Whether you’re ending your Galveston beach getaway or disembarking from a cruise, you’ll need reliable transport to Houston. This page covers all routes and methods for traveling from Galveston Texas to Houston. For the full inbound/outbound strategy around flying into Galveston, refer to the Fly to Galveston TX Guide.
Distance & Drive Time Overview: Galveston Texas to Houston
- Miles from Galveston Cruise Port to Downtown Houston:
Approximately 50 miles via I-45 North. - Typical Drive Time:
- Standard Traffic: 50–60 minutes.
- Rush Hour (7–9 AM & 4–7 PM): Can extend to 80–90 minutes.
- Event Days (Astros games, Rodeo): Fewer lanes on I-45—plan for 1.5–2 hours.
Ground Transportation Methods
Royal Galveston Shuttle from Galveston Texas to Houston
- Service Offered:
- Shared shuttle departing hourly from Galveston Cruise Port and select hotels to HOU/IAH or Houston District.
- Private sedan or Sprinter van for direct, nonstop transfer.
- Why Choose Royal Galveston Shuttle?
- Flat Rate Pricing: $30 per person for shared shuttle; private from $149.
- Reliable Schedule: Hourly departures aligned with cruise docking and flight times.
- Comfort & Safety: Licensed drivers, GPS-tracked vans, free 30-minute wait post-arrival.
- Booking Process:
- Reserve online at least 24 hours before your desired departure.
- Drivers monitor cruise arrival times; adjustments made for early/late docking.
- Drop-off points in Houston:
- HOU Ground Transportation Area
- IAH Ground Transportation Center
- Downtown Houston Hotels (select)
Rental Car
- Major Agencies in Galveston: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis.
- Pros:
- Freedom to explore Galveston on your own schedule before heading to Houston.
- One-way drop-off possible (subject to availability/fees).
- Cons:
- One-way drop-off fees ranging $50–$100.
- Navigating Houston traffic can be stressful for unfamiliar drivers.
Ride-Share & Taxi
- Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft):
- Estimated Cost: $60–$90 one-way, depending on surge pricing.
- Vehicle Options: Standard sedans to XL SUVs (fits up to 6 passengers).
- Taxi Services:
- Flagship Taxi or Galveston Taxi Co. offer flat-rate trips to Houston (~$100–$120).
- Book in advance to guarantee availability, especially during peak cruise season.
Step-by-Step: Booking a Shuttle from Galveston to Houston
- Determine Your Arrival Point
- If you dock at Pier 10 / Pier 21 / Pier 16, make note of your exact terminal.
- If you’re staying at a hotel or vacation rental, have the address ready.
- Choose Shared vs. Private
- Shared Shuttle: $30 per person; allows up to 4 stops (hotels, airport).
- Private Sedan: $149 flat rate (up to 2 passengers); no stops.
- Sprinter Van: Ideal for groups of 5–14 (rate varies by group size).
- Reserve Your Spot
- Visit royalgalvestonshuttle.com → Select “One-Way Transfer” → Choose “Galveston to Houston.”
- Enter cruise docking time or hotel pickup address → Number of passengers/luggage → Payment.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with driver contact info.
- Day of Transfer
- Your driver will text/call you 30 minutes before pickup.
- Meet at the designated pickup zone outside your terminal or hotel lobby.
- Sit back and enjoy a climate-controlled ride with free Wi-Fi.
Cost & Time Comparison
| Method | Estimated Cost | Estimated Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Galveston Shuttle | $30 pp (shared); $149+ (private) | ≈60–90 minutes | Reliable schedule; monitors dock/flight changes; door-to-door | Shared may have 1–2 quick stops |
| Rental Car | $60–$100/day + gas | ≈60–90 minutes | Full freedom; use car to explore post-Houston | One-way fees; driving in Houston traffic |
| Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft) | $60–$90 one way | ≈60–90 minutes | On-demand; car type flexibility | Surge pricing; variable wait times |
| Taxi | $120–$160 one way (HOU or IAH) | ≈60–90 minutes | Flat-rate convenience | Higher cost; limited availability during peak |
Frequently Asked Questions: Galveston Texas to Houston
Q1: Do shuttles run late at night?
A: Shared shuttles operate until 10 PM. After 10 PM, only private transfers are available—book at least 24 hours in advance.
Q2: Can I make a stop in Houston before heading to the airport?
A: Yes, private transfers can include a short stop (≤15 minutes) en route to HOU or IAH. Additional stop fees may apply.
Q3: Are car seats available?
A: Complimentary child and infant car seats are available upon request with 48-hour notice—just add “Car Seat” in the booking notes.
Ready to Book Your Transfer?
No matter where in Houston you need to go—HOU, IAH, or a downtown hotel—Royal Galveston Shuttle offers the most reliable and cost-effective shuttle service.
Read more about travelling to Galveston: Fly to Galveston TX Guide ↗
