How to Find Your IAH to Galveston Shuttle

When you land at George Bush Airport, here’s exactly how to find your Galveston shuttle:

1. After you arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH):
   • Collect your bags at your arrival terminal (A, B, C, D, or E).
2. Getting to Terminal A (Shuttle Pickup):
   • All our shared shuttles to Galveston depart from Terminal A, outside baggage claim at Door A115.
   • From Terminal C (United and most domestic):
     • Take the free Skyway (airport train) to Terminal A.
     • Or use the underground Subway (especially if you’re already at baggage claim).
   • From Terminal E or other terminals:
     • Both Skyway and Subway are free and connect all terminals.
     • Just follow airport signs to Terminal A and then Baggage Claim.
3. Shuttle Meeting Point:
   • Head to Exit Door A115 at Terminal A.
   • The Royal Galveston Shuttle van will be waiting outside, follow your driver instructions.
4. Board and Relax:
   • The shared ride from IAH to Galveston cruise port usually takes 2 hours depending on traffic.
   • Our shared rides are the most budget-friendly way to get from IAH to Galveston cruise port or your vacation rental.

My Personal Tips for the IAH to Galveston Shuttle

As someone who’s flown into Bush Airport dozens of times before cruising out of Galveston, here’s what always works best for me:

• Book your IAH to Galveston Shuttle a few days ahead of time.
• Read your email pickup instructions carefully, especially the location (Door A115, Terminal A).
• If your flight lands at a different terminal, the Skyway and Subway both make the transfer to Terminal A quick and easy.
• Most shuttle providers run on schedule, but if your flight is delayed, just notify your shuttle company, most can often adjust your pickup.

Choosing Your Transportation: Shared vs Private Rides

• Shared Shuttle Advantages
  • Shared shuttles are the most budget-friendly and reliable options from IAH to Galveston
  • Royal Galveston offers shared rides for $30 per person, other shuttle providers charge $40 or more each way.
  • Runs on a fixed schedule; may have short wait times for other passengers
  • Great for solo travelers or those wanting to save
  • Travel time from George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port is 2 hours
• Private Transportation Advantages
  • Most private car services charge $160 or more from IAH to Galveston
  • Royal Galveston’s private sedan to Galveston is only $149 one-way (good for 1-2 passengers)
  • Private vans and minibus options are also available, starting at $220 each way. Check the rates page for detailed pricing
  • Direct, door-to-door service from IAH to Galveston cruise port or hotel
  • Flexible timing, no waiting for others
  • Ideal for families, groups, or anyone with lots of luggage
  • Travel time from Bush Airport to Galveston is 1.5 hours

My advice: Book a shared shuttle if you want the lowest fare, or choose private for speed and convenience. Both options offer easy, comfortable transportation from Houston’s George Bush Airport to Galveston.

Which Shuttle Timing Should I Book to Arrive On Time for My Cruise?

One of the most common questions I get asked from friends and family is: “What’s the best shuttle time from IAH to Galveston to make sure I don’t miss my cruise?” Here’s what everyone need to know.

What are Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Boarding Times?

For most cruises out of Galveston, boarding typically starts around 12:00 pm (noon) and continues in assigned check-in windows until about 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm. Royal Caribbean, for example, recommends that you arrive at cruise terminal no later than 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Boarding and check-in windows are usually assigned when you complete your online check-in, and you’ll need to bring your passport and ID to the port (and any visas). The latest embarkation time depends on the cruise line and its policies. Here is the general guideline from my experience:

• Royal Caribbean: Check-in/boarding often opens at 12 pm, with final boarding usually at least one hour before sail away.
• Carnival Cruise: Guests should arrive promptly within their “Arrival Appointment” to reduce wait time in line. All guests must be on board by the Final Boarding time printed on the boarding pass.

Read Official Royal Caribbean Port Arrival Times

Read Official Carnival Cruise Port Embarkation and Departure

How Long Does the Shuttle Take from IAH to Galveston?

• Shared Shuttle: Plan for 2 hours travel time, especially if there are multiple pickups or drop-offs, plus potential traffic near Galveston on cruise weekends.
• Private Shuttle: Typically 1.5 hours with direct service, minimal stops, and a quicker route.

What Shuttle Time Should You Choose?

I recommend playing it safe and booking a shuttle that gets you to the port about 3 hours before your cruise sail time.
For a cruise with a 4:00 pm departure, that means arriving at the port by 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm. Here’s how to plan:

• International arrivals: If your flight lands in the morning, allow at least 60 minutes for customs and luggage.
• Domestic arrivals: You’ll typically be out of the airport within 30 minutes.

Example:

• Cruise departs at 4:00 pm (boarding begins at 12:00 pm, check-in closes 3:00 pm)
• Plan your shuttle to arrive at the port between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm
• Book the 9:00 am, 10:00 am, or 11:00 am shuttle from IAH for a stress-free port arrival

My Advice: Always allow some extra time for traffic, airport lines, or unexpected delays. It’s better to arrive early and relax at the terminal than to risk missing your boarding window!

Still Not Sure? Ask for Help!

If you’re unsure which shuttle time is right for your cruise, reach out – I’m happy to help you choose the safest pick-up slot based on your flight details and cruise check-in time.

FAQs: IAH to Galveston Shuttle

How do I get from IAH to Galveston without a car?
Royal Galveston Shuttle offers an easy shuttle option for travelers without a car. Taxis from IAH cost $160+, and rideshares can surge. Save money with our shared shuttles.

Where does the IAH to Galveston Shuttle pick up?
Our IAH shuttles depart from Terminal A, outside baggage claim at Door A115.

How long does it take from IAH to Galveston by shuttle?
The ride from IAH to Galveston takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and cruise day crowds.

What shuttle time from IAH should I choose?
We recommend catching the 9am, 10am, or 11am shuttle to arrive at the cruise port before 12pm or 1pm.

Can I catch a shuttle from IAH to Galveston cruise port directly?
Yes, our shuttle takes you straight from IAH to any Galveston cruise terminal, hotel, or Airbnb.

What do I do if my flight arrives late?
Notify us as soon as you can and we will do our best to put you on the next shuttle.

Do you offer round-trip services?
Yes. We offer convenient round-trip shuttles between Houston airports (IAH or Hobby) and Galveston. Book online in under 5 minutes.

Why Choose Us? Trust Royal Galveston for Stress-Free Transfers Every Time

Local Drivers
We’ve been driving between Houston and Galveston for years and know every route, shortcut, and cruise schedule by heart. When you ride with us, you get the same care we’d give our own family.

Experienced Team
Our drivers Sunny, Sam, and Andy have over 30 years of combined experience. They treat every passenger like a friend and make sure your trip is safe, smooth, and comfortable. Read their full bio here.

5-Star Service
Here’s what one of our satisfied customers, Kristyn Mott, shared on July 2025 in her 5-star review online about our IAH to Galveston shuttle:

I booked Royal Galveston Shuttle as cruise transportation for my newlywed brother & sister in law. They provided fantastic service and were both kind and understanding when I called in with questions about the service. I recommend their transportation for anyone in the area looking for transportation from the airport to the port of Galveston.

Getting from IAH to Galveston cruise port or hotel is simple if you know where to go. As a frequent cruiser, I can assure you will find our service to be the smoothest way to start your trip. Book online today!

If you’re flying into William P. Hobby Airport, read our Hobby to Galveston Shuttle page.

Visit our homepage for up-to-date information on all our Houston to Galveston shuttle services.