Carnival Breeze At Cruise Terminal 28 Flying in for a cruise out of Galveston likely means you will flying into Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P Hobby (HOU). This post will discuss some general information about flying in for a Galveston cruise as well as share tips about getting from the Houston airport to the Galveston Cruise Terminal.
The Two Airports Of Houston Are IAH (Bush Intercontinental) and HOU (Houston Hobby)
There are two airports that cruisers flying in for a Galveston Cruise can use for flying into Houston.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH):
This airport is located approximately 70 miles away from Galveston on the North Side of Houston. Typically it takes between 1 - 1.5 hours to get from IAH to Galveston assuming no traffic delays, road construction delays, and the optimal route is taken.
William P Hobby Airport (HOU):
This airport is located approximately 42 miles away from Galveston and on the South-Southeast side of Houston. Typically it takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to get from Hobby Airport to Galveston assuming no traffic delays, road construction delays, and the optimal route is taken.
There are two airports that cruisers flying in for a Galveston Cruise can use for flying into Houston.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH):
This airport is located approximately 70 miles away from Galveston on the North Side of Houston. Typically it takes between 1 - 1.5 hours to get from IAH to Galveston assuming no traffic delays, road construction delays, and the optimal route is taken.
William P Hobby Airport (HOU):
This airport is located approximately 42 miles away from Galveston and on the South-Southeast side of Houston. Typically it takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to get from Hobby Airport to Galveston assuming no traffic delays, road construction delays, and the optimal route is taken.
Getting From The Airport To The Galveston Cruise Terminals
There are several options you can consider to get from the airport to the Galveston cruise terminals. Research each option you are interested in to compare prices, time it would take for you to get to Galveston, and what best works for your individual situation. Your options may vary a little bit depending on if you are trying to get to Galveston from the airport on the day of the cruise versus coming in a day early.
There are several options you can consider to get from the airport to the Galveston cruise terminals. Research each option you are interested in to compare prices, time it would take for you to get to Galveston, and what best works for your individual situation. Your options may vary a little bit depending on if you are trying to get to Galveston from the airport on the day of the cruise versus coming in a day early.
- Ground Transportation Offered By Your Cruise Line - Many cruise lines out of Galveston offer ground transportation that can be purchased from the cruise line. Typically this option is available for the day of the cruise and leaves the airport at certain times. The options available may vary depending on which airport you are flying into. Check with your cruise line to see if a ground transportation option is offered and what options you may have to get to Galveston if something is offered.
- Ride-Share (Uber, Lyft, Etc.) - Ride share companies are another option to get to Galveston from the Houston airports. Lyft has an official agreement with the Port of Galveston and can drop passengers off on cruise terminal property as the port charges a tariff for drop-off. As of March 23, 2023, Uber does not have an agreement with the Port of Galveston and usually drops off guests close to terminal property, but does not drop off directly at the cruise terminal. This may change soon as the Port of Galveston's March 2023 board meeting contains a draft operating agreement between the port and Uber so it will be interesting to see if this ends up changing soon!
The price of the ride share companies can vary greatly depending on day, time, demand for rides, and which airport you are traveling from to Galveston. - Taxi - Both airports usually have taxis available that can take cruisers to Galveston. Make sure you understand how your fare is being calculated as it could be mileage, travel time, or some combination of both plus any other factors that company uses to determine fare. The rate could also be flat, but it really depends on the taxi operator.
- Shuttles - There are some companies that offer shuttle service to Galveston, including the cruise terminal area, that are not affiliated with the cruise line. If you are interested in taking shuttle service you need to look into price, departure times, whether a reservation is required, and any other factors that may impact your ability to get to Galveston.
- Rental Car - There are usually several rental car companies available near both Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P Hobby Airport. Prices can vary based on the type of car you are renting and how long you will have the car rented. If you are getting a rental car one thing you should consider where to park the rental car while you are on the cruise. In this case you will be paying for parking of the rental car plus the daily rental fee. Also, if you are renting a car make sure you are mindful of any toll roads that you may take on your way to or from Galveston as the tolls or fees will likely be passed along to you by the rental car company.
Tipping: It is generally customary to tip your driver and any assistants that may handle your luggage on a transfer, taxi, shuttle, etc. While the amount you give is ultimately up to you, it is customary to give $1 or $2 per bag.
Things To Consider When Planning Getting From The Airport to Galveston:
Flying Into Houston On Your Cruise Day:
Personally, I get stressed flying in on the day of the cruise due to the many risks of flight delays or a delay getting to the cruise terminal. However, if this is your situation, there are some things that you need to consider since you are flying into one of the Houston airports on the day your cruise departs.
If you are flying into Houston before your Galveston cruise, you have more time to get to Galveston. You could stay in Houston area before heading to Galveston or go directly to Galveston to spend some time pre-cruise. How you do this is totally up to you! There are still some things for you to consider:
Flying Into Houston On Your Cruise Day:
Personally, I get stressed flying in on the day of the cruise due to the many risks of flight delays or a delay getting to the cruise terminal. However, if this is your situation, there are some things that you need to consider since you are flying into one of the Houston airports on the day your cruise departs.
- Make sure your flight arrives early. You need to make sure you have enough time to collect your luggage, find your transportation, spend time on the road traveling to Galveston, and check-in at the cruise terminal. Give some time incase your flight arrives late or you face traffic or road construction delays.
- Depending on your transportation method to the cruise terminal, the location of pick-up could vary. Try to research in advance where you need to go when leaving the airport to get on your method of transportation. Prior research can save you time later when it actually matters!
If you are flying into Houston before your Galveston cruise, you have more time to get to Galveston. You could stay in Houston area before heading to Galveston or go directly to Galveston to spend some time pre-cruise. How you do this is totally up to you! There are still some things for you to consider:
- Cruise line shuttle options from the airport are usually not available earlier than the day of the cruise. However, there are many other transportation methods you can look into using.
- Make sure you consider where you are going to stay for the night(s) before your cruise starts.
Road Construction In The Houston & Galveston Area That May Impact Getting To The Galveston Cruise Terminals:
Road construction is usually planned in advance, but sometimes unplanned road construction must take place and causes lane closures, traffic jams, and issues. Houston Transtar will post TX DOT construction schedule for roads in the Houston area where you can see lane(s) closed, timing of closures, and any other relevant information. Click Here to visit the Houston Transtar website (link will take you away from RyG's Cruise Guide).
Road construction is usually planned in advance, but sometimes unplanned road construction must take place and causes lane closures, traffic jams, and issues. Houston Transtar will post TX DOT construction schedule for roads in the Houston area where you can see lane(s) closed, timing of closures, and any other relevant information. Click Here to visit the Houston Transtar website (link will take you away from RyG's Cruise Guide).
Debarkation Day Of The Cruise: Getting Back To The Airport For A Departing Flight From Houston:
If you are flying out of Houston on the same day you get off your cruise, there are a few things you need to consider and keep in mind:
If you are flying out of Houston on the same day you get off your cruise, there are a few things you need to consider and keep in mind:
- Regardless of the transportation method you are taking back to the airport, make sure you book a flight that is not too early. You need to allow time to get off your cruise ship, travel to the airport, and go through security & check-in at the airport.
- Keep in mind there could be delays due to traffic, road construction, or weather.
- Fog is sometimes an issue that keeps Galveston based cruise ships from being able to dock timely. If you are sailing at a time of year where fog could cause an issue, consider booking a flight for later in the day of debarkation from the cruise or consider flying out the next day. Fog and delays can be unpredictable so have a back-up plan in place. Also, consider booking airline tickets with flexible terms that would allow you to change your flight if needed on the day off.
More Galveston Cruise Tips:
Some Things To Do In Galveston Pre-Or Post Cruise Vacation
Things To Spot When Cruising From Galveston
Galveston Cruise Guide
Some Things To Do In Galveston Pre-Or Post Cruise Vacation
Things To Spot When Cruising From Galveston
Galveston Cruise Guide
Have a great cruise from Galveston! Enjoy your time in Houston, Galveston, and Texas before and after your cruise!