IAH to Galveston Shuttle Pricing and Options

Our IAH to Galveston shuttle is an easy and affordable way to get from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to the Galveston cruise port or any hotel on the island. Shared rides start at $30 per person. If you prefer a private ride, our private sedans start at $149 one way, and private vans start at $195.

We serve every Galveston cruise terminal including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Princess, and MSC. Whether you’re flying into IAH for a cruise or heading to a vacation rental, we provide fast, friendly, and reliable transportation.

How to Find Royal Galveston Shuttle Pickup Location at IAH Airport?

When you land at George Bush Airport, here’s exactly how to find your Galveston shuttle:

1. After you arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH):
   • Collect your bags at your arrival terminal (A, B, C, D, or E).
2. Getting to Terminal A (Shuttle Pickup):
   • All our shared shuttles to Galveston depart from Terminal A, outside baggage claim as per our email instructions.
   • From Terminal C (United and most domestic):
     • Take the free Skyway (airport train) to Terminal A.
     • Or use the underground Subway (especially if you’re already at baggage claim).
   • From Terminal E or other terminals:
     • Both Skyway and Subway are free and connect all terminals.
     • Just follow airport signs to Terminal A and then Baggage Claim.
3. Shuttle Meeting Point:
   • Head to Exit Door A113 at Terminal A or follow driver/email instructions.
   • The Royal Galveston Shuttle van will be waiting outside, follow your driver instructions.
4. Board and Relax:
   • The shared ride from IAH to Galveston cruise port usually takes 2 hours depending on traffic.
   • Our shared rides are the most budget-friendly way to get from IAH to Galveston cruise port or your vacation rental.

Pro Tips for Booking Your Shuttle:

• Book your IAH to Galveston Shuttle a few weeks ahead of time.
• Read your email pickup instructions carefully.
• If your flight lands at a different terminal, the Skyway and Subway both make the transfer to Terminal A quick and easy.
• Our shuttles run on schedule, so if your flight is delayed, notify us immediately, we’ll try to adjust your pickup.

Shared vs Private IAH to Galveston Transportation

• Shared Shuttle Advantages
  • Runs every hour (8 am to 5pm). Check our shuttle schedule here.
  • Great for solo travelers and families
  • Low price ($30 per person)
  • Drop-off at any cruise terminal or nearby Galveston hotels
  • Plan for 2 hours travel time
• Private Transportation Advantages
  • Starts at $149 for sedans
  • Starts at $195 for private economy vans
  • Operates 24-hour, 7 days a week
  • Best for groups, luggage-heavy trips, or late-night arrivals
  • Check the rates page for detailed pricing
  • Direct, door-to-door service from IAH to Galveston cruise port or hotel
  • Flexible timing, no waiting for other
  • Plan for 1.5 hours travel time

Pro Tip: Book a shared shuttle if you want the lowest fare, or choose private for speed and convenience. Both options offer easy, comfortable transportation from Houston’s George Bush Airport to Galveston.

Best IAH Shuttle Times for Galveston Cruise Travelers

One of the most common questions we get asked from customers is: “What’s the best shuttle time from IAH to Galveston to make sure I don’t miss my cruise?” Here’s what everyone need to know.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Boarding Times

For most cruises out of Galveston, boarding typically starts around 12:00 pm (noon) and continues in assigned check-in windows until about 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm. The latest embarkation time depends on the cruise line and its policies. Here is the general guideline:

• Royal Caribbean: Check-in/boarding often opens at 12 pm, with final boarding usually at least one hour before sail away.
• Carnival Cruise: Guests should arrive promptly within their “Arrival Appointment” to reduce wait time in line. All guests must be on board by the Final Boarding time printed on the boarding pass.

Read Official Royal Caribbean Port Arrival Times

Read Official Carnival Cruise Port Embarkation and Departure

Check Port of Galveston’s cruise terminal check-in process

What Shuttle Time Should You Choose?

We recommend playing it safe and booking a shuttle that gets you to the port about 3 hours before your cruise sail time (check with your cruise line).
For most cruise departures, the best pickup window is between 9 AM and 11 AM to arrive comfortably before boarding.

How Long Does the Shuttle Take from IAH to Galveston?

• Shared Shuttle: Plan for 2 hours travel time as there are multiple stops, plus potential traffic near Galveston on cruise days.
• Private Shuttle: Typically 1.5 hours with direct service.

FAQs: IAH to Galveston Shuttle

Is there a shuttle from IAH to Galveston that runs every hour for cruise passengers?
Yes. Royal Galveston Shuttle provides hourly shared shuttles from IAH to Galveston from 8 AM to 5 PM, seven days a week. The schedule aligns with most cruise check-in times and offers a simple, dependable way to get from Houston’s largest airport to the Galveston cruise terminals.

What is the most affordable way to get from IAH Airport to the Galveston cruise port?
Our shared shuttle is the most budget-friendly option at $30 per person, with no surge pricing or weekend fees. It’s significantly cheaper than Uber, Lyft, taxis, or private car services that often cost $100–$200+ from IAH.

How long does the shuttle take from IAH Airport to Galveston?
Travel time from IAH to Galveston is typically 90 minutes on the private shuttle, and 2 hours on the shared shuttle. Our drivers monitor I-45 conditions and adjust routing whenever possible to minimize delays.

What happens if my flight into IAH is delayed and I miss my scheduled shared shuttle to Galveston?
If your flight is delayed, inform us immediately, and we’ll try to accommodate you on the next available hourly shuttle depending on availability. Just let us know when you land at IAH so we can look at options.

Do you offer private transportation from IAH to Galveston for late-night or early-morning flights?
Yes. Our private shuttles operate 24/7, making them ideal for travelers arriving before 8 AM or after 5 PM. Private sedans and vans offer a nonstop ride directly to your terminal or hotel.

Where exactly is the pickup point at IAH Airport for the shuttle to Galveston?
Shared shuttle pickup is conveniently located at Terminal A outside baggage claim area. Private shuttle pickup happens at your arrival terminal. Clear instructions are emailed after booking, and your driver will send updates when approaching.

Is the IAH to Galveston shuttle good for families or groups traveling with luggage?
Yes. Families appreciate our flat pricing and hourly schedule, and we offer car seats on request. Groups or large families can also book private vans for a direct, spacious ride from IAH to Galveston.

Do you offer hourly shuttles from Houston to Galveston?
Yes, our shared shuttles run every hour. You can select any time from 8 AM to 5 PM and we’ll get you to Galveston smoothly.

How much is the Houston to Galveston shuttle?
Shared rides are $30 per person. Private rides start at $149 for sedans and $200 for vans.

Do you drop off passengers at all Galveston cruise terminals?
Yes. We serve Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, MSC, Princess, and all nearby Galveston hotels.

See our main Houston to Galveston Shuttle page for complete service details.

Why Choose Us? Trust Royal Galveston for Stress-Free Transfers Every Time

Local Drivers
We’ve been driving between Houston and Galveston for years and know every route, shortcut, and cruise schedule by heart. When you ride with us, you get the same care we’d give our own family.

Experienced Team
Our drivers Sunny, Billy, and Imran have over 30 years of combined experience. They treat every passenger like a friend and make sure your trip is safe, smooth, and comfortable. Read their full bio here.

5-Star Service
Here’s what one of our satisfied customers, Kristyn Mott, shared on July 2025 in her 5-star review online about our IAH to Galveston shuttle:

I booked Royal Galveston Shuttle as cruise transportation for my newlywed brother & sister in law. They provided fantastic service and were both kind and understanding when I called in with questions about the service. I recommend their transportation for anyone in the area looking for transportation from the airport to the port of Galveston.

Getting from IAH to Galveston cruise port or hotel is simple if you know where to go. As a frequent cruiser, I can assure you will find our service to be the smoothest way to start your trip. Book online today!

If you’re flying into William P. Hobby Airport, read our Hobby to Galveston Shuttle page.

Visit our homepage for up-to-date information on all our Houston to Galveston shuttle services.