Affordable Galveston to Houston Shuttle Service.
Family-friendly shuttle service from Galveston to Houston airports. Hourly public shuttle service and 24/7 private shuttle serving both Houston airports.
Galveston to Houston Shuttle: Easy, Affordable Rides Back to the Airport
Exploring transportation options from Galveston to Houston airports after your cruise? You’re not the only one. Let’s talk about how to get from the island back to IAH or Hobby Airport without stress, confusion, or surprise price surges.
Getting from the Port of Galveston is easier than you think. With Royal Galveston Shuttle, you have the option to book a round-trip shuttle when you’re headed to your cruise. You get a ride that’s affordable, dependable, and build around cruise schedules so you are never stuck waiting around for rideshares.
Is Getting Back to Houston from Galveston Tricky?
Yes, it can be tricky if you don’t plan ahead. Galveston is nearly 50 miles to Hobby Airport and around 70 miles to IAH. This means:
- There is no public transportation between Galveston cruise terminals and Houston airports
- You’re stuck with rideshare price surge and long waiting times
- Limited taxi availability when several ships unload at once
This is exactly why thousands of passengers choose our hourly shared shuttle or dedicated private shuttle for a smooth return trip.
Explore our IAH to Galveston Shuttle Service.
What transportation options are available from Galveston cruise port, and which one is the most reliable for cruise day?
Several transportation options are available depending on your budget, comfort level, style, and group needs. Royal Galveston Shuttle is your one-stop for all your cruise transportation needs between Houston and Galveston:
Shared Shuttle – $30 Per Person (Most Popular):
- $30 per passenger (minimum charge applies)
- Hourly Galveston cruise port departures from 9 AM to 12 PM
- Hourly departures from Galveston hotels or vacation rentals from 8 AM to 5 PM
- Car seats provided for kids for an additional $15 charge
- Read more about our Shared Galveston Shuttle.
Private Shuttle – 24 Hours a Day:
- Sedan: $149 for up to two passengers
- Private vans: starting at $195 for a 5 seater. Larger vans available.
- Available 24 hours, perfect for early flights, late arrivals, or tight cruise schedules
- Door-to-door service anywhere in Houston
- Read more about our Private Galveston Shuttle service.
What cruise terminals and cruise lines do you serve at the Port of Galveston?
Our shuttles pickup from all Galveston cruise terminals and serve all cruise ships:
- Galveston Cruise Terminal 25 & 28 (Carnival Cruise, Princess, Norwegian, and Disney Cruise Lines)
- Galveston Cruise Terminal 10 (Royal Caribbean Cruise Line)
- Galveston Cruise Terminal 16 (MSC Cruises)
Enjoy stress-free scheduled hourly shuttles from Galveston cruise terminals to IAH and Hobby airports.
We serve all cruise terminals in Galveston including Terminals 28 & 25, Terminal 16, and Terminal 10
Why Choose Royal Galveston Shuttle
01
Straightforward Pricing
Travelers love our low family-friendly pricing for a dependable shuttle ride. Our drivers are friendly, help with luggage, and offer options such as car seats that work for families with kids.
02
Fast Departures
We use mid-sized shared shuttle vans, not giant coach buses like most competitors. Smaller groups mean quicker departures and shorter wait times.
03
Operating 7 Days a Week
We run shuttles every day with fixed rates, no matter the day. We do not charge extra on the weekends. Enjoy our low, fixed shuttle pricing all week long, year around.
Top Cruiser Tips for Smooth Trip from Galveston to Houston
Cruise mornings in Galveston can get very stressful, especially with the addition of a new cruise terminal (Terminal 16 – MSC Cruises). Here are some things to consider to make your journey less hectic:
Choosing Between Shared Shuttle and Private Shuttle
Our posted shared shuttle times are boarding times, not departure times. Since shared shuttles have stops on the way (such as other cruise terminals and Hobby airport), its best to allow yourself extra travel time for possible delays and cruise traffic. For early flight departures, such as flights before 1 PM, consider booking our private shuttle instead for a non-stop transfer. This will ensure a stress-free experience for all.
Keep Your Phone Switched On with Airplane Mode Off After Disembarking
Our drivers need to be able to communicate with you after you disembark to provide real-time updates and pickup instructions. Ensure you provide us with a working cell phone number (with correct country code, if applicable) or Whatsapp number at the time of booking.
Always Follow Driver Instructions for Pickups
The specified pickup locations at each cruise terminal is indicative only. The actual pickup location may differ due to parking situation and traffic. Always follow driver instructions to ensure a seamless pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a shuttle service that runs every hour from Galveston cruise terminals to Houston airports?
Yes. Royal Galveston Shuttle runs hourly departures from 8 AM to 5 PM, timed around when most ships let passengers off. After you clear the terminal, you meet your driver outside and head straight toward Houston. It’s one of the few services that uses smaller passenger vans and moves on a predictable schedule instead of making you wait until a large bus fills up.
Is there any shuttle service that offers car seats for babies from the Galveston port to Houston?
Yes. Royal Galveston Shuttle can provide car seats on shared as well as private shuttle bookings. You can select the type of car seat needed at checkout for as additional charge of $15 per car seat.
What happens if my ship arrives late and I miss my shuttle back to Houston?
Delays happen, and drivers know that. If your ship docks late, we’ll try to move you to the next available departure. We will let you know if we are not able to accommodate you and refer you to other transportation options.
What is the best transportation option for families traveling from Galveston to Houston?
Families usually like our private shuttle vans for the privacy and comfort. It gives you more room for luggage and strollers, lets you leave as soon as you’re ready, and avoids waiting for other passengers. Parents like it because it’s easier, quieter, and gets them directly to the airport without stops.
What’s the best shuttle time for Galveston cruise passengers disembarking from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or MSC?
Most passengers are off the ship between 8 AM and 10 AM, but exact times vary by sailing. If you’re not sure when you’ll get off, booking a mid-morning shuttle — usually 9 AM to 11 AM — gives you the most flexibility. It’s wise to check with your cruise line about your disembarkation window to book the right shuttle time to arrive on time for your flight.
What are some top hotels near the Galveston cruise terminals?
Top Galveston hotels include SpringHill Suites by Marriott Galveston Island, Hilton Galveston Island Resort, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston North at I-45, and Sleep Inn & Suites Galveston Island. For an easy cruise transfer, book a hotel that is closer to the pier such as The Tremont House on Harborside Drive.
What luggage allowance do shared shuttles offer from Galveston to Houston?
Luggage allowance on shared shuttles is typically two bags per person. Depending on the vehicle size, the limit could be 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on per person. It’s always advisable to check the shuttle’s luggage allowance before you make a booking.
How do private shuttle prices compare to shared shuttle prices for Galveston cruise travel?
Shared or public shuttles are typically cheaper than private shuttles, with rates starting at $30 per person. Whereas private shuttles usually start at $195 for an economy van or $149 for a sedan. It depends on your budget and how comfortable you are sharing a ride with other cruise travelers.
What transportation options are available from Galveston to Houston, and which one is the most reliable for cruise day?
Most common transportation options from Galveston to Houston are taxis, rideshares, shared shuttles, private shuttles, and car rentals. If you have a same day flight, it’s best to make prior arrangements with a dependable shuttle company like Royal Galveston Shuttle to avoid stress of finding a last minute ride.
What is the easiest transportation method for seniors or families with kids traveling to the Galveston cruise port?
Private shuttle van such as the one offered by Royal Galveston Shuttle is the easiest transportation method for seniors and families with kids. Private shuttle offers more flexible in terms of pickup time, waiting time, overall comfort, space, and car seats. Shared shuttles follow a fixed hourly schedule and have fixed pickup spots that can be sightly stressful.
Are round-trip shuttles from Houston to Galveston cheaper than booking one way?
Typically, round trip shuttles cost the same as a one-way shuttle, except seasonal discounts. It’s always a good idea to book a round trip shuttle to avoid the stress of finding last minute transportation at the cruise port. Taxis and rideshares are hard to find on busy cruise days, especially when multiple ships are docked, so book your shuttle in advance is the best strategy.
Got more questions?
Need help finding the answers you need? Let’s talk!