Galveston Casino Boat Closes
Galveston Casino Boat Cost Rentals
Galveston Casino Boat Cost Estimate

Galveston, Texas is located 50 miles from Houston. So, whether you fly into the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) traveling between the two destinations requires a bit of planning before you arrive.

Luckily, this guide is here to help and will walk you through the eight best ways to get from Houston to the Port of Galveston, including:

That being said, Galveston County is the place to be if you’re up for sailing, swimming, fishing, or experiencing any other kind of water sport. Visit its county seat, the quiet town of Galveston; or cruise into a 45-minute drive to Kemah City, the nearby Clear Lake Shores or drop by the populous League City. Listen to spooky stories you won't find in any guidebook on a Galveston Ghost Tour. Whether you're a skeptic or supernatural superfan, there's fun for all on this offbeat walking tour. Discover more than 150 years of paranormal history with hair-raising tales of the local ghosts and ghouls.

Shuttles from Houston to the Port of Galveston
Private Transport from Houston to the Port of Galveston
Unique transportation options from Houston to the Port of Galveston
Large Group Transport from Houston to the Port of Galveston
And much more!

Are you ready to get started? Keep reading to compare costs, discover exciting new options, and learn exactly how to book the best transportation from Houston to Galveston for you and your crew!

Shuttles from Houston to the Port of Galveston

The Jacks or Better Casino is a 155 foot vessel sailing five days a week from Galveston, Texas. This luxuriously-appointed vessel is beautifully outfitted with the latest slots and table games, including 181 Ticket-in/Ticket-out Slots, Craps, Roulette, 3-Card Poker, Ultimate Holdem' and Blackjack. The Jacks or Better Casino also features two bars, and both indoor and above-deck dining. Share - Talisman Cruises $100 Casino Chip 2001 Ship Gambling Boat Galveston Texas. Talisman Cruises $100 Casino Chip 2001 Ship Gambling Boat Galveston Texas. The Jacks or Better boat has three decks. The first deck is covered with slot machines. The second deck has gaming tables and a snack bar offering burgers, nachos, chicken sandwiches, Buffalo wings, and “Galveston cheesesteaks.” The most expensive item on the menu is $8.

There are two ways to travel by shuttle from Houston to the Port of Galveston because there are both private shuttle companies and official cruise line shuttle services operating in the city. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option.

1. Independent Shuttles from Houston to the Port of Galveston

There are five main shuttle companies that transfer cruise passengers from the IAH and HOU airports to the Port of Galveston and back again.

The Galveston Express costs $35 for the one-way trip from IAH to the Port of Galveston and $70 to $75 for the roundtrip. From the Hobby airport to the Port of Galveston the trip is $30 one-way and $60 to $65 for the roundtrip. The Galveston Express also gives a $5 discount to seniors and children purchasing roundtrip tickets.

Despite the name, Galveston Limousine does offer shuttle services between the airports and the port and even has the cheapest rates of all the companies in this roundup. A trip with Galveston Limousine costs $30 one-way and $50 for the roundtrip between IAH and the Port of Galveston when booked online. Between Hobby and the Port of Galveston, the shuttle is $25 one-way and $40 for the roundtrip per person.

Island Breeze Shuttle costs $105 per couple for the one-way trip from IAH to the Port of Galveston and $190 for the round trip, coming in at almost double the price of the Galveston Limousine shuttle service. From Hobby, the price is $85 one-way and $150 for the roundtrip for two.

If you still don’t see what you’re looking for, you can also choose the Galveston Flyer or the Super Shuttle for your shared-ride shuttle services between the IAH and Hobby airports and the Port of Galveston, but you’ll need to call the companies or request a quote online because nether shuttle service lists their prices on their website.

2. Official Cruise Shuttles from Houston to the Port of Galveston

With some cruise lines, you can also skip the third-party shuttle services and book your transport from the Houston airport to the Port of Galveston with the official cruise shuttles via your cruise package.

This option is often more expensive than the third-party shuttle companies but can be more convenient as well because you don’t have to worry about a late shuttle or no-show causing you to miss your ship’s departure.

Speak with your cruise line when booking your package to ask about rates and shuttle services between Houston and the Port of Galveston if this sounds like an appealing option for your group.

Private Transport from Houston to the Port of Galveston

If shuttles aren’t really your thing, you can also choose private transport to the Port of Galveston with taxis, rental cars, or ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of all three options below.

Galveston Casino Boat Closes

3. Taxis from IAH and HOU to the Port of Galveston

TaxiFareFinder estimates the one-way trip between IAH and the Port of Galveston will run you $190, but the good news is that the price is per car rather than per person. For four people, this comes out to about $100 per person for the round trip – which is double the price of the cheapest shuttle option but similar to the most expensive one. From the Hobby airport, the TaxiFareFinder estimates the trip will cost about $115 to reach the Port of Galveston.

4. Ridesharing Apps

Ridesharing with companies like Uber and Lyft is much cheaper than the taxi services in Houston. From IAH to the Port of Galveston, an Uber will only cost about $60 and can fit up to four people. For groups of two, that makes an Uber about the same price as the cheapest shuttle service and for groups of four, it’s significantly cheaper – all while being more convenient as well. From the Hobby airport, an Uber to the Port of Galveston is even more budget-friendly at only $40 per ride.

5. Rental Cars

If you’re planning to travel around Texas before your cruise or to stay in Galveston for a few days before you set sail, you may want to rent a car. Like any major airport, there are plenty of car rental companies to choose from at IAH. Click here to see all 11 rental car companies at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport and begin comparing deals.

Rental car prices vary based on the car type, length of rental, your age, your insurance, the company you choose, and about a million other things, so call multiple companies to get quotes before you choose. And, remember that if you plan to keep your car for the duration of your cruise, you’ll need to factor long-term parking fees into your transportation budget as well.

Unique Transportation Options from Houston to the Port of Galveston

Galveston Casino Boat Cost Rentals

Want to travel in style? Skip the shuttle bus or Uber ride and check out these four unique ways to get from Houston to the Port of Galveston and start your vacation off with a bang.

6. Limousine and Party Bus Rentals

Sam’s Limousine offers both stretch limo and party bus rentals in Houston. A regular stretch limo holds up to 10 people and costs $75 per hour while an SUV limousine can hold up to 16 people and will run you $125 per hour. The party bus and mega party bus options at Sam’s Limousine hold 25 and 36 people respectively and cost $95 and $135 per hour. However, all of these rates are based on a minimum of three hours on Sunday through Thursday, four hours on Fridays, and five hours on Saturdays.

7. Exotic Car Rentals

The Houston Exotic Car Rental Collection by Enterprise is located at the Houston International Airport and offers exotic cars like BMWs, Cadillacs, Jaguars, Porsches and more. Enterprise has offices near the Port of Galveston so request a one-way trip (which, if allowed, will come w