How far is Galveston from downtown Houston?

Galveston is about 50 to 55 miles from downtown Houston and takes approximately 55 to 75 minutes to drive, depending on traffic.

How long is the drive from Hobby Airport to Galveston?

From Hobby Airport (HOU), the drive to Galveston is about 42 miles and usually takes 45 to 60 minutes.

Is there a shuttle from Houston to Galveston?

Yes, Royal Galveston Shuttle provides shared and private rides from both IAH and Hobby airports to Galveston Island, including cruise terminal drop-off.

Should I drive or take a shuttle to Galveston?

Driving gives flexibility, but taking a shuttle eliminates parking fees, traffic stress, and navigation issues—especially on cruise departure days.

What’s the best route from Houston to Galveston?

Take I-45 South from Houston directly to Galveston. It’s the most direct route and leads straight to the island’s cruise terminal area.

How Far is Galveston from Houston? | Drive Time & Shuttle

Planning a trip to Galveston Island? Whether you’re headed there for a cruise, a beach vacation, or a day trip, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: how far is Galveston from Houston? In this guide, we break down the distance, travel time, route options, and the most convenient shuttle services available.

Distance from Houston to Galveston

Galveston is approximately 50 to 55 miles southeast of Houston, depending on your starting location within the city. Most people travel from downtown Houston, Hobby Airport (HOU), or Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Estimated Travel Times:

🚗 From Downtown Houston: 55 to 75 minutes
✈️ From Hobby Airport (HOU): 45 to 60 minutes (approx. 42 miles)
✈️ From Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (approx. 70 miles)

Traffic can significantly impact these times, especially on weekends and cruise departure days.

Best Route: I-45 South

The most direct route from Houston to Galveston is via Interstate 45 South (I-45 S). It’s a straight shot from central Houston all the way to the island. The freeway literally ends in Galveston near the cruise terminals.

Along the way, you’ll pass through:

Clear Lake
Webster
League City
Texas City

Shuttle vs Driving: Which is Better?

While driving gives flexibility, it comes with downsides: dealing with traffic, finding parking, and hauling luggage—especially near the cruise port.

✅ Royal Galveston Shuttle offers:

Shared shuttles from IAH and Hobby – just $30 per person
Private transfers for individuals, couples, or groups
Direct cruise terminal drop-off
Easy booking and on-time service

Book now to skip the stress of driving.

Parking in Galveston

If you’re driving, expect to pay $15–$20 per day for parking near the cruise terminal. Space fills up fast during cruise weekends, so arrive early or consider shuttle alternatives to avoid the hassle.

Popular Stops Along the Way

If you’re driving and want to take your time, here are a few quick stops to enjoy:

NASA Space Center Houston (Webster)
Buc-ee’s (Texas City)
Kemah Boardwalk (minor detour but worth it for food and views)

For more info on this detour, visit our blog: How Far is Kemah from Galveston

Learn More About the Route

For a complete guide to the Houston-Galveston drive—including traffic tips, cruise day congestion, and ride options—visit our main post: Driving from Houston to Galveston

Galveston from Houston: Final Thoughts

Galveston is only about an hour away from Houston, but traffic and parking challenges can make it feel much longer. Skip the stress by booking a shared or private ride with Royal Galveston Shuttle, and start your island trip the easy way.

Trusted. Affordable. On Time.

RGS

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How Far is Galveston from Houston? – Drive Time & Travel Options