Flying into Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and need a reliable transfer from IAH to Galveston Port? This page details everything you need to know—from shuttle schedules to insider tips—so you can plan a stress-free journey. For a full overview of all airport options and travel advice, refer to Fly to Galveston TX Guide.
Why Choose IAH When Flying to Galveston
- Extensive Flight Network: Over 50 nonstop domestic and international routes.
- Competitive Fares: Airlines compete heavily, driving down ticket prices.
- Frequent Shuttle Service: Royal Galveston Shuttle runs hourly shuttles timed to standard arrival windows. Check shuttle schedule here.
Distance & Typical Travel Time
- Miles from IAH to Galveston Cruise Port (Pier 10, 16, 21): ~70 miles by road.
- Average Drive Time:
- Non-Peak Hours: 85–95 minutes via I-45 South.
- Rush Hour (7–9 AM & 4–6 PM): Expect 95–105 minutes—allow extra buffer when booking.
Royal Galveston Shuttle from IAH
Shared Shuttle Service
- Price: $30 per person, one-way.
- Schedule:
- Departures: Every hour, 8 AM–10 PM.
- Pick-Up Location: IAH Ground Transportation Center (follow signs to “Shuttle Parking”).
- Included Services:
- Flight tracking (driver adjusts pickup if your flight is delayed).
- Complimentary bottled water, phone chargers, and free onboard Wi-Fi.
- Driver contact 30 minutes before pickup.
- Stops: Direct to Galveston Cruise Port—no intermediate hotel stops unless pre-arranged for groups.
Private Shuttle Service
- Sedan (up to 2 passengers): $149 flat rate—nonstop.
- SUV (up to 4 passengers): $189 flat rate—nonstop.
- Sprinter Van (5–14 passengers): Packages start at $699.
- Advantages:
- Door-to-door, nonstop transfer—no waiting for additional passengers.
- Guaranteed space for oversized luggage (bikes, golf clubs).
- Child/infant car seats provided on request.
How to Book Your IAH Transfer
- Reserve Online
- Go to royalgalvestonshuttle.com → Select “IAH to Galveston” → Enter flight number, passenger count, and luggage details.
- Payment secures your seat; you’ll receive a confirmation email with driver phone number and terminal instructions.
- Day-Of Pickup
- After deplaning, collect baggage and exit to the Ground Transportation Center (follow airport signage for Ground Trans).
- Look for “Royal Galveston Shuttle” signage in the shuttle parking zone.
- Driver will text/call you 30 minutes before your scheduled departure—double-check your baggage claim area in case of flight delays.
- Enjoy the Ride
- The shuttle departs on time—late arrivals may need to catch the next hourly departure.
- Relax in an air-conditioned van with reclining seats.
- You’ll arrive at Galveston Cruise Port with at least 90 minutes before most cruise embarkation cut-offs.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer from IAH to Galveston Port
- Allow Extra Time:
- Book a shuttle at least 90 minutes after your scheduled landing to account for baggage claim and customs (if arriving internationally).
- Monitor Flight Status:
- Use the airline’s app or FlightAware to check real-time arrival info—inform your shuttle driver if significantly delayed (>30 minutes).
- Pack Smart:
- If traveling with multiple checked bags, let us know in advance to ensure we allocate sufficient cargo space.
- Avoid Rush Hour on I-45:
- If your flight arrives during peak Houston traffic (8–9 AM or 5–6 PM), consider booking the shuttle 2 hours post-arrival or opt for a private transfer to minimize delay risk.
Cost & Time Breakdown
| Service | Cost | Estimated Door-to-Door Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle (Hourly) | $30 per person | ≈2 hours | Departs on the hour; may wait 5–10 min. |
| Private Sedan | $149 (flat) | ≈1½–2 hours | Nonstop; child car seat included. |
| Private SUV | $189 (flat) | ≈1½–2 hours | Nonstop; more cargo/legroom. |
| Sprinter Van | $299+ (group) | ≈1½–2 hours | Best for 5–14 passengers; direct route. |
| Rental Car + Drive | $50–$80/day + gas | ≈1½–2 hours | Freedom to explore Houston briefly. |
Frequently Asked Questions about IAH to Galveston Port
Q1: What if my flight is delayed by more than 30 minutes?
A: Our driver automatically tracks most airline flights. If the delay exceeds 30 minutes, we’ll re-assign you to the next available shuttle free of charge (shared). For private transfers, we adjust pickup time without penalty.
Q2: Do shared shuttles wait past the scheduled hour if someone’s late?
A: Shared shuttles wait up to 10 minutes past the scheduled departure. After that, they leave to maintain on-time service for other passengers. If you miss it, you can catch the next hourly shuttle.
Q3: Are gratuities included?
A: No. Standard gratuity is 15–20% of the shared shuttle fare (about $5–$10) or of your private transfer cost.
Book Your IAH to Galveston Port Transfer
Avoid the guesswork—secure a reliable, comfortable ride from IAH to Galveston Cruise Port. Reserve your shuttle now.
Read our full guide on travelling to Galveston and travel tips: Fly to Galveston TX Guide ↗
