Galveston Shuttle Pricing (2026)
Royal Galveston Shuttle offers shared and private transportation between Houston’s IAH and Hobby airports and all Galveston cruise terminals. All prices are flat-rate in USD with no surge pricing, no weekend markups.
Shuttle Pricing — Houston to Galveston
| Shuttle Service Type | One-Way | Round-Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle (per person) | $30 | $60 |
| Private Economy Van – 5 Passengers | $195 | $390 |
| Private Economy Van – 6 Passengers | $210 | $420 |
| Private Economy Van – 7 Passengers | $260 | $520 |
| Private Economy Van – 8 Passengers | $280 | $560 |
| Private Economy Van – 9 Passengers | $320 | $640 |
| Private Economy Van – 10 Passengers | $345 | $690 |
| 14 Seater Van | Call for pricing | — |
| 23 Seater Minibus | Call for pricing | — |
| Larger Groups | Call for pricing | — |
Optional Add-Ons
| Add-On | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Infant, Toddler, or Booster Seat | Per Trip | $15 each way |
| Stop at Buc-ee’s | 15 minutes | $30 |
| Stop at Hobby Airport | 15 minutes | $30 |
| Food Stop or Gas Station | 15 minutes | $30 |
| Stop at NASA Space Center | 2 hours | $120 |
Add-ons are available on private bookings only. Shared shuttle routes run on a fixed schedule and do not include custom stops.
How Shared Shuttle Pricing Works Shared rides are $30 per person each way, with no minimum charge (big saving for solo travelers!). Solo travelers pay $30 one way. Round trip is $60 per person.
How Private Shuttle Pricing Works Private pricing covers the full vehicle, not per person. A group of 5 pays the same $195 as a group of 2 in the same van. The 60-minute airport grace period is included on all private bookings.
Missed Shuttle Protection
Missed Shuttle Protection is available as an optional add-on at the time of booking. If your flight or cruise is delayed due to a verified airline or ship issue, it allows you to rebook on the next available same-day shuttle or request a refund if no seats are available.
It does not cover personal delays, traffic, rideshare issues, or arriving late by choice. If your travel plans involve a same-day connection with limited buffer time, Missed Shuttle Protection is worth considering.
Booking and Cancellation
All bookings require at least 48 hours advance notice. Free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before your scheduled departure. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.
Shared shuttle seats are limited and fill quickly on cruise weekends. Booking 2 to 4 weeks in advance is recommended, particularly for Friday through Sunday departures and major holidays.
Shared vs Private Shuttle: What’s Best for You?
Shared Shuttle Service (Cheapest Option for Couples)
Shared shuttles from Houston airport to Galveston cruise terminals or back are very popular with solo travelers, couples or small families. A shared shuttle between Houston airports and Galveston cruise port typically costs about $30 per person and service starts as early as 8 a.m. Review our fixed hourly schedule for more details. Ride is about 2 hours from IAH and roughly 60 minutes from Hobby. Low cost and predictable hourly schedule of a shared ride is hard to beat.
Private Shuttle Service (Better Convenience for Groups)
Our private Galveston shuttle service does not have the limitations of a shared shuttle such as a fixed schedule, defined routes, long travel time, and scheduled stops. The private shuttle from Houston to Galveston is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours long and operates 24/7 which is perfect for early or late flight arrivals. It offers groups and families more bang for their buck compared to a shared ride. Shared rides typically only pickup at the airport, whereas the private shuttle can accommodate hotel pickups (super convenient for families with kids!). Families can also add fun stops on the Houston-Galveston shuttle route along the I-45 like Buc-ee’s, NASA space center, or Moody Gardens if there is time to spare before the cruise.
Can’t decide between a private vs. shared shuttle? Don’t sweat it! Use our smart planning tool DockDoc™ to get shuttle guidance and calculate your minute-by-minute timeline to catch your cruise safely. Give it a try – it’s FREE!
Royal Galveston Shuttle isn’t one-way. We also run Galveston to Houston shuttle service for your trip home. This includes cruise terminal or hotel pickup, with drop-off at both IAH and Hobby airports or to any address in Houston. Book your round trip in one reservation, or just the return leg if you arranged your arrival separately. See Galveston to Houston shuttle details →
| Feature | Shared Shuttle | Private Shuttle |
|---|---|---|
| One Way Price | $30/person | $195+ per vehicle |
| Availability | 8 AM to 5 PM hourly | 24/7 |
| IAH Pickup | Terminal A, Door A113 | Your arrival terminal |
| Grace Period | None | 60 min at airport |
| Travel Time from IAH | About 2 hours | About 90 minutes |
| Travel Time from Hobby | About 60 minutes | About 45 minutes |
| Cruise Terminal Drop-Off | All 4 terminals | All 4 terminals |
| Hotel Drop-Off | Seawall & Harborside corridor | Any Galveston address |
| Custom Stops | No | Yes — Buc-ee’s, NASA, Moody Gardens |
| WiFi & Water | On request | On request |
| Car Seat Available | Yes — $15 | Yes — $15 |
| Missed Shuttle Protection | Available | Available |
Last updated: May 2026 · Full pricing details
Shared Shuttle
Perfect for Couples or Small Groups
$30
Per Head
Features:
✓Houston ⇄ Galveston
✓ 2 or 3 Stops
✓ 2 Bags Each
✓Shared Transfer
✓FREE 48 Hour Cancellation.
✓Family-Friendly Price
Economy Van
Best for Small Groups
$195
One-way
Features:
✓Houston ⇄ Galveston
✓ 5 Seater for Small Families
✓ 5 Suitcases
✓Private Transfer
✓FREE 48 Hour Cancellation.
✓Fixed Price – No Hidden Fees
✓Family-Friendly Price
Black Suburban
For Luxury & Comfort
$250
One-way
Features:
✓Houston ⇄ Galveston
✓5-7 Seater
✓5-6 Suitcases
✓Private Transfer
✓FREE 48 Hour Cancellation.
✓Fixed Price – No Hidden Fees
10 Seater Van
Spacious Group Travel
$345
One-way
Features:
✓Houston ⇄ Galveston
✓10 Seater
✓10 Suitcases
✓Private Transfer
✓FREE 48 Hour Cancellation.
✓Fixed Price – No Hidden Fees
14 Seater Van
Mid-sized Group Adventures
Call for Pricing
One-way
Features:
✓Houston ⇄ Galveston
✓14 Seater
✓14 Suitcases
✓Private Transfer
✓FREE 48 Hour Cancellation.
✓Fixed Price – No Hidden Fees
23 Seater Minibus
Large Group Excellence
Call for Pricing
One-way
Features:
✓Houston ⇄ Galveston
✓23 Seater
✓23 Suitcases
✓Private Transfer
✓ FREE 48 Hour Cancellation.
✓Fixed Price – No Hidden Fees
All pricing is in USD. Flat-rates. FREE 48 hour cancellation.
Please Read our TERMS & CONDITIONS Before Making a Booking.
Is a Shuttle Better Than Uber from Houston to Galveston?
UberX typically starts at $65, whereas a dependable shared shuttle from Houston to Galveston can cost you as low as $30 per person regardless of the airport. Each option works differently depending on cost, timing, and how much flexibility you need.
The sections below outline the typical differences:
1. Shuttle Service
Typical cost: Most providers charge an average of $30 per person or more
Travel time: About 75 minutes to 2 hours based on the airport
Best for: Solo travelers and couples
Shared airport transfers to Galveston cruise port operate on a fixed schedule and group passengers heading to Galveston. This helps keep the cost lower, though it may include a few stops along the way.
Pros:
- Lower cost per person
- Predictable departure times
- Designed around cruise schedules
Cons:
- Fixed schedule
- Includes multiple stops
- Less flexibility
2. Uber
Typical cost: UberX ride from Houston to Galveston typically starts at $65. UberXL and Uber Black start at $115 and $192 respectively. Read source: Uber.
Travel time: About 1 to 1.5 hours
Best for: Flexible, on-demand travel
Rideshare services from Houston airport to Galveston are available at IAH & HOU airports and can be booked on demand. Pricing varies depending on demand and time of day.
Pros:
- No fixed schedule
- Easy app-based booking
- Works for short-notice travel
Cons:
- Larger vehicles not always guaranteed
- Surge pricing during peak times
- Availability can vary
How Most Travelers Decide
If cost is the main concern, shared shuttles are usually enough. Rideshare like Uber can work for flexibility and last-minute booking convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the shared shuttle price per person or per vehicle?
Per person, with a minimum charge of 2 seats. A couple pays $60 one way or $120 round trip. A solo traveler pays the same.
Do private shuttle prices include all passengers?
Yes. Private pricing covers the full vehicle up to its stated capacity. A group of 2 and a group of 5 pay the same rate for the same vehicle. You pay one flat rate regardless of how many passengers are in your party.
What is included in the private shuttle price?
Direct transfer from your pickup location to your Galveston destination, luggage assistance, and a 60-minute grace period at the airport. There are no additional charges for standard pickup and drop-off. Optional stops such as Buc-ee’s or NASA Space Center are available at an additional cost and must be arranged at the time of booking.
Can I add a stop at NASA Space Center or Buc-ee’s?
Yes, on private bookings only. A 15-minute stop at Buc-ee’s or a food stop is $30. A 2-hour stop at NASA Space Center Houston is $120. Shared shuttle routes run on a fixed schedule and do not include custom stops. All stops must be requested when booking.
Need further assistance?
Need help finding the answers you need? Let’s have a conversation.
Explore Our Convenient Hourly Shuttle Rides Starting at $30!
We run regular hourly shuttles between Houston airports and Galveston Island.
Last Updated: May 1st, 2026