Taxi Cab Transfer between Houston Airports and Bayport Cruise Port

All destinations within Houston city limits are charged according to the zone or meter rate, whichever is less. There is a late night surcharge of $1 per trip (8pm-6am)

One way cab transfer from Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) and Bayport Cruise Terminal which is about 28 miles or 30 minutes’ rides will be between $50 and $60 on average. (Not counting the traffic delays which would run it a bit higher)

For George Bush International (IAH), the cab ride will be between $95 and $120 since Bush airport is much farther to the north from Bayport Terminal, which is about 50 miles or 45 minutes’ ride. (Not counting the traffic delays which would run it a bit higher)

*Rates for the cab ride were obtained from Houston Yellow cab dispatcher over the phone on June 10, 2013 at 4:00 pm.

Cruise Line Shuttle transfer between Houston Airports and Bayport Cruise Ship Terminal

Most of the time we don’t even check the cruise line shuttles, because they charge per person, they are usually one of the most expensive ways to get to the port. In this case, however, there is a cheap option.

Princess Cruise Lines shows a transfer fee of $24 per person each way ($48 round-trip) from either Houston’s Hobby or Intercontinental airports. That’s a dirt-cheap rate if you are coming into Bush Intercontinental.

Norwegian Cruise Lines hasn’t yet released clear pricing on its shuttle service. We expect more details closer to the initial sail date.

Car Rental from IAH or Hobby to Galveston Cruise Terminal

Many people do rent a car to drive from Houston airports to Bayport cruise port. You can find all the major rental car places in both airports. You can get a rental from the airports for about $60 a day.

For groups of 5 or 6, it is usually a good deal if they are arriving to Houston early, and they want to visit other places in Houston, and they want to have car for the convenience, but if you calculate the total expenses and the inconvenience related to the car rental, it turns out to be a bad deal. Think about gas, driving in unfamiliar city; not knowing the traffic jam areas, parking cost in the port, getting the shuttle from the airport to the rental place. Well the cost for 7 days cruise would be about $450 for the car rental, $80 gas, $60 parking, for a total cost of about $600. If none of that bother you, then you are good to go.

Shared Shuttle from Hobby or IAH airports to Bayport Cruise Port.

Most of the time, this is the most economical way to transfer from Houston airports to Bayport cruise terminal. If you have a large group, of if you traveling with your family, this option can be a very affordable transportation option. The rate per person to transfer from Houston Hobby to Bayport cruise terminal is about $40 for the first passenger and $10 for each additional passenger. So for a round-trip ride for two people, expect to pay $100, but for 5 passengers, the total will be $160. From George Bush International (IAH) to Bayport, one-way charge is $60 for the first passenger and $10 for each additional rider. So a round-trip ride for two will run about $140. For 5 passengers, the total will be $200.

Private Shuttle from Hobby or IAH airports to Bayport Cruise Port.

Check out Galveston Shuttle, www.galveston-shuttle.com they provide the private shuttle services for a very good prices, for groups of 2 or more.

TownCar or limousine from Houston Hobby / IAH to Bayport Cruise Port

Another good option, that most of the people don’t think about because of the stigma associated with the limousine service being for rich people or very expensive. In fact Limousine companies provide an excellent service for very competitive prices. For example Transgates Limousine in Houston www.transgateslimo.com offer a Towncar Transfer from Hobby airport to Bayport Crusie terminal for $70 (For 3 passengers, it is about $23 each) which is really affordable for a limo service, and very comfortable Luxury Towncar. The transfer from George Bush International (IAH) to Bayport Cruise Terminal, is $120 for a Towncar, and $145 for an SUV which can hold 7 passengers, so you do the math. They also provide 10 passengers van for very competitive prices.

These services offer a more comfortable ride than a taxi and a personal ride that can take you anywhere you want to go, unlike a shuttle. While they can be expensive if traveling alone, private cars can make sense if traveling with a group or family.

Other advantages of limousine service are:

• You do not need to wait in line as you do for cabs
• They greet you inside the terminal with a sign with your name on it.
• You can pay for the service in advance, it help if you want to pay for your parents for example.
• They can accommodate large groups
• They provide professional drivers
• They offer online reservation
• They monitor your flight in case you come early, or you are delayed, so you will always have a driver waiting for you.
• They can be hired hourly to provide you with transportation around the city
• They provide car service discounts when booked online (some companies)