Carnival Cruise Galveston Port Shuttle: Private Rides from IAH, Hobby & Houston
Sailing with Carnival from Galveston? We drive you from Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Hobby Airport (HOU), any Houston hotel or your home straight to Carnival Cruise Terminal 25 or 28, in a private vehicle with no shared stops. You pay one flat price per vehicle, not per person, and your driver tracks your flight and helps with every bag. After the cruise, we pick you up at the terminal and take you back to the airport or home.
Get Instant Quote
Carnival Cruise Shuttle Rates from IAH, Hobby & Houston
One flat price per vehicle, not per person, from Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Hobby Airport (HOU) or any Houston hotel to Carnival Cruise Terminal 25 or 28 in Galveston.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Bags | One-way | Round-trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Sedan | 2 | 2 | $175 | $350 |
| Passenger Van | 6 | 6 | $175 | $350 |
| Executive SUV | 6 | 6 | $200 | $400 |
| Luxury Suburban | 7 | 6 | $225 | $450 |
| Mercedes Sprinter | 14 | 14 | $325 | $650 |
| Executive Mini Bus | 20 | — | $525 | $1,050 |
| Coach Bus | 28 | — | $650 | $1,300 |
Same price every day, day or night. Tolls and airport fees are included. A 5% processing fee applies to every booking, and driver gratuity (minimum 10%) is not included. Need a driver by the hour? See all rates.
Private Shuttle vs Carnival's Airport Transfer
Carnival's own airport bus is priced per person and runs only at set times. A private shuttle is priced per vehicle and leaves when you land.
| Our private shuttle | Carnival transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Per vehicle, from $175 | $58.99 per person from IAH and $41.99 per person from Hobby, each way |
| Flight times | Any time, 24/7 | Must land by 11:30 am (IAH) or 12:00 pm (Hobby) |
| Going home | Any flight time (we suggest flights after 12:30 pm from IAH or 12:00 pm from Hobby) | Return flights must leave after 1:30 pm |
| Family of 4 from IAH | $175 total | $235.96 total |
The bigger your group, the more you save. Carnival's prices were taken from carnival.com in October 2026 and may change.
Why Houston Travelers Trust Us
A local Houston company with decades on the road between the airports and the Galveston cruise port.
Carnival Cruise Galveston Terminal and Port: What to Know
Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream sail from Galveston. Most Carnival sailings use Terminal 25; some use Terminal 28.
Your terminal is on your Carnival boarding pass. Tell us your ship when you book and we drop you at the right entrance.
Timing your Carnival cruise day
| From IAH | From Hobby (HOU) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the port | ~70 miles | ~45 miles |
| Drive time | 75–90 min (up to 2 hours at rush hour) | 50–60 min (up to 90 min at rush hour) |
| Flying in on cruise day | Land at least 5 hours before boarding closes | Land at least 4 hours before boarding closes |
| Flying home after the cruise | Book flights after 12:30 pm | Book flights after 12:00 pm |
Driving yourself? Compare Carnival cruise Galveston parking prices with a private shuttle before you book.
Carnival Cruise Shuttle Galveston: Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a question? Contact us or call +1 (346) 786-0222, 24/7.
Which terminal does Carnival use in Galveston?
Most Carnival ships sail from Cruise Terminal 25 at 2502 Harborside Drive. Some sailings use Terminal 28 at 2702 Harborside Drive. Your terminal is on your Carnival boarding pass and in the Carnival HUB app. Tell us your ship when you book and we drop you at the right entrance.
How much is a shuttle from Houston to the Carnival cruise terminal in Galveston?
Flat one-way rates from IAH, Hobby or any Houston hotel to the Carnival terminal start at $175 for an Executive Sedan (up to 2 passengers) or Passenger Van (up to 6), $200 for an Executive SUV (up to 6), $225 for a Luxury Suburban (up to 7) and $325 for a Mercedes Sprinter (up to 14). The price is per vehicle, not per person.
Is a private shuttle cheaper than Carnival's airport transfer?
It depends on your group size. Carnival's transfer is priced per person: $58.99 from IAH and $41.99 from Hobby each way, as listed on carnival.com in October 2026. Our price is per vehicle, so a family of four from IAH pays $175 with us compared with about $236 on Carnival's bus. For one or two travelers, Carnival's bus costs less.
What time should my flight land for a Carnival cruise from Galveston?
Land at IAH at least 5 hours before boarding closes, or at Hobby at least 4 hours before. Carnival also gives you an arrival time during online check-in, and we plan your pickup around it. The safest option is to fly in the day before.
Can you pick us up at the Carnival terminal after the cruise?
Yes. Book your return when you book your ride to the port, and your driver meets you at the terminal after you disembark. We recommend flights after 12:30 pm from IAH or after 12:00 pm from Hobby.
Where will the driver drop us off at the Carnival terminal?
At the terminal's passenger drop-off lane, where port porters collect your checked bags. Keep passports, medicine and valuables in your carry-on.
Can we stop on the way to the Carnival terminal?
Yes. Optional stops are a Buc-ee's stop for $20, a 1-hour stop for $50, or a 2-hour stop at Space Center Houston or Moody Gardens for $100. Add your stop when you book.
How much luggage can I bring?
Each vehicle has a set bag capacity: Executive Sedan 2 bags, Passenger Van 6, Executive SUV 6, Luxury Suburban 7 and Mercedes Sprinter 14. Tell us your bag count when you book and we will match the right vehicle.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
Are you part of Carnival Cruise Line?
No. Houston Galveston Shuttle Service is an independent private transportation company. We drive Carnival passengers between Houston and the Galveston cruise terminals, but we are not affiliated with Carnival Cruise Line.