Galveston Shuttle Schedulefrom Houston and Galveston
IAH Airport · Hobby Airport · Galveston Hotels & Vacation Rentals · All Cruise Terminals
Convenient, comfortable, and hassle-free transportation with a flexible shuttle schedule between Houston (IAH & Hobby), Galveston hotels, and the cruise terminals. Airport shared rides depart every hour from 8 AM to 5 PM. Hotel and vacation rental pickups to the terminals run four times each morning. Private transfers are available 24 hours a day for groups, early flights, and custom timing. One provider covers every leg of the trip.
Reliable Galveston Shuttle Schedule — Rides Every Hour
At Royal Galveston Shuttle, we provide a flexible Galveston shuttle schedule every hour between Houston (IAH & Hobby Airports) and Galveston. Our shuttle stops at Hobby Airport one hour after departing IAH, then drops off at Galveston hotels, Airbnbs, VRBOs, and vacation rentals before continuing to the cruise terminals. On cruise day we also run four scheduled pickups from Galveston hotels and rentals directly to the terminals.
Shared Shuttle Schedule — Departures
Three schedules cover the full trip: Houston airports to Galveston hotels and terminals, Galveston hotels and rentals to the cruise terminals, and the return run from the port back to Hobby and IAH.
| Depart IAH (Terminal A) | Stop at Hobby Airport | Stop at Galveston Hotels | Arrive Cruise Terminals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM(+15 min) | 9:00 AM | 9:45 AM | 10:00 AM |
| 9:00 AM(+15 min) | 10:00 AM | 10:45 AM | 11:00 AM |
| 10:00 AM(+15 min) | 11:00 AM | 11:45 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 11:00 AM(+15 min) | 12:00 PM | 12:45 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 12:00 PM(+15 min) | 1:00 PM | 1:45 PM | 2:00 PM |
| 1:00 PM(+15 min) | 2:00 PM | 2:45 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 2:00 PM(+15 min) | 3:00 PM | 3:45 PM | 4:00 PM |
| 3:00 PM(+15 min) | 4:00 PM | 4:45 PM | 5:00 PM |
| 4:00 PM(+15 min) | 5:00 PM | 5:45 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 5:00 PM(+15 min) | 6:00 PM | 6:45 PM | 7:00 PM |
IAH pickups are outside Terminal A baggage claim at Exit Door A113 and Hobby pickups are at passenger pickup #3 — full details are in the pickup and drop-off locations below and on the IAH to Galveston shuttle page. Not sure which shuttle time works for your flight? Use our free DockDoc™ planner to find out.
| Hotel / Rental Pickup | Travel Time | Arrive Cruise Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM(+15 min) | ~30 minutes | 8:30 AM |
| 9:45 AM(+15 min) | ~30 minutes | 10:15 AM |
| 11:45 AM(+15 min) | ~30 minutes | 12:15 PM |
| 12:45 PM(+15 min) | ~30 minutes | 1:15 PM |
Travel time from most Galveston hotels and rentals to the terminals is about 30 minutes. This is a shared run with several pickups, so account for the possibility of a 15-minute delay in your travel plans and pick the departure that puts you at the terminal comfortably inside your boarding window. Bookings must be made at least 48 hours ahead, and early or last-minute pickup changes are not possible.
| Depart Galveston Port | Hobby Airport (Departures) | Arrive IAH (Terminal C) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM(+15 min) | 9:30 AM | 10:30 AM |
| 9:00 AM(+15 min) | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM |
| 10:00 AM(+15 min) | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 11:00 AM(+15 min) | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 12:00 PM(+15 min) | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
Return departures leave from the cruise port only — hotel and vacation rental pickups are not available on the return leg, and no hotel drop-offs are offered on the way back. If you need collecting from or dropping at your hotel after the cruise, book a private transfer. Hobby drop-offs are at the departure level and IAH drop-offs are at Terminal C departures. Cruise port pickups use designated meeting points. Returning to Bush Airport after your cruise? Terminal details are also on the IAH to Galveston shuttle page.
Last Update: Sep 1, 2026
Pickup and Drop-Off Locations
Meeting points are fixed. Your driver will contact you at your boarding time to coordinate the pickup — always follow their instructions if a point has been updated.
Luggage Allowance for Shared Shuttle
Keep it simple and fair for everyone onboard. Here is what you can and cannot bring.
- One checked bag per person (maximum)
- One carry-on per person
- Backpacks, purses, or small items that sit on your lap
- Bottled water
- Child seats are mandatory for kids — rent ours for $15 or bring your own. Request at booking. We are one of the only Galveston shuttle providers to offer car seats on a shared shuttle.
- Extra luggage beyond the limit
- Motorized scooters
- Eating or drinking in the vehicle, except water — a $100 cleaning fee is charged
- Any non-standard or oversized items not declared prior to the ride and approved by us
Important Information About Our Shuttle Service
Read these before booking. Hard to beat our price — just make sure shared shuttle works for your situation.
Galveston Shuttle Schedule — Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we get most before booking. If yours is not here, call us at (409) 500-2336.
What time does the Galveston shuttle start running?
The first shared shuttle departs IAH at 8:00 AM daily, with a 15-minute stop at Hobby Airport at 9:00 AM, Galveston hotel drop-offs at 9:45 AM, and arrival at the cruise terminals at 10:00 AM.
How often does the Galveston shuttle run?
The shared shuttle runs every hour from 8 AM to 5 PM daily from IAH to Galveston, stopping at Hobby Airport and Galveston hotels along the way.
What time does the last shuttle leave IAH for Galveston?
The last shared shuttle departs IAH at 5:00 PM, stopping at Hobby at 6:00 PM, Galveston hotels at 6:45 PM, and arriving at the cruise terminals at 7:00 PM.
Does the shuttle stop at Hobby Airport on the way to Galveston?
Yes. Every shared shuttle departing IAH makes a 15-minute stop at Hobby Airport before continuing to Galveston hotels and the cruise terminals.
Where do I meet the shuttle at IAH airport?
All pickups at IAH airport are outside Terminal A baggage claim — Exit Door A113, or as per driver instructions. Your driver will contact you at your boarding time to coordinate the pickup. Read more here.
Where do I meet the shuttle at Hobby Airport?
All pickups at Hobby airport are at passenger pickup #3, outside baggage claim, or as per driver instructions.
Where does the shuttle pick up at the Galveston cruise port?
All cruise port pickups use designated meeting points that vary by terminal. Click here to see our meeting points. Always follow your driver’s instructions for any updated pickup point.
What if the pickup location has changed?
Always follow your driver’s instructions. Airports and the cruise port change curbside and assembly points without notice, so if your driver directs you to a different meeting point, that instruction overrides the location posted on this page, in your confirmation, or on airport signage.
Where does the shuttle drop off at the airports on the return trip?
All IAH airport drop-offs will be at Terminal C departures, and all Hobby airport drop-offs will be at the departure level. No hotel or vacation rental drop-offs are offered on the return leg — book a private transfer if you need dropping at a Galveston property.
Where does the shuttle stop?
Shuttles stop at IAH, Hobby Airport, all cruise terminals, and select hotels. Some shuttles may be direct with no intermediate stops.
Does the shuttle drop off at Galveston hotels?
Yes. Hotel and vacation rental drop-offs are made roughly 15 minutes before the cruise terminals on every airport run — around 9:45 AM on the 8:00 AM departure from IAH. Shared hotel service covers the area east of 61st Street between Harborside Drive and Seawall Boulevard. Properties outside that zone require a private transfer. See the hotel coverage map.
What time is the shuttle pickup from Galveston hotels to the cruise terminals?
Shared pickups from Galveston hotels, Airbnbs, VRBOs, and vacation rentals to the cruise terminals run at 8:00 AM, 9:45 AM, 11:45 AM, and 12:45 PM. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes, so plan for terminal arrival around 8:30 AM, 10:15 AM, 12:15 PM, and 1:15 PM.
How long does it take to get from a Galveston hotel to the cruise terminal?
Approximately 30 minutes from most Galveston hotels and vacation rentals to the cruise terminals. Because this is a shared shuttle with multiple pickups, account for the possibility of a 15-minute delay when planning your boarding time.
What time does the return shuttle leave Galveston?
Return shuttles from Galveston Port depart at 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:00 PM, stopping at Hobby Airport before arriving at IAH.
Does Royal Galveston Shuttle cover airports, hotels, and cruise terminals?
Yes. Royal Galveston Shuttle is a full transportation solution covering Houston IAH Airport, Hobby Airport, Galveston hotels and vacation rentals, and all four Galveston cruise terminals. Shared and private service is available for every leg of the trip, in both directions.
How much luggage can I bring on the shared shuttle?
Each passenger is allowed a maximum of one checked bag and one carry-on. Extra luggage will not be accommodated and additional fees may apply. Personal items like backpacks or purses that fit on your lap are fine.
Do I need a child seat for my kids?
Yes. Child seats are mandatory for kids. Rent one of ours for $15 by requesting it at booking, or bring your own.
Can I eat or drink in the vehicle?
No eating or drinking is permitted in the vehicle, except water. A $100 cleaning fee is charged if the vehicle requires cleaning.
What happens if I miss my shuttle?
Missed shuttles due to any reason are non-refundable. Please provide a working phone number at booking so your driver can reach you — we are not responsible for a missed shuttle if we cannot contact you.
Can I call for an earlier pickup?
No. Please do not call for early pickups — last-minute changes and early pickups are not possible on shared shuttle service. If you need flexible timing, book a private transfer, available 24/7.
Are your vehicles wheelchair accessible?
No. Our vehicles are not wheelchair accessible. All passengers must be able to reach our meeting points, board, and exit the vehicle safely without staff assistance.
How far in advance do I need to book the shuttle?
All bookings must be made at least 48 hours before your travel date. Same-day bookings are not accepted online — call (409) 500-2336 for urgent same-day needs.
What if I have an early return flight before 1 PM?
If you have an early return flight before 1 PM, the shared shuttle may not work for you. Book our private shuttle from the cruise port instead for a direct, on-demand transfer.