Getting flights into Houston's airports

​Flights are normally available about 10 months out from the scheduled travel dates. Note that Southwest flies frequently into Houston's Hobby airport but they only open schedules for 5-6 months in the future so it will be a while before you easily search their flights. Also, flights on Southwest can only be displayed from their website, so please use the 
Logo Link below to access their flight schedules and fares. Additional carriers flying into Houston IAH or HOU are also shown if you prefer just to go straight to their respective sites.
This handy flight search tool below will let you compare multiple airlines right here and then, once you've found something agreeable to you, we recommend booking directly with the carrier to simply things should there be any any "hitches" in schedule changes, etc.

Getting to Galveston from the airports

Houston's Hobby airport (HOU) is the closes major airport to the port at about 40 miles away,  Houston's largest airport, Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is about 70 miles away. Below you can review options for flying in using the air search tool, SkyScanner and also use the links for service providers for private taxi and shuttle services from the airports.

​Rideshare | Uber & Lyft (Recommended)

For most people, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft makes the most sense. You can request a car when you arrive at the airport, and it’s a fast, easy way to make your way to Galveston. It’s also one of your cheapest options unless you are traveling solo.

Estimated fares from Hobby are in the $40-60 range, each way. If you are flying into Bush Intercontinental on the north side of Houston, the estimated fare is $70-90 each way. The price you pay (and the length of your ride) will often depend on traffic along I-45 to Galveston.

Keep in mind that this price is for up to four people in a single car — not per person. There are also larger cars available if traveling with a larger group or if you have a lot of luggage. Uber and Lyft serve both of the Houston airports and can drop-off/pick-up in Galveston, however, only Lyft has direct access to the cruise terminals at this point. Still, you can get dropped off (and picked up) by either service right near the port.
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Note: If you are new to Uber or Lyft and plan to use them, you should download the app before you leave home for the cruise port. There is some account setup that you’ll need to do, and you don’t want to try to do this at the airport after you arrive.
​Independent Shuttles (Recommended)

Seeing a need in the market, a number of shuttle services have popped up that provide rides to and from the Houston airports and the Galveston cruise port. While other options are cheaper for most parties, if you are traveling with a larger group then the shuttles can be a deal.

Expect to pay around $60 to $80 round trip, per person. It’s obviously a little more expensive to get to Galveston from Intercontinental compared to Hobby.
Galveston Limousine: This company has limousine in the name, but does offer shared service from the airports to Galveston, departing roughly every hour. Book online ahead of time and the rate is $50 round trip per person from Hobby and $70 per person from Bush Intercontinental. 
Galveston Express: Offers both shared or private service between the airports and the cruise ship. The cheapest option is shared service, costing $65 per person round trip from Houston Hobby and $75 round trip from Bush Intercontinental. There is a $5 discount if you are a senior (55+) or for children under 10 years old.
Island Breeze Shuttle: Another shuttle service with rates of $150 round trip for two passengers between Hobby and the cruise ship. Additional passengers cost extra. Rates run $190 for two passengers needing transport from Intercontinental on the north side of Houston. Want to save a little money? The company has 10% discounts for seniors (65+) and for military.

Getting to Galveston by private car

Galveston is about an hour south of Houston using I-45. Getting there is straightforward. If you are being dropped at the pier and do not need to park, then congratulations! Your work is done.

If you need to park and you are NOT arriving early, then you might want to visit one of these parking facilities, including the "official" one that allows for prepaid pier parking: If you are arriving early and staying at THE TREMONT HOUSE, our group rates will provide you a parking option and shuttle service for what is now an additional $100.  If you are not staying at the Tremont House, ask your hotel if they offer cruise shuttle services.  To take advantage of the Tremont cruise parking option, all guests MUST contact the hotel at least 30 days in advance to advise they will be using the STAY, PARK, SAIL option. The Tremont can be reached at (409) 763-0300.