The #1 resource for travelers searching Houston to Galveston transportation, distances, schedules, prices, and insider tips.
Table of Contents
- Why Trust Our Shared Shuttle?
- Houston to Galveston Distance & Route
- Daily Shuttle Schedule
- Transparent Pricing & Inclusions
- Step‑by‑Step Booking Guide
- Pickup & Drop‑Off Locations
- Cruise Passenger Essentials
- Traveling With Kids & Groups
- Things to Do After You Arrive
- Eco Benefits of Shared Shuttles
- Houston to Galveston vs. Other Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Book Your Shuttle Now
Why Trust Our Shared Shuttle from Houston to Galveston?
Our Houston to Galveston shuttle has moved more than 75,000 passengers since 2018. Here’s why travelers choose us:
- Flat $30 fare per person — no surge pricing, hidden fees, or seasonal mark‑ups.
- Guaranteed Seats. Reserve 24 h in advance & we hold your spot even if your flight is delayed.
- Modern Fleet. Late‑model Sprinter vans with AC, USB chargers, and extra‑large luggage compartments.
- Professional Drivers. Fully licensed, insured, and background‑checked Texas chauffeurs.
- Cruise‑Friendly Timing. Departures aligned to major embarkation & debarkation windows for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney ships.
- Real Reviews. 5.0⭐ average on Google & TripAdvisor.
Quick Tip: Lock the lowest fare by booking online—airport walk‑ups cost $10 more.
Houston to Galveston Distance & Route
At just 50.3 miles (80.9 km) via I‑45 S, the ride typically takes 60–90 minutes. Traffic hotspots include:
- Downtown Houston Merge. Avoidable via Hardy Toll Rd–I‑610 loop on weekdays.
- La Marque Construction Zone. Nighttime lane closures; our dispatch reroutes when needed.
- Galveston Causeway. 40 mph limit—plan five extra minutes during cruise rush.
Interactive Route Map
We embed a live Google Map (see below) so you can track rest stops, gas stations, and Wi‑Fi zones along the corridor.
Daily Shuttle Schedule
| Departure City | Pickup Window* | Typical Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|
| IAH ➜ Galveston | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | 2 hours |
| HOU ➜ Galveston | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | 1 hour |
| Galveston ➜ IAH/HOU | 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 2 hours (IAH) 1 Hour (HOU) |
*Times may shift ±15 min for flight delays—watch for SMS alerts.
Missed your slot? Stand‑by seats usually clear in 30 min.
Transparent Pricing & Inclusions
- Flat Fare: $30 each way, all taxes included.
- Free Extras: Wi‑Fi, chilled water, luggage assistance, and up to 2 bags + 1 carry‑on per traveler.
- Kids Travel Free: Children under 2 ride free on a parent’s lap; car seats available at no cost.
- Flexible Cancellation: 100 % refund if canceled ≥24 h before pickup.
Cost Comparison (2025)
| Mode | Avg. Cost | Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle | $30 | 1–1.5 h | Direct, cheapest door‑to‑door | Fixed departure windows |
| Uber / Lyft | $120–$180 | 1–1.5 h | On‑demand | Surge pricing, no car seats |
| Taxi | $150–$180 | 1–1.5 h | Curb pickup | Most expensive |
| Rental Car | $80 +/day + $15 /gal petrol | 1–1.5 h | Freedom to explore | Parking fees, cruise parking $95/week |
| Public Bus | $15–$30 | 3 h | Cheapest ticket | Multiple transfers, limited baggage |
Step‑by‑Step Booking Guide for Houston to Galveston Shuttle
- Choose Route & Date on our secure booking form.
- Enter Flight / Cruise Info for real‑time delay monitoring.
- Select Passenger Count & Car Seats (if required).
- Pay Securely via credit, debit, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
- Receive Instant Confirmation email + SMS with pickup details.
- Enjoy Your Ride—our driver texts ETA 15 min before arrival.
Need Help? Call (409) 500‑2336 or use live chat 24 / 7.
Pickup & Drop‑Off Locations
Houston Airports
- IAH Terminal A: Ground Transportation, Door A104.
- IAH Terminal C: Shuttle island across from Door 104.
- Hobby Airport: Outer curb, Zone 2, adjacent to baggage claim carousel 5.
Galveston
- Cruise Terminal 25 (Carnival).
- Cruise Terminal 28 (Royal Caribbean).
- Cruise Terminal 10 (Disney).
- Historic Strand District (advance request).
ADA vehicles available—indicate during booking.
Cruise Passenger Essentials
- Align With Boarding Times. Our midday departures reach the port two hours before all major embarkations.
- Post‑Cruise Pickups. Drivers hold name boards outside luggage claim.
- Luggage Handling. Porters onsite to speed loading.
- Terminal Fees Included. No extra port entry charges.
Pro Tip: Choose first shuttle after debarkation to beat taxi lines and grab early lunch on the Strand.
Traveling from Houston to Galveston with Kids & Groups
Planning a multi‑generational cruise or wedding at sea?
- Group Blocks: Reserve up to 40 seats in one checkout.
- Family‑Friendly Amenities: Complimentary car seats, booster seats, and stroller space.
- Discounts: 10 % off for groups of 10 + when booked together.
- Dedicated Coordinator: Email [email protected].
Things to Do After You Arrive
- Historic Pleasure Pier – Ride the Iron Shark roller coaster.
- The Strand – Victorian‑era shops & seafood eateries.
- Moody Gardens – Aquarium, Rainforest Pyramid & 3D IMAX.
- Seawall Beaches – 32 mi of warm Gulf shoreline.
- Bishop’s Palace – Explore Galveston’s most famous mansion.
Our driver is happy to drop you at any Strand‑area hotel or attraction for just $5 extra (select “Downtown Drop” in checkout).
Eco Benefits of Shared Shuttles
Every full shuttle replaces 6 private cars on I‑45, saving roughly 45 kg of CO₂ per trip. We also:
- Use low‑emission, 2023‑plus model vans.
- Offset remaining carbon via Texas coastal wetland restoration projects.
- Recycle onboard plastic waste at Galveston port facilities.
Travel green while saving green 🤝.
Houston to Galveston vs Other Options
- Why not Uber? Surge fares often exceed $200 on cruise Saturdays.
- Why not drive? Galveston port parking costs $95/week; more for covered.
- Why not the bus? Greyhound runs 1 daily bus with zero cruise‑friendly slots.
Result: Our shuttle hits the sweet spot on cost, convenience, and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions – Houston to Galveston
Is there a shuttle from Houston airport to Galveston port?
Yes! We run daily shared shuttles from both IAH and Hobby directly to all Galveston cruise terminals.
How do I find my driver at IAH?
Check your confirmation email for the exact curb zone. Look for a navy‑blue van and a placard with your last name.
How early should I book?
Seats sell out 48 h in advance for Saturday cruises. Book as soon as you confirm flights.
What if my cruise disembarks late?
We hold the last port pickup until all passengers are through customs.
Can I bring sporting equipment?
Yes—golf clubs, surfboards, or fishing rods ride free if space is pre‑reserved.
Do you accept cash?
Online card payment secures your seat, but drivers accept cash tips.
Book Your Houston to Galveston Shuttle Now
Skip the stress—reserve your Houston to Galveston shuttle in under two minutes.
24/7 Support: Call (409) 500‑2336 or WhatsApp us from any country.
[Copyright © 2025 Houston2Galveston.com – All Rights Reserved]