Galveston Express
Galveston Express
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
210 reviews
Excellent
125
Very good
17
Average
7
Poor
13
Terrible
48
kjnort
Anchorage, AK79 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Flew into IAH after being on a couple of planes for 11 hours. I had made reservations for the 5 o’ clock shuttle because I didn’t think we could reach the 3 o’ clock on time. We did though and the driver let us on. Yeah! This saved us 2 hours of sitting at the airport. The driver was very friendly and helpful. Very knowledgeable about Galveston. Considerate to each passenger. I highly recommend.
Written January 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda K
Greenlawn, NY12 contributions
Dec 2022
After reading some of the previous reviews I was a bit worried, but everything was great. We were a party of 10 -ranging in age from 76 to 9. Our driver, Joe, picked us up at our hotel at exactly the appointed time. He drove us from Houston to Galveston Cruise Terminal. His commentary during the drive was fun and informative. We arrived at the terminal with no problems. After our cruise we were picked up by Chris at the promised time and location. Weather was terrible with very thick fog, but Chris did an excellent job getting us to the airport with time to spare. Because of our experience, I would certainly recommend this service.
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kassie C
St. Louis, MO47 contributions
Jan 2023
I was a little concerned due to some of the reviews on here but all of that was put to rest after this incredible experience. Our driver on the way to the port arrived on time as expected, and since we arrived a little earlier than expected - he stopped for donuts at a local place, and bought us ALL donuts. They were delicious and perfect for an early morning trip! :-) On our return we were picked up on time, no issues, but ran into some traffic. Our driver knew the ways around it all and got us to the airport in record time. All of our drivers were friendly, communicated well, we felt well taken care of. I would not hesitate to use this service - everything was perfect!
Written January 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karla M
1 contribution
Nov 2022
I am so disappointed in Galveston Express. I have used this company faithfully roundtrip from Houston Hobby to the Port of Galveston since November 2021. However, on November 5th, my husband and I were booked on the 8:00 am shuttle leaving the Port of Galveston after departing the Carnival Dream. We boarded the shuttle, and the driver is stacking the luggage. All of a sudden, he starts pulling luggage off and asks me, my husband, and an additional disabled passenger to get off because he didn't have safety net for all the luggage. The driver stated, "I'm only going to take the passengers to Bush Airport and not Hobby Airport." Now, my husband and I were the only African American passengers on the shuttle. The third passenger was a disabled white guy.
We called Galveston Express. They had no idea what this driver was doing! The guy at Galveston Express asked us what we did to get kicked off!! We explained to the people at Galveston Express what happened. Instead of insisting he keep us on the shuttle, the guy used an excuse, "well, he's a new driver." WTF?!! Then the driver says, "another shuttle should be coming in 30 minutes." When the other shuttle arrives (with passengers already), this driver says he wasn't supposed to stop at the Carnival Dream but was told to come and see who he can pick up. At this point, I was just too through with Galveston Express!
Meanwhile, the driver who kicked us off still had too much luggage, but he used the seats we had to put the additional luggage in the shuttle.
I'm just extremely disappointed. Other people may not think this is a big deal. However, perception is everything! You kick off the only African Americans on the shuttle, and throw in a token disabled white guy to free up space? Really?! Maybe it was just this particular driver. But Galveston Express protected him at the expense of paying passengers!
The thing is Galveston Express does not operate a large number of shuttles. So, if you miss one (or you're kicked off of one like my husband and me) it will be some time before you get on the next. I'll be switching to Galveston Limo. They have more shuttles that can handle a large number of passengers with their luggage, and I'm sure I won't get kicked off of that one!
We called Galveston Express. They had no idea what this driver was doing! The guy at Galveston Express asked us what we did to get kicked off!! We explained to the people at Galveston Express what happened. Instead of insisting he keep us on the shuttle, the guy used an excuse, "well, he's a new driver." WTF?!! Then the driver says, "another shuttle should be coming in 30 minutes." When the other shuttle arrives (with passengers already), this driver says he wasn't supposed to stop at the Carnival Dream but was told to come and see who he can pick up. At this point, I was just too through with Galveston Express!
Meanwhile, the driver who kicked us off still had too much luggage, but he used the seats we had to put the additional luggage in the shuttle.
I'm just extremely disappointed. Other people may not think this is a big deal. However, perception is everything! You kick off the only African Americans on the shuttle, and throw in a token disabled white guy to free up space? Really?! Maybe it was just this particular driver. But Galveston Express protected him at the expense of paying passengers!
The thing is Galveston Express does not operate a large number of shuttles. So, if you miss one (or you're kicked off of one like my husband and me) it will be some time before you get on the next. I'll be switching to Galveston Limo. They have more shuttles that can handle a large number of passengers with their luggage, and I'm sure I won't get kicked off of that one!
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alto Dave
Phoenix, AZ70 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
When we arrived from our cruise, the company changed our reservation from 10 am until noon because we did not leave Houston until the next day. This meant 3 1/2 hours after leaving the ship until we were picked up with no benches or other amenities. We tried to get on an earlier shuttle but couldn’t. I would highly recommend booking the airport through the cruise lines rather than booking through this company.
The shuttle was 32 minutes late from our changes scheduled pickup.
Once in the shuttle, they stopped at hobby first before going to bush. Took 1 1/2 hours after being picked up to make it to destination.
Overall a very bad experience.
The shuttle was 32 minutes late from our changes scheduled pickup.
Once in the shuttle, they stopped at hobby first before going to bush. Took 1 1/2 hours after being picked up to make it to destination.
Overall a very bad experience.
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ted h
1 contribution
Nov 2022
Galveston Express
Their driver Ted is good, professional, and will get you to your destination alive and well. As for the rest of the company, don't fall for the word 'express.' If you're traveling from George Bush International Airport (IAH) to Galveston, your ride will be anything but express. There is a 25 to 30 minutes stop at Hobby Airport and there might also be individual pickups from people's homes. So, your ride to Galveston will be punctuated by potentially numerous stops.
From Galveston back to IAH, the driver might pick two to four people, who reside in Galvestonand are waiting in their driveways, and then proceed to Hobby Airport and then proceed to IAH. So, the word 'express' is a complete misnomer.
If you leave anything in one of the vans don't expect to ever get it back. The company will tell you that they never saw the item, while the likelihood is that some employee simply kept it because it was useful. If you mail them anything they will deny that they ever received anything from you. Again, somebody in the employment pool is making sure that the company takes no responsibility for such things.
In all, if you can avoid the Galveston Express, it's likely to your advantage. Other ride services might cost more, but if they offer a true roundtrip express service from IAH to Galveston, such as the Port of Galveston, and time matters to you, you'll do far better than booking with Galveston Express.
Their driver Ted is good, professional, and will get you to your destination alive and well. As for the rest of the company, don't fall for the word 'express.' If you're traveling from George Bush International Airport (IAH) to Galveston, your ride will be anything but express. There is a 25 to 30 minutes stop at Hobby Airport and there might also be individual pickups from people's homes. So, your ride to Galveston will be punctuated by potentially numerous stops.
From Galveston back to IAH, the driver might pick two to four people, who reside in Galvestonand are waiting in their driveways, and then proceed to Hobby Airport and then proceed to IAH. So, the word 'express' is a complete misnomer.
If you leave anything in one of the vans don't expect to ever get it back. The company will tell you that they never saw the item, while the likelihood is that some employee simply kept it because it was useful. If you mail them anything they will deny that they ever received anything from you. Again, somebody in the employment pool is making sure that the company takes no responsibility for such things.
In all, if you can avoid the Galveston Express, it's likely to your advantage. Other ride services might cost more, but if they offer a true roundtrip express service from IAH to Galveston, such as the Port of Galveston, and time matters to you, you'll do far better than booking with Galveston Express.
Written January 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mom4u
Glen Carbon, IL70 contributions
Jul 2022
This company was very easy to communicate with and always provided prompt responses. But the problem was with the van, NO air conditioner. We were advised vans were new and were awaiting parts. It just made the trip very uncomfortable. However on our return pick up, driver was 35 minutes late and then had to ride in an un-air conditioned van after standing in the extreme heat for 2 hours. Tried to secure a ride on a earlier van but was advised it was full, understand that. When driver, Chris, finally arrived, he was very condescending in his tone and attitude and lacked good customer service skills. He should have apologized for the delay, advising of traffic issues etc. but that wasn't his response.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dback19
Phoenix, AZ9 contributions
Apr 2020
We had booked with Galveston express for our cruise in April 2020, we even recommended them to friends and t our face book group for the cruise. Well, Covid-19 hit and our cruise was cancelled, so we had to cancel Galveston express also, which we did on 3/24/20. They said in an email that a FULL refund would be in the mail within 30 days. After waiting 78 days I emailed them with responses back and forth from Ben (owner) several times. On 6/20/20, I finally received a check in the mail for my refund. It was for $48 and we paid up front $60. His (Ben) response was we where informed of the 20% cancellation fee if I cancelled. Yes but Covid-19 cancelled NOT us. We have received 100% refunds from the cruise line, private excursion companies, airlines etc.. But NOT Galveston Express. I DO NOT recommend them anymore. Oh yes i forgot. The hand written envelope with the refund check was post marked and return addressed in Florida????
Written June 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shawn H
Joplin, MO4 contributions
Feb 2022
I booked roundtrip shuttle transfers two months before my cruise from Galveston. I paid in full per their terms at the time of booking. They decided at the last minute to cancel my airport pickup on Sunday. This is 3 days before arrival leaving me with no shuttle and waiting on a credit refund that can take 7 to 10 business days to even reach my card.
Their service was horrible and to cancel last minute on someone is unacceptable. They want to take payment at the time of booking then they should locate a replace service at their cost for guest they sold transfer.
Their service was horrible and to cancel last minute on someone is unacceptable. They want to take payment at the time of booking then they should locate a replace service at their cost for guest they sold transfer.
Written February 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Judy Ellis
1 contribution
Apr 2022
We had reservations at 10:15. Ship was late. We arrive at their designated spot at Terminal 1 at 11:00 Along with many others. We were not picked up until after 2:00 pm
3 drivers refused to add anyone not on their “list” even though they had room in the van. Once again we had reservations. Then 2 drivers told mgt. that no one was there. This is simply not true. There was at all times at least 6 of us waiting. During that time more than one group gave up to grab a cab. We have been on over 30 cruises and have never been treated so rudely by a transfer company. BEWARE!
3 drivers refused to add anyone not on their “list” even though they had room in the van. Once again we had reservations. Then 2 drivers told mgt. that no one was there. This is simply not true. There was at all times at least 6 of us waiting. During that time more than one group gave up to grab a cab. We have been on over 30 cruises and have never been treated so rudely by a transfer company. BEWARE!
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kimberly Hodnett
Reynoldsburg, OH
How much is transport from Galveston Port to Hobby airport? Possibly 6 riders with luggage?
sam p
Fairfax, VA22 contributions
We paid $30. person with luggage
and the car easily sat 6 passengers and luggage. It was a passenger van.
Did you go directly from the airport to the port, or did you stay in a hotel overnight? Trying to figure out if we should stay in a hotel closer to IAH the night before our ship leaves, as we don't arrive until 10:30 pm, or go straight into Galveston & find a shuttle from a hotel in Galveston? Thanks!
Rocky R
Ogden, UT160 contributions
We also stayed at the Comfort Suites and used their $18 shuttle to the port in the morning. BUT, the Galveston Express driver dropped us off at the wrong Comfort Inn - not the Suites. The Comfort Suites driver (who was off duty) left his dinner to come take us to the correct hotel.
buenas tardes, viajamos el proximo 05 de oct de mexico a houston, en vivaaerobus, nuestro vuelo llega a las 22.05 hrs a houston, queremos saber si hay disponibilidad de viajar a galveston a esa hora
EJ N
Houston, TX2 contributions
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Alan G
9 contributions
Call Keith at Galveston express to discuss this.
Ninjamum40
Leven, United Kingdom26 contributions
Travelling to IAH mid September and want to get to hotel in Galveston prior to our cruise, is the Galveston express able to help thanks
Donna R
Montgomery, TX11 contributions
There are 6 of us traveling with luggage. We need a ride from Carnival cruise ship Saturday, November 14th to Hobby airport parking lot. How much would it cost?
Sandy M
Wagoner, OK73 contributions
I recommend that you call Keith Franklin 409.762.4397 There were 10 adults and a 2 yr old in our group. We had the entire shuttle, A LOT cheaper than Super Shuttle. I am not sure how many it takes before he gives you the private shuttle price. Newer shuttle, clean, reliable and friendly.
Galveston Express - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Galveston Express
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