23 May 2025
A new hourly Houston to Galveston shuttle service is promising to take the strain out of the 50‑mile journey from Houston’s airports to Galveston Island – and, crucially, to its booming cruise terminals.
Houston to Galveston Shuttle – Key points at a glance
- Fare: Fixed US $30 per passenger, one‑way
- Timetable: Departures every hour, 08:00–20:00 CT, daily
- Journey time: 60–90 minutes, traffic permitting
- Stops: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU) and Galveston Cruise Terminals 10, 25 & 28
- Booking window: Up to two hours before departure – online only
“We wanted to make cruise transfers predictable again,” says operations manager M. Ortiz. “The price is clear, the schedule is clear – people can plan with confidence.”
Why it matters
Cruise passenger numbers in Galveston have risen by 30% in two years, according to port data, with more than 1.4 million travelers expected in 2025. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis‑class ships, Disney’s new Wish‑class sailings and Carnival’s year‑round deployments have turned the island into North America’s fourth‑busiest cruise port.
Yet the 50‑mile hop from Houston remains a pinch‑point. Ride‑share fares regularly spike above US $150 at weekends, while public buses require two changes and can take three hours. The shuttle, launched by Houston2Galveston.com, plugs that gap by offering a middle‑ground: cheaper than a taxi, faster than a bus and far simpler than renting a car and paying cruise‑port parking fees.
How the service works
- Travellers book online, choosing an airport pick‑up or a return from the island.
- A QR code arrives by e‑mail and text.
- On the day, passengers present the code at the designated kerb.
- A navy‑blue Mercedes Sprinter – fitted with Wi‑Fi and USB‑C charging – makes the nonstop run down Interstate‑45.
Dispatch monitors flight data in real time. Late arrivals are automatically moved to the next coach at no extra cost, while SMS updates keep passengers in the loop.
Timetable and fare table
| Sector | Service window | Frequency | Single fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| IAH → Galveston | 08:00–20:00 | Hourly | US $30 |
| Hobby → Galveston | 08:00–20:00 | Hourly | US $30 |
| Galveston → IAH/Hobby | 08:00–20:00 | Hourly | US $30 |
All times are Central Time. Infant car seats are supplied free on request but must be reserved in advance.
‘Nobody wants surprises at the kerb’ – passenger view
Cruise blogger L. Bennett, who tested the service this month:
“I paid my thirty dollars, got the QR on my phone and that was it. No haggling, no queue. We were at Terminal 28 in just 2 hours.”
Families echo the sentiment. K. Jenkins, travelling with two toddlers, praised the free car‑seat option: “Booking car seats with hired cars is a nightmare. Here they were waiting, strapped in and clean.”
Houston to Galveston Shuttle Route in pictures
The 70‑mile drive south on Interstate‑45 offers fleeting snapshots of coastal Texas – oil‑rig yards at La Marque, the vast wetlands of Moses Lake and a first glimpse of the Gulf as the shuttle crosses the Galveston Causeway. Drivers provide a short commentary and point out landmarks for first‑timers.
Environmental note
Each fully‑booked Sprinter removes the equivalent of six cars from the freeway, saving an estimated 45 kg of CO₂ per journey. The operator offsets remaining emissions via a Texas coastal wetland scheme and has pledged to introduce electric vans once fast‑charging is installed at the port.
Cost comparison
| Option | Typical cost (one‑way) | Journey time | Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly shuttle | US $30 | 2 hours | Set departure times |
| Ride‑share | US $120–180 | 1.5 hours | Surge pricing on cruise days |
| Taxi | US $140–200 | 1.5 hours | Meter plus airport fee |
| Rental car | From US $80 + fuel | 1.5 hours | Cruise‑port parking required |
| Public bus | US $15 | 5 hours | Several changes, luggage limits |
Step‑by‑step: finding your pick‑up point
- IAH Terminal A – Ground Transport Zone - Door A 104.
- IAH Terminals C – Follow the signs to Door C 104 and cross to the central island.
- Hobby Airport – Outside baggage carousel 5, Zone 2.
- Galveston Cruise Port – Outside each terminal’s shuttle pickup zone from 07:30 AM.
Your SMS and/or email confirmation carries instructions to exact pickup location.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive for the shuttle?
Be at the pickup point ten minutes before the hour; boarding closes five minutes prior.
What if my flight is delayed?
Update dispatch via email or phone; you’ll be moved to the next shuttle free of charge if seats are available.
Is tipping required?
Gratuities are optional. A customary tip is US $5–10.
Can I cancel?
Yes – full refunds apply up to 24 hours before travel.
Can I bring sports equipment?
Golf clubs, surfboards and fishing rods travel free if declared in advance.
Book your seat on our Houston to Galveston Shuttle
Click below, choose your hour and secure a place on the next Houston to Galveston shuttle.