The easiest way to get from Hobby Airport to the Galveston cruise port is to take our hourly Hobby to Galveston shuttle. We pick you up right outside arrivals hall and take you to your cruise terminal or vacation rental.
Step 1: Landing at Hobby Airport – What to Expect
As soon as you land at Hobby, follow the signs to Baggage Claim on the ground level. If you checked bags, you’ll collect them here before heading outside.
Tip: Hobby is a compact airport, so you won’t have a walk longer than 10-15 minutes to baggage claim.
Step 2: Where to Meet Your Shuttle at Hobby Airport
After you get your luggage, look for signs for “Passenger Pickup Zone” or “Taxi Pickup“. At Hobby, almost all Galveston shuttles pick up outside Curb Zone 2 (just outside Baggage Claim, near the middle doors).
Royal Galveston Shuttle Pickup Location: Passenger Pick-Up #3 (image credit: Google maps)
Step 3: Meet Your Royal Galveston Shuttle Driver
- Shared shuttle: Your driver will be parked at Passenger Pick-up #3 by Zone 2
- Private shuttle: You’ll get a text or call from your driver with pickup instructions
- If your flight is delayed, just let us know. We will do our best to adjust.
Step 4: Travel Time from Hobby to Galveston
The drive from Hobby to Galveston takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and weather.
You can sit back, use the free WiFi, and get cruise tips from your driver (most of our drivers are locals and know Galveston inside out).
Why I Recommend Royal Galveston’s Shuttle Services
- Low family-friendly rates: Shared shuttle starts at $30 per person, private rides start at $149.
- Clean and comfortable vans: Plenty of space for you and your luggage.
- Direct service: No complicated transfers, straight from airport curb to your cruise terminal or hotel.
- Hourly schedule: We run daily, matching all cruise lines and flight arrivals.
- Gracious luggage allowance: 2 checked bags (or 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on per person)
Top 4 Transportation Options from Hobby Airport to Galveston
There are four main options: shared shuttle, private shuttle, Uber/Lyft, and the airport taxi. Each has its own pros, but some are way better for your wallet. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Shared Shuttle – Fixed $30 Rate Per Person
- Royal Galveston’s shuttle costs $30 one-way (or $60 round trip) and runs hourly from Hobby airport.
- Generally shuttles run on an hourly schedule, matches most cruise and flight times.
- Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and small groups who don’t mind sharing a ride.
- If you want the lowest price and a straight forward transportation, this is usually your best option.
2. Private Shuttle – Direct, Nonstop Airport Pickup
- Royal Galveston’s rate is $149 for a sedan up to 2 people, check our rates page for vans and minibuses
- Direct, no waiting for others people, just your group, your schedule
- More economical for families or groups of 8 or more (splitting the cost)
- Pre-booked, with professional local drivers
- Cheaper than booking multiple Uber/Lyft rides if you have a group
3. Uber or Lyft (Variable, Not Always Cheaper)
- UberX is the most common and affordable option out of Hobby Airport, suitable for individual travelers or small groups
- Uber ride from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Galveston is $59. The trip duration is 51 minutes
- May be hard to get a large enough vehicle if you have lots of luggage or a bigger group
- You’ll pay extra for XL rides and prices can jump at busy times
- Convenient if you’re traveling solo during off-peak times, but costs can add up and reliability drops on cruise weekends
4. Hobby Airport Taxi (Last Minute Option, Metered Fare)
- Taxi from HOU to Galveston is often $110 or more depending on your destination
- Available 24/7 at the taxi stand at Zone 2, but expect to pay slightly more than other options
- No advance booking needed, but limited luggage space and sometimes longer wait for a minivan
- Use only as a last resort or if you prefer classic taxis over shuttles and rideshares
Pro tip: For most people, the shared shuttle gives you the best mix of price, comfort, and reliability. If you’re coming with your family or a group of friends, split a private shuttle and save even more.
Why Travelers Choose Hobby Airport for Galveston Cruises
Many travelers fly into Hobby because it’s closer to Galveston than George Bush Airport and offers a shorter, more predictable ride. The airport is easy to navigate, quicker to exit, and ideal for cruise passengers who want minimal travel time between their flight and the cruise port. Check our main Houston to Galveston Shuttle page for all shuttle options and summary of all airports we cover.
Our shuttle service is tailored to match this convenience with direct transfers and airport-specific instructions to make the transition seamless.
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) – Arrivals Level (image credit: Google Maps)
Cons of Choosing Hobby Airport
- Fewer airline choices compared to Bush Intercontinental.
- Fewer nonstop international routes.
- Some airlines only offer limited flights per day.
- If you prefer United Airlines, you’ll need to use Bush Intercontinental (IAH).
If you have a choice, book your flight into Hobby Airport. You will save time, cut down on stress, and get to Galveston quicker.
Hobby to Galveston Shuttle Schedule
Royal Galveston’s Hobby Airport to Galveston shuttles run hourly from 9 am to 10 pm daily. The most popular departures are 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am, getting you to the cruise port around noon or 1 pm.
For the complete hourly round trip schedule, check our Hobby-Galveston shuttle schedule page.
Which Hobby Shuttle Time Should I Book to Arrive in Galveston On Time for My Cruise?
Always aim to arrive at your Galveston cruise terminal at least 3-4 hours before your ship’s scheduled departure.
That’s the sweet spot for smooth check-in, bag drop, and stress-free boarding if it’s your first time cruising.
Our suggestion:
- Morning to late-morning shuttle is best: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, or 11:00 am pickup gets you to Galveston with plenty of time for your boarding process.
FAQ: Hobby Airport to Galveston Shuttle
How often do shuttles run from Hobby Airport to the Galveston cruise terminals?
Shuttles operate on a daily schedule with consistent departure times spaced throughout the day. The schedule is designed to match typical arrival times at Hobby Airport and ensure passengers can reach Galveston before their cruise check-in window.
Where exactly do I meet the shuttle at Hobby Airport?
Proceed to passenger pickup #3 outside the lower level of baggage claim. Your driver will send updates with the exact vehicle location, making the connection simple.
How long is the ride from Hobby Airport to the Galveston port?
The ride is typically 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Hobby is the closer of Houston’s two major airports, so most travelers enjoy a faster and more predictable trip
Are private shuttles available for early morning or late evening flights at Hobby?
Yes. Private shuttles are available 24 hours a day for passengers arriving outside shared shuttle hours. These rides go directly from Hobby Airport to Galveston with no intermediate stops.
Are Hobby shuttles wheelchair accessible and can I bring along my foldable wheelchair?
No. Our Hobby airport shuttles are not wheelchair accessible. We use mid-sized vans and can accommodate a foldable wheelchair. We do not accept mobility scooters.
How early should I schedule my shuttle from Hobby Airport to make it on time for my cruise?
Most passengers choose a shuttle within one to two hours of landing. This allows enough time to collect luggage, meet the driver, and travel comfortably to Galveston before boarding begins. Aim to book 9am, 10am, or 11am shuttle.
Does the shuttle go directly to Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, and MSC cruise terminals?
Yes. All shuttles provide direct drop-off at your cruise line’s terminal, including Royal Caribbean Terminal 10 as well as Carnival, Disney, MSC, Princess, and Norwegian.
Ready to Book Your Hobby to Galveston Shuttle?
We recommend booking your Hobby to Galveston shuttle online for instant confirmation. If you have any questions, you can always call us. My team and I are here to help—travel should be fun, not stressful!
