Whether you’re driving and need to find parking or a hotel with parking, or flying in and need to get from the airports to the port area, we’ve covered all the options for you to make the best decision.
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Galveston sits at the south end of Interstate 45 (I-45) and this is the route most drivers will use to get to the port area. Only if you are coming in from around Freeport will it make more sense to enter along the Blue Water Highway.
Driving times from nearby major cities are:
- Austin: 3.5 hours (220 miles)
- Dallas/Fort Worth: 4.5 hours (290 miles)
- Houston: 1 hour (50 miles)
- San Antonio: 4 hours (250 miles)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Code: IAH)
The main airport in Houston and a United Airlines hub, George Bush Intercontinental is located 70 miles north of Galveston and 20 miles north of Houston.
Hobby Airport (Code: HOU)
Located 42 miles north-west of Galveston and 11 miles south-west of Houston, Hobby Airport caters to internal flights from the major US airlines, as well as the low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines.
With both airports located a distance from the port, a taxi will be an expensive option and we advise smaller groups of cruise passengers to use one of the cheaper options available. However, if you are a larger group prices can be competitive with other options. If you want the luxury of a private transfer, the companies below can all accommodate you.
- Offering everything from town cars for three people to coaches for 55, Elite Limo Houston should be able to meet your transport needs.
- If your group is at least eight people, then Aim Limousine can offer private transfers at a competitive rate.
- Z Limousine can provide private transfers for between one and 20 cruise passengers.
READ MORE: Looking for more information to plan your visit to Galveston? Check it out here!
Galveston has plenty of choices for shuttles from the two airports to the cruise terminal. The table below shows prices for each airport, per person, return. Because these prices are per person return, whereas private car prices are per car, a couple can save money this way; however, a family could be better off with an Uber or Lyft, which also means you aren’t sharing the vehicle with other cruisers.
| Name | Telephone | IAH Cost (USD) | Hobby Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galveston Express | 409-762-4397 | 60 | 50 | $5 discount for Concessions |
| Galveston Limousine | 409-744-5466 | 50 | 40 | |
| Cruise Connection | 409-497-2237 | 60 | 40 | |
| Galveston Flyer | 409-939-9521 | 60 | 50 | |
| Super Shuttle | 800-258-3826 | 40 - 60 | n/a | Prices are only competitive for three or more passengers. $180 for three $200 for four/five |
| Express Cruise Line Shuttle | 832-995-1500 | 70 | n/a |
Renting a car for just a few hours is our favourite way to get to the cruise terminal from the airport. As long as you don’t mind driving, possibly on the “wrong” side of the road for you, it gives you a private transfer that departs on your schedule and can be surprisingly competitive with other transportation options.
Unfortunately, Galveston is limited in car rental places with Enterprise being the only option at present and they don’t always offer one-way rentals for a sensible price at this location. If available expect to pay around $50-$60 for a rental of a standard car for less than a day.
It can be an easy option if available though as IAH has a dedicated car rental centre just outside the airport and dedicated rental car buses for all the major agencies run from each terminal to the centre. Once there, you head to your chosen provider.
Hobby Airport is the old system of each company having its own buses and off-site location, so you’ll need to find the bus for the agency you are using.
Paying the cruise company to get from the airport to the ship is rarely good value, especially if more than one or two people need a transfer. For example, Carnival prices as of Feb 2018 are – IAH $46.99/ HOU $36.99 (one way), so you will invariably be better off using one of the alternatives above.
Looking for more information to plan your visit to Galveston?
You may find these articles helpful.
Galveston Cruise Port Guide
Where to Stay in Galveston with ‘Park & Cruise’ Deals
Galveston Cruise Parking Options
Things to See and Do in Galveston
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