Traveling from Houston to Galveston? Whether you’re heading to the cruise port, Great Storm Memorial, or Galveston’s historic downtown, this page lays out every option for getting from Houston to Galveston TX. For a broader view of flying in and transferring, see our main Fly to Galveston TX Guide.
Key Houston Airports & Distance to Galveston
| Airport | Distance to Galveston | Typical Drive Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) | 70 miles | ≈95–100 minutes | Major international hub; frequent flights. |
| William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) | 51 miles | ≈1 hour | Southwest hub; shorter security lines. |
| Ellington Field (EFD) | 58 miles | ≈1–1½ hours | General aviation & charter flights. |
Tip: If you have flexibility, compare shuttle departure times from both IAH and HOU to fit your flight schedule perfectly.
Royal Galveston Shuttle Service
Shared Shuttle (Economy Option)
- Price: $30 per person, one way (no hidden fees).
- Schedule: Hourly departures, 6 AM–10 PM, from both IAH and HOU.
- Pickup Locations:
- IAH: Ground Transportation Center, outside baggage claim.
- HOU: Ground Transportation Area—look for “Shuttle Parking.”
- Route: Non-stop travel to Galveston Cruise Port or select hotels (if pre-arranged).
- Why It Works:
- Monitors flight delays—driver adjusts pickup time automatically.
- Comfortable vans with reclining seats, overhead storage, and free Wi-Fi.
Private Transfers (Premium Option)
- Sedan (up to 2 passengers): $149 flat rate.
- SUV (up to 4 passengers): $189 flat rate.
- Sprinter Van (up to 14 passengers): Starts at $699 (varies by group size).
- Features:
- No Stops: Direct, nonstop to your Galveston destination.
- Flexible Pickup Window: 48-hour cancellation/refund policy.
- Child & Infant Car Seats: Available on request at no extra charge.
Alternative Transportation Methods
Rental Cars from Houston to Galveston TX
- Available at: IAH (Terminals A–F) and HOU (Central Terminal).
- Cost Estimate: $50–$70/day (economy); $75–$100/day (SUV).
- Best For: Travelers who want to explore Houston first (museums, Space Center) before heading south.
Ride-Share & Taxi
- Ride-Share (Uber, Lyft):
- Estimated Cost: $80–$120 one-way, depending on surge pricing.
- Time: ≈90–100 minutes.
- Taxi Services:
- The Texas Taxi, Yellow Cab: Flat-rate fares start at $100.
- Availability: Generally plentiful, but pre-book during cruise peak months.
Step-by-Step: Booking Your Shuttle from Houston to Galveston TX
- Select Your Airport & Time
- If flying into IAH, choose a shuttle 75 minutes after your scheduled landing.
- If landing at HOU, aim for a shuttle 60 minutes after touchdown to allow for baggage claim.
- Reserve Online
- Visit royalgalvestonshuttle.com → “Houston to Galveston” transfer → Fill in passenger count, luggage, and flight number.
- Payment secures your seat; the confirmation email includes driver contact info.
- Day-Of Pickup
- Look for Royal Galveston Shuttle signage in the Ground Transportation zones.
- Driver will call/text you 30 minutes before departure.
- Enjoy complimentary bottled water, phone chargers, and free Wi-Fi en route.
Cost & Time Comparison
| Option | Estimated Cost | Estimated Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle | $30 pp | From IAH≈2 hours From HOU≈1 hour | Cheapest door-to-door option; monitors flights | May include quick hotel/cruise terminal stops |
| Private Sedan | $149 (flat rate) | From IAH≈1.5 hours From HOU≈1 hour | No stops; direct service | Higher cost |
| Private SUV | $189 (flat rate) | From IAH≈1.5 hours From HOU≈1 hour | More legroom/luggage space | Higher cost |
| Sprinter Van | $699+ (group rate) | From IAH≈2 hours From HOU≈1 hour | Ideal for groups (up to 14 passengers) | Requires advance booking; higher minimum cost |
| Rental Car | $50–$100/day + gas | From IAH≈1.5 hours From HOU≈1 hour | Full control of schedule; sightseeing option | One-way drop fees; Houston traffic |
| Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft) | $80–$120 one-way | From IAH≈1.5 hours From HOU≈1 hour | On-demand; flexible | Surge pricing volatility |
| Taxi | $120–$160 one-way | From IAH≈1.5 hours From HOU≈1 hour | Flat-rate convenience | More expensive; availability may be limited |
Frequently Asked Questions about Houston to Galveston TX
Q1: Do shared shuttles leave exactly on the hour?
A: Generally, yes. They depart once enough reservations are confirmed—up to 15 minutes after the scheduled departure time to ensure efficiency.
Q2: Is gratuity included?
A: Gratuity is not included. Standard is 15–20% of the shared shuttle fare ($5) or of the private transfer flat rate.
Q3: Can I bring oversized luggage (e.g., surfboards, large coolers)?
A: Private transfers accommodate oversized items at no extra charge if notified at booking. Shared shuttles may require a small fee ($20) for non-standard items.
Ready to Book? Houston to Galveston TX
Whether you land at IAH, HOU, or Ellington Field, Royal Galveston Shuttle guarantees a seamless, comfortable ride to Galveston. Book your shuttle today!
Read more about all travelling options to Galveston: Fly to Galveston TX Guide ↗
