Houston Airport to Galveston Taxi Fare — Meter vs Flat Rate
A metered taxi from IAH to Galveston works out to roughly $165 or more, and from Hobby roughly $100 or more, before waiting time and tip. That estimate uses the City of Houston meter rate of $2.91 to start and $2.31 per mile. A pre-booked flat-rate sedan is $160 and a van for 5 is $170 from either airport.
- IAH → Galveston meter: about $165+
- Hobby → Galveston meter: about $100+
- Flat rate: sedan $160 · van $170
- Uber estimates and shared $40 compared
How the Taxi Meter Adds Up
Galveston is outside Houston's airport zone-fare areas, so a taxi to the island runs on the meter.
| Charge (City of Houston rates) | Daytime | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Starting fare (first 1/11 mile) | $2.91 | $3.91 |
| Each additional mile | $2.31 | $2.31 |
| Waiting time in traffic | $24 per hour | $24 per hour |
| IAH airport departure surcharge | $2.75 | $2.75 + $1.00 late night |
| Hobby airport departure surcharge | $1.25 | $1.25 + $1.00 late night |
Rates from the City of Houston vehicle-for-hire page and Houston Airports' ground transportation pages, checked October 2026.
| Trip | Miles (approx.) | Meter estimate* |
|---|---|---|
| IAH → Galveston cruise port | ~70 | ~$165–$175 |
| Hobby → Galveston cruise port | ~42 | ~$100–$110 |
| Downtown Houston → Galveston | ~50 | ~$118–$125 |
*Distance × $2.31 + starting fare + airport surcharge. Waiting time in traffic and tip are extra, so real fares are often higher.
Taxi vs Uber vs Flat-Rate Shuttle
| Option | IAH → Galveston | Hobby → Galveston | Price fixed upfront? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metered taxi | ~$165+ plus waiting and tip | ~$100+ plus waiting and tip | No |
| Uber / Lyft | Visit Galveston: about $100+ | Uber estimate about $64 · Visit Galveston: $75+ | Quote in app, changes with demand |
| Flat-rate sedan (3 pax) | $160 | $160 | Yes |
| Flat-rate van (5 pax) | $170 | $170 | Yes |
| Shared shuttle | $40 per person (min 3) | $40 per person (min 3) | Yes |
Uber and Visit Galveston figures are their published estimates and change often.
Flat-Rate Airport to Galveston Prices
Know your full price before you land.
| Route | Sedan 3 pax | Van 5 pax | SUV 5 pax | Big van 10 pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAH → Galveston | $160 | $170 | $260 | $310 |
| Hobby → Galveston | $160 | $170 | $210 | $310 |
| Galveston → IAH | $160 | $170 | $260 | $310 |
| Galveston → Hobby | $160 | $170 | $210 | $310 |
One price per vehicle · tolls included · child seats $15 · Full Houston to Galveston guide →
How to Pay Less Getting to Galveston
Share one vehicle
A van is $170 for up to 5, about $34 each.
Fly into Hobby
It is about 28 miles closer than IAH, which matters if you take a meter or rideshare.
Avoid surge times
Rideshare prices climb on Saturday and Sunday cruise mornings. A flat rate does not.
Book a round trip
Round trips are $340 by van from Hobby and $430 from IAH.
Airport to Galveston Taxi Fare FAQ
How much is a taxi from IAH to Galveston?
Using City of Houston meter rates, a taxi from IAH to Galveston works out to roughly $165 to $175 for about 70 miles, plus waiting time and tip. A flat-rate sedan is $160 and a van is $170 with The Houston Taxi.
How much is a taxi from Hobby Airport to Galveston?
About $100 to $110 on the meter for the roughly 42-mile trip, plus waiting time and tip. A flat-rate sedan is $160 and a van for 5 is $170.
How much is a taxi from downtown Houston to Galveston?
About $118 to $125 on the meter for roughly 50 miles, before waiting time and tip. A private van from downtown is $170 for up to 5.
Do Houston airport taxis have a flat rate to Galveston?
No. The City of Houston's airport zone fares cover areas inside Houston. Galveston is outside those zones, so the taxi runs on the meter.
What are the Houston taxi meter rates?
The City of Houston rate is $2.91 for the first 1/11 mile in the daytime ($3.91 at night) and $2.31 for each additional mile, plus waiting time.
Is there an airport fee for taxis?
Yes. Houston Airports lists a $2.75 departure surcharge at IAH and $1.25 at Hobby, plus $1.00 for late-night trips between 8 PM and 6 AM.
Is Uber cheaper than a taxi to Galveston?
Often, at quiet times. Uber's own estimate from Hobby to Galveston is about $64. On busy cruise mornings rideshare prices can climb past taxi and flat-rate prices.
What is the cheapest way from the Houston airport to Galveston?
For a solo traveler, a shared shuttle seat or a rideshare at a quiet time is usually cheapest. For 3 or more people, a flat-rate sedan ($160) or van ($170) is often cheaper per person.
Do I tip a taxi driver to Galveston?
Tips are customary for taxis and rideshares in Houston. With The Houston Taxi, tips are not included and are optional.
How much is a taxi from Galveston back to the airport?
On the meter, about the same as the trip down. A flat-rate van from any cruise terminal to IAH or Hobby is $170.
Do you have child car seats?
Yes. Infant, convertible and booster seats are $15 each and are installed before pickup.
Are tolls included?
Yes. Tolls are included in every flat rate.
What if my flight is delayed?
Your driver tracks your flight and your pickup time moves with it at no extra charge.
Skip the Meter. Know Your Price.
Flat-rate sedan $160 or van $170 from IAH or Hobby to any Galveston cruise terminal, tolls included.