If you’re flying into Houston TX and planning to cruise from Galveston TX, let us help with your transportation. Here in Houston we have two main airports

1. George Bush International Airport in Houston (IAH)

2. Houston William Hobby International Airport (HOU)

This article will help you find transfers for newlyweds, a family of 4 or a whole family reunion, even a group of friends looking to have a good time. There are many options available for getting from these airports to the cruise terminal in Galveston. These options include cruise line bus transfer, private shuttle bus, limousine or private car, taxi, and car rental.

First, you need to do some homework and check all the options available to you and at what price. You’ll be surprised what the competition can do with prices and extras, so try to find the best value for your money.

Below I have listed all the options available, starting with the classic taxi ride and ending with the luxury limousine.

Taxi transfer between Houston airports and Galveston cruise terminal

A one-way taxi ride from Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) and the Galveston Cruise Terminal, which is about 40 miles, will cost about $105 on average. (Not counting traffic delays that would make it a bit higher)

For George Bush International (IAH), the taxi ride will cost about $179 as the Bush airport is much further north of Galveston, which is about a 70-mile drive. (Not counting traffic delays that would make it a bit higher)

*Rates for the taxi ride were obtained from the Houston Yellow Cab dispatcher by phone on April 12, 2013 at 6:30 pm

Cruise Line Shuttle Service Between Houston Airports and Galveston Cruise Terminal

As of April 12, 2013, the transfer fee from Houston airports to the Galveston Cruise Terminal, as listed on Carnival’s website, using the cruise line transfer from IAH to Galveston is $45 per person one way ($90 round trip) and $35 per person one way. one way ($70 roundtrip) from Hobby Airport to Galveston.

Car Rental from IAH or Hobby to Galveston Cruise Terminal

Many people rent a car to drive from the Houston airports to Galveston. You can find all the main car rental places at both airports. You can get a rental car between the Galveston cruise terminal and the airports for about $65 a day. Car rental agencies have shuttles to take you to and from the ship.

For groups of 5 or 6, it’s usually a good deal if you get to Houston early and want to visit other places in Houston or Galveston, and want a car for the convenience, but if you total up the expenses and hassle related to the car rental turns out to be a bad deal. Think of gasoline, driving in an unfamiliar city; I do not know the areas of traffic jams, the cost of parking in Galveston, the transfer from the airport to the rental place, the transfer from the parking lot to the cruise terminal. Well, the cost of a 7-day cruise would be around $450 for car rental, $80 for gas, $60 for parking, for a total cost of around $600. If none of that bothers you, then you’re good to go.

Shared Private Transfer from Galveston Crusie Ship to Hobby or IAH Airports.

Most of the time, this is the cheapest way to get from Houston airports to the Galveston cruise terminal. If you have a large group, or are traveling with your family, this option can be a very affordable transportation option. The per person fare to transfer from Houston Hobby to the Galveston Cruise Terminal is approximately $35, and from George Bush International (IAH) to Galveston, is approximately $45, assuming a group of 5 or 6 passengers.

TownCar or Limousine from Houston Hobby/IAH to Galveston Cruise Terminal

Another good option, which most people do not think about because of the stigma associated with limousine service being for rich people or very expensive. In fact, limousine companies provide excellent service at very competitive prices. For example, many limousines in Houston offer a Towncar transfer from Hobby Airport to the Galveston Crusie Terminal or for that matter most of the east side of Galveston Island for $110.00 (for 3 passengers, it costs about $36 each), which is really affordable for a limousine service, and very comfortable luxury towncar. Transportation from George Bush International (IAH) to the Galveston Cruise Terminal or another part of the island is $149 for a Towncar and $175 for a 7-passenger SUV, so do the math. They also offer 10 passenger vans at very competitive prices. And again it’s a limousine service, and most of the time, it’s cheaper than a taxi ride.

Other advantages of the limousine service are:

• You don’t need to wait in line like you do for taxis.
• They greet you inside the terminal with a sign with your name on it.
• You can pay for the service in advance, it helps if you want to pay for your parents, for example.
• They can accommodate large groups.
• They provide professional drivers.
• They offer online booking
• They monitor your flight in case you arrive early, or are delayed, so you will always have a driver waiting for you.
• They can be hired by the hour to provide transportation around the city.
• They provide discounts on car service when you book online (some companies)