Looking for the cheapest way to get from Houston to Galveston? Whether you’re planning a cruise vacation or visiting the island for a beach getaway, transportation costs from Houston airports to Galveston can add up fast.
Luckily, Royal Galveston Shuttle offers the most affordable, reliable, and cruise-ready shuttle service in Texas — with shared rides starting at just $30 per person. No hidden fees, no surge pricing, and no hassle. Learn more about $30 shared shuttle rides here, including departure schedules, luggage policies, and frequently asked questions.
💸 Why Our $30 Shared Shuttle is the Most Affordable Option
We get it — everyone wants a deal. But you also want reliability, comfort, and peace of mind before your cruise. Here’s how our $30 shared shuttle compares to other transportation methods:
Price Comparison:
| Transportation Option | Typical Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Galveston Shuttle (Shared) | $30 per person | Flat rate, direct to cruise port, easy online booking | Shared ride with scheduled times |
| Uber / Lyft | $85–$130+ | On-demand | Surge pricing, limited space, no cruise terminal drop-off guarantee |
| Taxi | $150–$160+ | Immediate availability | Metered fare, can be expensive |
| Rental Car | $60+/day + gas, tolls, parking | Flexible timing | Must return in Galveston, extra fees |
| Greyhound | $17–$30 | Cheapest base fare | No direct Galveston cruise terminal service, multiple transfers, long duration |
Verdict: ✅ Royal Galveston Shuttle is the best value and most convenient way to get from Houston to Galveston cruise terminals.
Compare cruise shuttles and taxis in our detailed guide that breaks down price ranges, travel durations, comfort levels, and which is best for cruise travelers.
🛫 We Pick You Up at Houston Airports – IAH & Hobby
Royal Galveston Shuttle operates daily shared shuttles from both major Houston airports:
- IAH – George Bush Intercontinental Airport
- HOU – William P. Hobby Airport
Pickup happens directly at the airport terminal, so you don’t need to worry about taxis, walking, or calling anyone. Once you book, you’ll get clear instructions and contact info.
📍 Learn more about our airport pickup process:
🚢 Drop-Off at Galveston Cruise Terminals
We drop you off directly at your cruise line’s terminal — no extra walking, waiting, or transferring. Whether you’re sailing with:
- 🛳️ Carnival Cruise Line
- 🛳️ Royal Caribbean
- 🛳️ Disney Cruise Line
- 🛳️ Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
You’ll be delivered straight to the correct terminal entrance with luggage in hand — ready to board.
🏨 Staying at an Airport Hotel? Here’s What to Know
To keep our fares low, shared shuttles only pick up from airport terminals — not hotels.
💡 Tip: If you’re staying at a nearby airport hotel, take the hotel’s free shuttle to the terminal for pickup. We do not offer shared ride pickups from airport hotels.
Need direct hotel pickup? Book our private shuttle service instead.
➡️ Check Private Shuttle Rates
🚖 Why Uber, Lyft & Taxi is not the Cheapest Way to get from Houston to Galveston
Uber and Lyft may seem convenient — until you see the bill.
Surge pricing, airport pick-up fees, and unpredictable wait times can push rideshare costs to $150 or more during peak hours. Most drivers also don’t know the cruise terminal layouts, leaving you blocks away with luggage.
Traditional taxis charge metered rates, often topping $160 with tolls and traffic delays.
✅ Royal Galveston Shuttle is a flat $30, booked in advance, with zero surprises.
🔁 Round Trip Service – Galveston to Houston
Need a ride back after your cruise?
We offer round-trip options at just $60 per person. Select “Round Trip” when booking to lock in your return shuttle from the Galveston port to IAH or Hobby.
🚐 Return pickups happen outside your cruise terminal after disembarkation — just like your arrival trip.
📅 Check return trip details here:
➡️ Galveston to Houston Shuttle
📍 Where Can I Get Picked Up?
Shared Shuttles:
- Pickup only from airport terminals (IAH & Hobby)
Private Shuttles:
- Available from anywhere in the Greater Houston Area, including:
- Downtown Houston to Galveston
- Galleria to Galveston
- Sugar Land to Galveston
- The Woodlands to Galveston
- Katy to Galveston
To request a private transfer:
➡️ View Rates & Book
✅ What’s Included in the $30 Fare?
Here’s what you get for just $30:
- Seat on a clean, climate-controlled shared van
- Direct pickup at airport terminal
- Drop-off at Galveston cruise port
- 2 standard bags per person
- Prompt, friendly drivers
- Booking confirmation email with trip details
- Peace of mind
⏰ View our current pickup times:
➡️ Shuttle Schedule
🧳 Booking Checklist – What to Know Before You Book
- Be at your terminal 10–15 minutes before pickup
- Shared rides may stop to pick up other guests
- Children must have their own seat
- Extra bags? Contact us in advance
- No flight tracking – we follow your selected shuttle time
- Private rides available for flexible pickup
🌟 What Customers Say About Our $30 Shuttle
“We saved $200+ by taking Royal Galveston Shuttle instead of Uber. Super smooth.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Booking was fast, and we were picked up at IAH right on time. Highly recommend!” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“As a family of five, this was the most cost-effective option to get to our Disney cruise.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Over 50,000 passengers per year trust Royal Galveston Shuttle. You can too.
❓ FAQ – Cheapest Way to Get from Houston to Galveston
What is the cheapest way to get from Houston to Galveston?
The cheapest way to get from Houston to Galveston is by booking Royal Galveston Shuttle’s $30 shared ride.
Does the shuttle go directly to Galveston cruise terminals?
Yes — we drop you off at your exact cruise terminal entrance.
Is Uber cheaper than the shuttle?
No. Uber and Lyft typically cost $90–$130+ depending on the time of day.
Can I book a round trip?
Yes! Round trips are $60 total per person. Select the option when booking.
Does the shuttle pick up from airport hotels?
No — shared rides pick up only at terminals. Take your hotel’s free shuttle to the terminal.
How do I book?
Visit our booking page, select your date, airport, and ride type, and pay securely online.
🎟️ Book the Cheapest Way to Get from Houston to Galveston
Skip the overpriced taxis and the unreliable rideshares. For just $30 per person, you can travel in comfort, with peace of mind — and get dropped off right at the cruise port.
