If you’re traveling to Galveston, Texas — whether for a beach getaway or to catch a cruise — you may be considering the cheapest and easiest bus from Houston to Galveston to get there. A common question travelers ask is: “Where can I find a reliable bus from Houston to Galveston?”
The short answer? Technically yes, but it’s far from ideal — especially if you’re carrying luggage, have limited time, or are headed to the Galveston cruise terminals.
In this guide, we’ll explore all options for bus from Houston to Galveston, compare them to each other, and show why Royal Galveston Shuttle is the most reliable and stress-free solution for transportation from Houston airports to Galveston, especially when traveling from IAH to the Galveston cruise port.
For detailed information about our transportation services please visit our Houston to Galveston shuttle service page.
🚌 Public Bus from Houston to Galveston: What to Expect
Houston and Galveston are approximately 50–70 miles apart, depending on your starting location. While Greyhound and Megabus offer limited service between the two cities, there are a few key issues to consider:
- Limited schedules: Buses don’t run hourly or daily in some cases.
- No direct drop-off at cruise terminals: You’ll be dropped at a general transit center or street stop in Galveston.
- Multiple transfers: You may have to connect from Houston’s downtown station or take a local METRO route first.
- Not cruise/luggage friendly: No assistance with large bags, no guaranteed seating for cruise rush days.
While the ticket price may be attractive (ranging from $10–$20), the real cost is time, effort, and stress. For most travelers — especially those flying into Houston — a public bus from Houston to Galveston is not a practical solution.
✈️ Arriving by Air? Here’s the Best Transportation from IAH to Galveston Cruise Port
If you’re flying into George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or Hobby Airport (HOU), the last thing you want to deal with is confusing public transport. You’re likely already tired, carrying bags, and focused on taking the easiest bus from Houston to Galveston and making it to the cruise terminal on time.
That’s where Royal Galveston Shuttle comes in.
We provide door-to-door transportation from IAH to Galveston cruise port, hotels, and vacation rentals — so you don’t have to worry about transfers, delays, or ride-share availability.
🚐 Royal Galveston Shuttle vs. Bus: What Makes Us Better?
| Feature | Public Bus | Royal Galveston Shuttle |
|---|---|---|
| Direct to cruise terminal | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Terminals 10, 25, 28, 14) |
| Airport pickup | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (IAH & HOU) |
| Fixed pricing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (No surge pricing) |
| Luggage-friendly | ❌ Limited | ✅ Cruise luggage included |
| Easy online booking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| On-time service | ❌ Unpredictable | ✅ Monitored & scheduled |
We’re built for cruise passengers and travelers — not just commuters.
💼 Service Highlights: Royal Galveston Shuttle
- 🚐 Shared rides from $30 per person
- 🚘 Private transfers from $149 for a sedan
- 🛬 Pickup directly at baggage claim exits (IAH & HOU)
- 🛳 Drop-off at all Galveston cruise terminals
- 🧳 Each guest may bring 1 large suitcase + 1 back-pack
- ⏱ Flights tracked for real-time pickup accuracy
- 📱 Mobile-friendly online booking system
We also provide transportation from Galveston back to Houston airports, making it easy to book a round-trip.
🛳 What Cruise Lines Do You Serve?
Royal Galveston Shuttle provides transportation to and from all major cruise terminals at the Port of Galveston, including:
- Royal Caribbean (Cruise Terminal 10)
- Carnival Cruise Line (Terminals 25 & 28)
- Disney Cruise Line (Terminal 28)
- Princess Cruises (Terminal 28)
- MSC Cruises (Terminal 14)
We work around embarkation and debarkation schedules to make sure you never miss your boarding window.
🔁 Transportation from IAH to Galveston Cruise Port – Made Easy
Most shuttle companies either operate only locally or focus on city-to-city transfers. What makes Royal Galveston Shuttle different is that we’re specifically designed for airport-to-cruise port travel.
From IAH, the trip to Galveston typically takes 75–90 minutes. We track your flight, communicate with you upon landing, and pick you up right at the terminal curb.
We also offer private service for families, groups, or travelers with extra luggage.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free transportation from IAH to Galveston cruise port?
No, there is currently no free transportation from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to the Galveston cruise port. All shuttle services, including those provided by cruise lines or third-party providers like Royal Galveston Shuttle, charge a fare. Shared rides with us start at $30 per person.
Does Carnival have a shuttle from IAH to Galveston?
Carnival Cruise Line does offer a paid shuttle for passengers flying into IAH, but it typically requires advance booking and may only run on limited schedules. A more flexible and cost-effective option is Royal Galveston Shuttle, which offers daily shared and private rides to Carnival’s Terminals 25 and 28 in Galveston.
How much does it cost to get from IAH to Galveston?
Prices vary depending on your choice of transportation:
-
Royal Galveston Shuttle: Shared rides from $30/person, private rides from $149 for a sedan
-
Uber/Lyft: Typically $150–$250, with possible surge pricing (tips are extra)
-
Cruise line shuttles: Around $40–$60/person one-way (generally booked weeks in advance)
Royal Galveston Shuttle offers fixed pricing, with no surprises or surge fees.
How long does it take to get from IAH to Galveston cruise port?
Travel time from IAH to Galveston cruise terminals is about 75 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Royal Galveston Shuttle monitors flight and road conditions to ensure you arrive on time for cruise boarding.
Does Royal Caribbean have a shuttle from Houston to Galveston?
Royal Caribbean does offer a shuttle for passengers flying into Houston, but it usually needs to be reserved in advance through the cruise line and may operate only on embarkation days. Royal Galveston Shuttle provides daily service to Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Terminal 10 with more flexible scheduling and lower pricing.
What is the closest airport to Galveston cruise port from Houston?
The closest airport is William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), located about 45 miles from Galveston. Travel time is around 55 minutes. IAH is further north, about 70 miles away. Royal Galveston Shuttle provides transfers from both airports with door-to-door service to your cruise terminal or hotel.
🚀 Book Your Ride Today
Skip the unreliable buses and overpriced rideshares. Get the best transportation from Houston to Galveston with Royal Galveston Shuttle.
✅ Affordable, stress-free airport pickup
✅ Direct drop-off at cruise terminals and hotels
✅ Easy booking with flat rates
📲 Book your shuttle now
📞 Or call/text: (409) 500-2336
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