Planning a trip to Galveston, Texas? While Galveston doesn’t have a commercial airport of its own, getting there by air is simple and convenient. Whether you’re headed to the island for a cruise, beach vacation, or business, your flight will land in nearby Houston — and Royal Galveston Shuttle will handle the rest.
This guide explains your flight options, which Houston airports to consider, and how to get from the terminal to your final destination in Galveston with ease.
Can You Fly to Galveston Texas Directly?
No — Galveston does not have a commercial airport with passenger airline service. The island is served by Scholes International Airport (GLS), which is for private planes and general aviation only. Learn more
For all commercial flights, you’ll need to fly into Houston, which offers two major airport options:
Closest Airports to Galveston
✈️ William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
- Distance from Galveston: ~42 miles
- Drive Time: ~50–60 minutes
- Recommended For: Domestic flights (airport info)
✈️ George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Distance from Galveston: ~70 miles
- Drive Time: ~75–90 minutes
- Recommended For: International flights (airport info)
Both airports are fully serviced by Royal Galveston Shuttle, with options for private or shared transportation to the island.
Best Airlines for Flights to Houston
Depending on your origin city, you can fly into Houston using a range of major carriers:
- Southwest Airlines – Best for domestic, flies into HOU
- United Airlines – Major hub at IAH
- Delta, American, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier – Serve both airports
Book your flight into the Houston airport that offers the best fare or flight time from your location. Then book your ride with us to Galveston.
Recommended Cities with Direct Flights to Houston
Many U.S. cities offer nonstop flights to Houston. Popular routes include:
- Atlanta (ATL) → HOU or IAH
- Los Angeles (LAX) → HOU or IAH
- Chicago (ORD) → HOU or IAH
- New York (JFK or LGA) → IAH
- Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO)
Search flight routes for current prices and schedules.
Ground Transportation from Houston to Galveston
Once you land in Houston, getting to Galveston is easy with Royal Galveston Shuttle. We offer:
🚘 Private Car Service
- From $149 from HOU or $179 from IAH
- Flat-rate pricing
- Professional drivers
- Door-to-door service to hotel or cruise port
🚐 Shared Shuttle Service
- From $30 per person (Galveston to Houston)
- Group-friendly, affordable
- Reliable departure windows and SMS alerts
We track your flight, adjust for delays, and make the transition from airport to Galveston seamless.
Best Time to Book Flights
To get the best deals:
- 📅 Book 3–6 weeks in advance
- 📈 Avoid peak travel weekends (especially cruise weekends)
- ✈️ Fly into HOU for cheaper fares if coming from within the U.S.
For fare trends and insights, check Skyscanner.
Popular Galveston Destinations After Your Flight
- 🛳️ Galveston Cruise Terminals – Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, NCL
- 🏖️ Beachfront Hotels – Hilton, Holiday Inn, San Luis Resort
- 🏛️ Historic Strand District – Downtown Galveston restaurants and shops
- 🎡 Galveston Island Attractions – Moody Gardens, Seawall, Pleasure Pier
We’ll drop you right at your hotel, cruise terminal, or vacation rental — no extra fees.
Why Royal Galveston Shuttle?
- 🧳 Luggage assistance
- 🚗 Private or shared options
- 💬 SMS driver updates
- ✅ Easy online booking with instant confirmation
Once your flight is booked, your next step is to reserve your ground transportation. Let us handle the ride to the island while you enjoy the views.
Related Resource:
Still deciding which airport is best? Read our full guide here:
👉 Closest Airport to Galveston TX
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