Flying to Galveston, TX — Best Airport & How to Get There
Galveston has no commercial airline service, so you'll land at Houston Hobby (HOU) or George Bush Intercontinental (IAH). This guide compares both airports and shows how to get to your Galveston cruise terminal or hotel at one flat rate.
- Private van to the cruise port: $170 from HOU or IAH
- Shared shuttle seat: $40 per person
- Flight tracking, tolls included, no surge
- Available 24/7
Hobby vs IAH — Best Airport for Galveston
There is no commercial airline service to Galveston. Scholes International Airport (GLS) handles private and charter flights only. Every scheduled flight lands at one of Houston's two airports.
Houston Hobby Airport
Southeast Houston · closest to Galveston
- Distance: about 45 miles
- Drive: 45–60 min
- Airlines: major Southwest base, plus a few other carriers
- Fares: van $170 · SUV $210 · big van $310
George Bush Intercontinental
North Houston · most airlines & international flights
- Distance: about 70 miles
- Drive: 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 45 min
- Airlines: United hub, plus many domestic & international carriers
- Fares: van $170 · SUV $260 · big van $310
Bottom line: Hobby is the shorter drive, and IAH has more flight options. The private van is $170 from either airport, so pick the best flight. Full IAH vs Hobby guide
Houston Airport to Galveston Transfer Rates
Every price is per vehicle and fixed when you book. No surge, no meter, tolls included. Tap a price to book.
To Galveston
| Route | Van 5 pax · 5 bags | SUV 5 pax · 5 bags | Big van 10 pax · 10 bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Hobby (HOU) → Galveston cruise port | $170 | $210 | $310 |
| ✈️ IAH → Galveston cruise port | $170 | $260 | $310 |
| 🏨 HOU or IAH → Galveston hotel | Call | Call | Call |
Back to the airport & round trips
| Route | Van 5 pax · 5 bags | SUV 5 pax · 5 bags | Big van 10 pax · 10 bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚢 Galveston → Hobby | $170 | $210 | $310 |
| 🚢 Galveston → IAH | $170 | $260 | $310 |
| 🔄 Round trip · Hobby ⇄ port | $340 | $410 | $620 |
| 🔄 Round trip · IAH ⇄ port | $430 | $520 | $620 |
Van and SUV: 5 passengers with 5 checked bags plus carry-ons · Big van: 10 passengers with 10 bags · Shared shuttle $40 per person · Galveston hotels: call or use our booking form for a quote · Child seats $15 each · Meet & greet +$50
Airport to Galveston in 5 Steps
1. Book before you fly
Choose your airport and vehicle and add your flight number. Your flat rate is set at booking.
2. We track your flight
Early or late? Your pickup adjusts automatically, at no extra charge.
3. Meet your driver
Curbside pickup at arrivals, or meet & greet inside with a name sign for $50.
4. Direct to Galveston
A private ride down I-45 South, straight to your cruise terminal or hotel.
5. Book your return
Debarkation mornings are busy. Pre-book your ride back to HOU or IAH.
fly to Galveston TX: not sure when to land?
Use our planner to work out your flight and pickup times. Plan your arrival
Galveston Cruise Terminals We Serve
Terminal assignments can change — always confirm on your cruise documents.
Flying to Galveston FAQ
fly to Galveston TX: is there an airport in Galveston, Texas?
Galveston has Scholes International Airport (GLS), but it has no scheduled commercial airline service. It serves private and charter aircraft. Most visitors and cruise passengers fly into Houston Hobby (HOU) or George Bush Intercontinental (IAH).
fly to Galveston TX: what airport do you fly into for Galveston?
Fly into Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), about 45 miles from Galveston, or George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), about 70 miles away. Then take a pre-booked shuttle or car to the island.
Can I fly directly into Galveston?
Not on a commercial airline. Scholes International Airport handles private and charter flights only, so commercial travelers land at Hobby or IAH and transfer by road.
fly to Galveston TX: which Houston airport is closest to Galveston?
Hobby Airport (HOU) is closest, about 45 miles and usually 45 to 60 minutes by car. IAH is about 70 miles, usually 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
fly to Galveston TX: is it better to fly into Hobby or IAH for a Galveston cruise?
Hobby is closer, so the drive is shorter. IAH has more airlines and international connections. With The Houston Taxi, the private van to the cruise port is $170 from either airport, so choose the airport with the best flights for you.
How do I get from Houston airport to Galveston?
The easiest way is a pre-booked private shuttle from HOU or IAH straight to your cruise terminal or hotel. With The Houston Taxi, a private van for up to 5 passengers is $170 from either airport, or a shared shuttle seat is $40 per person.
fly to Galveston TX: how much is a shuttle from Hobby Airport to Galveston?
From Hobby to the Galveston cruise port, a private van is $170, an SUV is $210 and a big van for up to 10 passengers is $310. Prices are per vehicle with tolls included.
fly to Galveston TX: how much is a shuttle from IAH to Galveston?
From IAH to the Galveston cruise port, a private van is $170, an SUV is $260 and a big van for up to 10 passengers is $310. Prices are per vehicle with tolls included.
fly to Galveston TX: is there a shared shuttle from Houston airport to Galveston?
Yes. A shared shuttle seat from IAH or Hobby to the Galveston cruise port is $40 per person. The vehicle may carry other cruise passengers.
fly to Galveston TX: is the price per person or per vehicle?
Private rides are priced per vehicle, so a group of 5 in a van pays $170 in total. Only the shared shuttle is priced per person.
Do you go to Galveston hotels as well as the cruise port?
Yes. We drive to hotels across Galveston Island, including Seawall Boulevard and downtown. Call (832) 786-9934 or use our booking form for a hotel quote.
fly to Galveston TX: which airlines fly into Hobby Airport?
Hobby is a major Southwest Airlines base, and Southwest operates most of its flights. A few other airlines also serve HOU.
fly to Galveston TX: which airlines fly into IAH?
IAH is a major United Airlines hub and is served by many other domestic and international airlines, which makes it the main choice for international travelers.
fly to Galveston TX: how long is the drive from Houston to Galveston?
From Hobby, about 45 to 60 minutes. From IAH, about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. Allow extra time at rush hour and on busy cruise weekends.
fly to Galveston TX: what time should I land in Houston on cruise day?
Allow time for delays, baggage claim and the drive. Many cruisers aim to land by late morning. Check your cruise line's check-in window and plan to reach the port inside it.
fly to Galveston TX: should I fly in the day before my cruise?
It is the safest option. A delayed flight on cruise day can mean missing the ship. We can pick you up from your Houston or Galveston hotel on cruise morning.
fly to Galveston TX: which Galveston cruise terminal is my ship at?
Royal Caribbean uses Terminal 10, Norwegian and MSC use Terminal 16, Carnival uses Terminal 25 and Disney uses Terminal 28, all on Harborside Drive. Always confirm on your cruise documents.
Do you track my flight?
Yes. Your driver tracks your flight and adjusts the pickup time if you land early or late, at no extra charge.
fly to Galveston TX: where do I meet my driver at the airport?
Standard pickup is at the arrivals curb, and your driver texts the meeting point. With meet and greet for $50, your driver waits inside with a name sign and helps with your bags.
fly to Galveston TX: how much luggage fits?
Vans and SUVs carry 5 passengers with 5 checked bags plus carry-ons. The big van carries 10 passengers with 10 bags.
Do you provide child car seats?
Yes. Infant, convertible and booster seats are $15 each. Request them when you book.
How much is a ride from Galveston back to the airport?
Galveston cruise port to IAH or Hobby is $170 by van. An SUV is $260 to IAH and $210 to Hobby, and a big van is $310.
Can I book a round trip?
Yes. Van round trips are $340 between Hobby and the cruise port and $430 between IAH and the cruise port. Add both flight numbers when you book.
What time should I book my flight home after a cruise?
Ships usually dock early in the morning. For IAH, many travelers choose flights after about noon; from Hobby, a slightly earlier flight can work because the drive is shorter.
Is a pre-booked shuttle better than Uber to Galveston?
For cruise travelers, usually yes. Rideshare prices are set when you request and can rise on busy cruise mornings. A pre-booked shuttle has a fixed price, flight tracking and a vehicle sized for your group.
Are tolls included?
Yes. Tolls are included in every flat rate.
Are you available 24/7?
Yes. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays, at the same flat rates.
How do I book an airport transfer to Galveston?
Tap a price on this page to book online, call (832) 786-9934 or message us on WhatsApp with your flight, destination and passenger count.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 24 hours before your scheduled pickup are fully refunded. Call or WhatsApp (832) 786-9934 to change or cancel.
Book Your Airport to Galveston Transfer
HOU or IAH → Galveston cruise port $170 per van • Shared seat $40 • Flight tracking • No surge • 24/7