
Getting to the Galveston Cruise Port from Houston Airport is easier than you think! The drive typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
You can take a taxi or ride-share service, but be aware that traffic can be a real challenge. The cruise port is about 50 miles from the airport, so you'll want to factor in some extra time for your journey.
If you're not renting a car, public transportation is a viable option. The Galveston Island Trolley is a convenient way to get to the cruise port from the airport, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
If this caught your attention, see: Transportation from Houston Hobby to Port of Galveston
Getting to the Cruise Port
You have several options to get to the Galveston Cruise Port from Houston Airport. Official cruise shuttles are available through your cruise package, but they can be more expensive.
Private shuttle companies and official cruise line shuttle services operate in the city, giving you two ways to travel by shuttle. Official cruise shuttles are often more convenient, as you don't have to worry about a late shuttle or no-show.
Book your taxi or chauffeur service from Houston Airport to Galveston Cruise Port with a private transfer company, which can be booked in under 60 seconds with instant confirmation.
Intriguing read: Houston Hobby Airport to Galveston Cruise Port
Transfers
The transfers from Houston Airport to Galveston Cruise Port are a crucial part of your journey.
You can take a shuttle bus, also known as the SuperShuttle, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour to reach the cruise port, depending on traffic.
The cost of the shuttle bus is approximately $25-$30 per person, depending on the provider and the time of booking.
There are also private car and van services available, such as ExecuCar and Galveston Shuttle, which can be booked in advance for a higher price.
Some cruise lines offer transfer services, so be sure to check with your cruise line for any options they may offer.
Galveston Shuttle offers a shared van service for a lower price, around $15-$20 per person, which can be a more budget-friendly option.
It's worth noting that traffic in Houston can be unpredictable, so be sure to check for any road closures or construction before booking your transfer.
Exploring Options

If you're flying into Houston, you have several options to get to the Port of Galveston for your cruise. The cheapest and most convenient way is to use a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft.
You can also pre-book shuttle services or use official cruise transport, but be prepared for a higher price tag. Official Carnival shuttle, for example, costs $116 per person round trip from IAH.
Expect similar prices from other cruise lines, and even larger price jumps for taxis. Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are still the cheapest options available.
Explore Options with This Guide
If you're flying into Houston, there are multiple ways to get to the Port of Galveston for your cruise. Using a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel between the two destinations.
You can also pre-book shuttle services or use official cruise transport for a more organized experience. Renting a car is another option that gives you more freedom to explore the state on your Texan vacation.
Party buses, limos, exotic cars, and even a helicopter charter are unique and fun transport options to consider for a memorable trip. For a comprehensive guide to all your options, look no further than this guide.
Check this out: Alaska Car Transport Tacoma Port
Transportation Options
If you're flying into Houston, you have several options to get to the Port of Galveston for your cruise.
The cheapest and most convenient way to travel between the two destinations is by using a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft.
Both airports, IAH and HOU, offer similar transportation services, including taxis, cruise line shuttles, car rentals, and independent shuttles to the Port of Galveston.
The official Carnival shuttle between IAH and the cruise port runs $116 per person round trip, compared to $82 from Houston Hobby.
Expect to spend at least $100 for roundtrip transportation to Galveston for a couple taking a cruise, whether you choose a rideshare service or an independent shuttle.
The distance between Houston Airport and Galveston Cruise Port is approximately 114.65 km.
A private taxi or minivan from Houston Airport to Galveston Cruise Port can be booked in advance to ensure a door-to-door service with no surprises.
Airport Considerations
Houston Hobby is a more convenient airport to Galveston due to its shorter distance to the cruise port and smaller size, making it easier to get in and out.

The extra distance and cost of getting to the port from Bush-Intercontinental might be worth it if you can save more than $75 per person on a round trip flight.
While Hobby is a better option for us, it's smart to search for flights into both airports to ensure you're getting the best price and time for your trip.
Other Services: Car Rentals & Private Cars
If you want to have the freedom to explore Galveston on your own, a car rental is a good idea. This way you always have transportation, including from the airport to the Galveston cruise port.
Only Enterprise has a lot on the island, so you will need to rent with them if you plan to drop the car off in Galveston. However, sometimes they won’t allow one-way rentals from the airport (it still doesn’t hurt to check).
Every major car rental company is at the Houston airports. If you can find a decent rate, it’s possible to rent the car for the entire length of your cruise and just pay to park during your trip (parking costs start around $100 per week).
You can search for rental cars to the island below, but keep in mind that Enterprise is your best bet.
Private cars are another option, but aren’t always the cheapest way to get to the cruise ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a carnival shuttle from Houston to Galveston?
Yes, Carnival Cruise Line offers a shuttle service from Houston airports (George Bush Intercontinental or Hobby International) to the Port of Galveston on the day of embarkation or debarkation. Shuttle reservations can be made up to two days prior to your sail date.
Sources
- https://portskipper.com/port-of-galveston/transportation/
- https://www.cruzely.com/which-airport-should-you-fly-into-for-your-galveston-cruise/
- https://www.mytransfers.com/en/destination/united-states/houston-airport-iah/galveston-cruise-port/
- https://www.carnival.com/airport-transfers/galveston
- https://www.cruzely.com/how-to-get-from-the-houston-airport-to-the-galveston-cruise-port/
Featured Images: pexels.com