Island Breeze Shuttle
Island Breeze Shuttle
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Airport Shuttle Service To/From both Houston Airports and Galveston/Houston Cruise Ports, Hotels, Residence, Convention Centers and Events. Group transportation, private transportation, special events.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
120 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
5
Terrible
7
Lynne U
1 contribution
Mar 2023
Our flight came in as scheduled. At 6:00 p.m. We were told the shuttle would be there at 6:10. At 6:10 we received a message “I will be pulling up shortly”, look for white shuttle orange/blue lettering. 15 minutes later he showed up. If You were going to be 25 minutes from the beginning then tell us 25 minutes, not 10! We then drove 45 minutes to another airport to pick someone up. Their plane was late so we had to wait over an hour! There’s got to be a point at which you take care of your current customers and come back and grab the other people. Then to add insult to injury they get dropped off first! Our hotels were 3 miles apart! This was a 3 hour disaster! Got to hotel about 9:10. When We had scheduled this shuttle knowing the hotel was 45 away I would have expected to be there in about 1:00/1:15, not 3 hours!
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda R
6 contributions
Feb 2023
I have put off writing this because I was hoping for some resolution with Island Breeze. Before I booked, I contacted the company and asked how many stops the shuttle made between the airport and Galvestion. I was specifically told there would be no other stops, however, there may be others joining us from the same airport (IAH) if they arrive around the same time. We got to the shuttle and were surprised to be told we would be stopping at another airport (HOU) to pick up 2 other couples. We were not in a rush, however, had booked Island Breeze because I was told no other stops. And, there was a terrible smell behind the driver. The driver was pleasant, pointed out Galveston sites, and I liked that he dropped us directly at our hotel. The return was a disaster. Van was waiting for us and easy to find when we disembarked our ship. There was another couple already there, then our 4 arrived. Again, we were surprised when driver Jeff told us we'd be stopping at another cruise terminal to pick up another couple. AND, that their ship had arrived late, so he didn't know how long it would take. We had a later flight, but had only expected about an hour ride that turned into almost 3 hours on the shuttle. Ridiculous! We had hoped to Uber from the airport to lunch, but now had no time. After waiting at the Carnival terminal for awhile, several of us (including a pregnant woman) had to use the restroom. We piled out and actually went into the terminal to use the restrooms. Finally, another couple showed up (who reeked of cigarettes) got in our van, only to find out after they were seated, that they were not the couple we were waiting for! They unloaded and loaded into another Island Breeze shuttle parked right behind us...and they left right away!! No waiting, while we continued to wait for our couple. By now we had all been on the shuttle for about 2 hours. We asked Jeff if there was protocol for how long to wait, or get another shuttle for the Carnival couple. He said he wasn't aware of one. I finally called Island Breeze myself and explained the situation. About 5 minutes later, we saw our driver Jeff answer his phone, jump in our shuttle, and tell us we were heading to the HOU airport and they would send another shuttle for the Carnival couple. Seriously? Why hadn't that call been made an hour ago? By the time we got to the airport, we had all spent about 3 hours on the shuttle. The driver literally would have had time to drop us ot the airport and go back for the Carnival people. Making 6 people wait in a shuttle for 2 hours for a ship they knew was delayed is poor customer service, I shouldn't have been the one to call to correct it. Once home, I emailed Island Breeze for a partial refund and threatened a bad review. CEO Cynthia Festa replied "it is not a comfortable position for me" that we were requesting a refund as well as giving a bad review. Yet, our return trip was very frustrating, and I have a right to let people know. She did in fact refund the other people on our shuttle. I had hoped to conclude my review saying the company made up for our nightmare, but no such luck. Very disappointing that Island Breeze won't own their mistake and take care of their customers. Jeff was pleasant, but IBS drivers should be trained to make other arrangements for passengers after a certain amount of time. I was told IBS "id indeed provide the shared shuttle service you (we) paid for". If I cruise out of Galveston again, I'll for sure look for another mode of transportation.
Written March 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Angela C
Albuquerque, NM114 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Island Breeze was great. They are reliable, punctual, communicative, and it was super easy to make reservations. I would use them again and highly recommend them.
Written February 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dmoblack29
Beaverton, OR24 contributions
Feb 2023
We just used them twice during our visit to Galveston! Once, hotel to cruise ship and Once hotel to Bush airport. Excellent doesn't go far enough! These folks are amazing! Communication scores a 10! Friendly Service scores a 10! Dependability scores a 10!
We've never been to Galveston and want to go back to see more of the historic places on the Island. Island Breeze Shuttle will definitely be part of that trips.
NOTE: Reserve early, they are popular.
We've never been to Galveston and want to go back to see more of the historic places on the Island. Island Breeze Shuttle will definitely be part of that trips.
NOTE: Reserve early, they are popular.
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff S
12 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Had a dedicated van for our extended family of 10 (plus loads of luggage) hotel to port and back to airport. Everything was seamless, reliable and easy. Great communications and follow-up. A+
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kaila C
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Family
Upon booking this service, we requested two car seats for our children (1 year old and 3 years old) . When the shuttle arrived at the airport, we were provided with only one working car seat. We were driven to our destination with our 3 year old strapped into an adult seatbelt as we did not have any other mode of transportation available and rental cars to Galveston were sold out. Cynthia Festa, CEO of Island Breeze Shuttle informed me that the car seats were complimentary and we will not be accommodated for our troubles because “We did provide the transfer you paid for, the car seat is complimentary, I am indeed sorry it was missing a strap, these things can happen.” Upon being picked up in Galveston to be transported back to the airport, our shuttle was pulled over and we were informed by the police that Island Breeze could no longer transport us because their permit was expired and the driver was unlicensed. Between the time the shuttle was pulled over and a “solution” was found, we sat on a curb in downtown Galveston with our children for two hours. We were informed by the officer that Island Breeze sent the shuttle and the driver knowing the issues with their permit and licensing, because the same driver was pulled over the previous Sunday.
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your comments, we always try to learn from a dissatisfied customer, however, in this case we feel compelled to correct some of the comments. Our car seats are indeed complimentary, our driver brought 2 car seats as requested to the airport pick up. He later learned from the passenger that one was missing a strap as the passenger attempted to install it. This was something we were not aware of, both the driver and the company apologized. At no time did the passenger suggest or ask for alternate transportation or research a rental car. Driver took extra care to drive slow and be sure the passengers felt safe. Upon return pick up our driver arrived at the pick up point, passengers never boarded the shuttle, nor was the shuttle pulled over. Driver was indeed approached by a City Marshall as our City Of Galveston Vehicle permit was expired. This permit is vehicle specific, and City specific to Galveston, not any other City. Having said this, we understood we somehow missed the expiration date and of course took complete responsibility for this. Our driver was NOT unlicensed, he has a valid Texas Drivers License, as do all of our drivers, he was issued citations for the expired permits. The passengers were scheduled for a 12:30pm pick up and left the pick up point at 12:45 in 2 alternate Island Breeze Shuttle Vehicles with 2 cars seats. The passenger requested a discount for their troubles, and we obliged with a partial refund and an apology.
Written September 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
soonerboston
New Hampshire105 contributions
Jul 2022
Used Island Breeze Shuttle for a pick-up and return to George Bush Airport in Houston. Jim was our driver going to Galveston and back to Houston. He was on time both instances, interesting to speak with and just an all around nice person. Thanks Jim enjoyed your company and thanks to Island Breeze for excellent service
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank You! Will be sure to share with Jim.
Written September 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alvarita A
1 contribution
May 2022
BEWARE! If you are going on a cruise out of Galveston, Island Breeze Shuttle will charge you the full amount for your pickup (and return if you have one scheduled) unless you give them 48 hours cancellation notice - EVEN IF - you test positive for Covid. The problem is that there is no way you can give them 48 hours since the cruise lines require you to take your Covid tests within 48 hours of the cruise’s departure. So, you can’t give the shuttle company 48 hours notice when you have a positive test. This happened to my family, and we were charged the full amount of over $500 when I gave them 30 hours cancellation notice when we had a positive Covid test. They apparently have no exception for Covid. I couldn’t get anyone from the company to call me back to discuss this or negotiate, and got the run-around from the person who answered the phone. So, we filed a dispute with American Express and they were able to get a refund for us. Island Breeze Shuttle just lost us as a customer.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your comments, and very sorry you were unable to cruise. Both our email confirmation and website clearly state our cancelation policy. It would be difficult for a company to separate COVID from any other illness as it relates to our cancelation policy. Travel Insurance is always a best bet.
Written September 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jerry Gilliland
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Couples
so this would have been a five star review. Departure was TOP NOTCH!!! Pete was wonderful and took great care of us, got us to the cruise terminal early. He was prompt and professional. Coming back home however, was a NIGHTMARE. We got off ship an hour early. We got a notification from Jim that shuttle would be there at 930. I called them when we got off the ship and he said there would be a slight delay. At 915 I called him back and he said go on over to the pickup area (no seats) and that Greg would be there about 930. Well 930 passed, 945 passed 950 passed. All this time my wife was holding her pee. I called him back and he said there was a minor disaster.. give it 10 more minutes and Daniel was on the way now. This was about 950, well finally about 1015 Daniel shows up. We come to find out that there were supposed to be 3 vans picking up cruisers from 2 boats. We had to loop back around and go to the other terminal. All this time, poor wife is holding pee. We hung around there for about 45 minutes waiting. Come to find out that Greg had been arrested... thats what driver told us. No backup apparently available, so one family had to be turned away. WOW!!! They look so disappointed and so now, although I was thoroughly pissed, it was comforting to know that we at least had a shot to make our plane on time. I finally had enough sitting on this idling van for 45 minutes which was full of passengers ready to go to airport. So, I opened the door and complained about missing our plane and finally 5 minutes later we leave for airport. We barely made it on time. Also, forgot to mention the lets make a deal offer by Jim to some other passengers on our van. Explanation... well he says since you guys have the last flight can I offer you free storage on your luggage and Starbucks money? That they would be back in a few hours to pick them up. Of course, these people being intelligent declined the offer. Jim kind-of laid the guilt trip on them. Said, well I guess that family will be out of luck. We will have to leave them and come back and would probably miss their flight. Well, it wasn't my or my wife's fault or the other paying customers for other folks misfortunes. Instead of taking care of what people they could they handled the situation terribly. I guess Greg is out of a job, he's caused us to NOT ever want to use Island Breeze again!!!! They took down review off here, so will post on other places.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello and thank you for the review. Its great to get good reviews and disappointing to get a review with concerns. 1st I will pass your compliments on to Pete, that was kind of you. 2nd the return was a disaster, the Vista, sister ship to the Dream was late and caused all kinds of disruptions to our return schedule. The service you booked was shared shuttle, hence having to wait for other passengers arriving at same time, and those from Vista that disembarked later. We did the very best we could under the circumstances, but also understand your frustration. I too wish the port would provide seats for passengers waiting for their transportation, perhaps you could send them a message with encouragement for the same. I wish you had asked the driver for a rest room stop, we do this as requested on every trip. Hope you had a wonderful cruise and thanks again for sharing your concerns with us, they also make us review and aim for better.
Written April 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gregory W
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Couples
Do not use this shuttle company. We used them to and from Galveston; both times, the shuttle driver picked us up hours after the agreed upon time in the booking. No offers to remedy the situation, just told us to enjoy galveston for a few hours. Only use this place if you love to wait on people for hours and almost miss your cruise.
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello we do not show a reservation with your name, perhaps you have the wrong shuttle company or booked under a different name. Please advise so we can review your stated concerns.
Written April 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
iamtheone43
Melville, NY11 contributions
How many people can fit in the shuttle? I have 10 people going from Houston Bush airport to Galveston port
Cyndi G
Garland, Texas, United States31 contributions
They may have more than one van, but if I recall ours had 2 benches behind driver, so ”7” if one sits in seat next to driver and 3 on each bench.... Call them super responsive.
Buenos días, voy a viajar del aeropuerto internacional de Houston a Galveston el 20 de julio, que costo tiene el traslado? Gracias!
eslnmexico
San Luis Potosi, Mexico49 contributions
How much would it be for a family of four traveling from hobby to Jamaica Beach ? Round-trip
MCC W
Fredericksburg, TX9 contributions
Hi there. I would defer you to the website and call for a quote,
yminer
Inglewood, CA
Can this just be a service for two people or is it just a van service
MCC W
Fredericksburg, TX9 contributions
Thank you for asking. The service is available for a private, scheduled pickup. If you contact the office during business hours or Request a Quote online, they can provide you the pricing once the reservation team knows your travel itinerary.
Island Breeze Shuttle (Galveston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Island Breeze Shuttle
- Island Breeze Shuttle is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM