You’ve got the trip all planned, then it dawns on you: what airport should we actually fly into for Galveston, and what’s the easiest way to get to the island?
As your trusted vacation rental partner at BeachBox, we help thousands of guests navigate their way to our beautiful Texas Gulf Coast properties every year. We know exactly which airports work best for different types of travelers, and we’re here to share that insider knowledge with you.
Let us guide you through your options so you can spend more time enjoying Galveston’s beaches and less time worrying about travel logistics.
Table of Contents
Airport Options Near Galveston
1. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
William P. Hobby Airport stands out as the closest major commercial airport to Galveston Texas. Located on Houston’s southeast side, this airport offers the shortest driving distance to the island, making it the top choice for most BeachBox guests.
Distance: 41 miles from Galveston
Location: Southeast Houston
Drive Time: 45 minutes without traffic
Transportation Cost: Most affordable option
Our Review: We recommend our guests choose Hobby when they want the simplest start to their beach trip. The airport has one main terminal, so it is easier to navigate, faster to reach baggage claim, and simpler to meet your ride or pick up a rental car.
You will also find modern dining, car rental desks, and free Wi-Fi, which makes it convenient to grab a quick meal, confirm directions, and get on the road to Galveston without delays.
Learn more about William P. Hobby Airport
2. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as Houston’s largest international hub. While farther from Galveston, it offers more flight options, especially for international travelers or those with specific airline preferences.
Distance: 71 miles from Galveston
Location: North of Houston
Drive Time: 75-90 minutes without traffic
Price Level: Higher transportation costs
International Service: Over 90 global destinations
Our Review: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the option we recommend to our guests when they are flying internationally or need the widest choice of airlines. It is Houston’s largest hub, serves over 90 global destinations, and is a major base for United, with Southwest and most major carriers also available.
IAH is farther from Galveston at about 71 miles, with a typical drive of 75 to 90 minutes in light traffic, and transportation costs are usually higher. We recommend it when the flight price or route is significantly better, and the airport’s five terminals, international arrivals, lounges, duty-free shops, and on-site hotels make longer travel days more comfortable.
Learn more about George Bush Intercontinental Airport
3. Scholes International Airport (GLS)
Scholes International Airport sits right on Galveston Island, making it the closest airport to Galveston Texas by distance. However, this general aviation airport doesn’t offer regular commercial flights.
Distance: Located on Galveston Island
Location: 2115 Terminal Dr, Galveston, TX
Drive Time: 10-15 minutes to most island locations
Service Type: Private and charter flights only
Best For: Private pilots, charter services, corporate aircraft
Our Review: Scholes International Airport (GLS) is the closest airport to Galveston because it is located right on the island, and we recommend it to our guests who are arriving by private plane or charter.
Since there are no regular commercial flights, it is best for private pilots, charter services, and corporate aircraft. The biggest advantage is speed: it is usually only 10 to 15 minutes to most island locations, so you can land and be settling in quickly at your BeachBox rental.
Learn more about Scholes International Airport
4. Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH)
Lake Charles Regional Airport in Louisiana represents a distant option for travelers seeking alternative routing or specific flight connections.
Distance: 177 miles from Galveston
Location: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Drive Time: 3+ hours
Price Level: Higher due to distance
Best For: Specific routing needs only
Our Review: Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH) is a distant alternative that we only recommend to our guests when they have a very specific routing need or a flight connection that makes other airports impractical. It is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, about 177 miles from Galveston, and the drive is typically 3 hours or more.
Because of the distance, transportation costs are usually higher, and for most Galveston trips it does not make sense compared to Houston airports. We recommend LCH only for unique itinerary situations, and if you choose it, plan for a longer travel day and a later arrival to the island.
Choose the Best Airport for You at a Glance
Not sure which airport to choose? Here’s the quick way to decide:
What Airlines Fly to Galveston?
As we mentioned, Galveston does not have regular commercial airline service. Most travelers fly into nearby airports and then drive or shuttle to the island.
Scholes International Airport (GLS)
Commercial airlines: None
Service: Private and charter flights only
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Common airlines: Southwest (largest presence), American, Delta, Frontier, Allegiant, Sun Country, Avelo, JSX
Best for: The simplest, fastest arrival for most travelers.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Common U.S. airlines: United (largest presence), American, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier
Common international airlines (varies by season): Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, ANA, EVA Air, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Avianca, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, WestJet, ZIPAIR
Best for: International trips and the widest range of flight options.
Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH)
Airlines: American (to DFW), United (to IAH)
Best for: Very specific connections that don’t work well through Houston.
Transportation Options from Airports
From Houston Hobby Airport
Rental Car: Most flexible option with rates varying by season. The drive takes you directly south on Interstate Highway 45.
Rideshare (Uber & Lyft): Expect to pay around $100+ for a round-trip service from Houston Hobby. Prices increase during the busy cruise season.
Taxi Service: Many companies offer flat-rate rides to Galveston. Rates typically range from $80-120 one way.
Shuttle Service: Several companies provide shared or private shuttle options. Round-trip rates range from $40-100 per person, depending on the service level.
From Bush Intercontinental Airport
Transportation costs run significantly higher from IAH due to the extra distance. Cruise lines often charge $116 per person round-trip from IAH compared to $82 from Hobby Airport. Rideshare services typically cost $165+ round-trip.
Luxury Options: Limo or luxury car services range from $150-400 each way, depending on the vehicle type and distance.
Tips for Airport Selection
Traffic Considerations
Houston traffic is notorious for delays at all hours due to ongoing road construction. Always allow double your estimated travel time, especially during:
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Morning rush hour (7-9 AM)
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Evening rush hour (4-7 PM)
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Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings
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Major holiday weekends
Cruise Passengers
If you’re heading to the Port of Galveston for a cruise departure, consider these factors:
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Most cruise lines require check-in 2 hours before departure
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The cruise port is right on Galveston Island, so from most places on the island, it’s usually a quick 10 to 20 minute drive, depending on traffic and which terminal you’re headed to.
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Arrive in Houston the day before your cruise when possible
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Book ground transportation in advance during peak cruise season
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Terminal locations include Terminal 25, Terminal 28, Terminal 16, and Terminal 10
Conclusion
Choosing the closest airport to Galveston, Texas, depends on your specific travel needs, but Houston Hobby Airport wins for most travelers. Its shorter distance, lower transportation costs, and easier navigation make it the smart choice for BeachBox guests.
Ready to book your perfect Galveston getaway? Browse through our Galveston collection of over 140 vacation homes and start planning your Texas coast adventure today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the major city closest to Galveston?
Houston is the closest major city to Galveston, and it’s where most visitors fly into before driving down to the island.
How much is an Uber from the closest airport to Galveston?
From Houston Hobby (HOU), rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is commonly around $100+ for a round trip, and prices can increase during busy cruise weekends and peak travel times.
Is there an airport in Galveston?
Yes. Scholes International Airport (GLS) is on Galveston Island, but it does not have regular commercial airline service. It mainly serves private and charter flights, plus some corporate aircraft.
How long is the drive from Houston airports to Galveston?
From HOU, the drive is usually about 45 minutes without traffic. From IAH, it’s typically 75–90 minutes without traffic. Always allow extra time because Houston traffic can be unpredictable.
What airlines should I look for when booking flights for Galveston?
For HOU, look at Southwest, Delta, American, Frontier, and Allegiant. For IAH, you’ll find United (major hub) plus Southwest and most major carriers, with extensive international routes.
