Looking for the closest airport to Galveston TX so you can get to your cruise port or to the coast without a marathon drive? You’re in the right place.

Whether you prefer the towering giants of international aviation or the cozy charm of a small local airstrip, we’ve got the lowdown on the top five airports ranked by how fast you can get from plane to beach chair. Each airport has its own vibe—some with luxurious lounges, others with quick access to the salty air and crashing waves.

From sprawling hubs like George Bush Intercontinental to Galveston’s very own Scholes International, we’ve charted the best routes for your beach-bound plans. Keep your suitcase light and your driving playlist shorter because these airports will get you to Galveston with plenty of time to spare.

Table of Contents

Methodology

To determine the five closest airports to Galveston, TX, we rounded up all the Texas airports near Galveston within a 5 hour drive.

We then assessed each airport based on its drive time to Galveston, factoring in regular traffic conditions, and the quality of services like flight variety, on-site amenities, and overall passenger experience.

From there, we let the odometer do the talking. Each airport is ranked by minutes on the road, so if you’re in a hurry to get those toes in the sand, you know exactly where to land.

We also factored in where the nearest airport to Galveston cruise ports are since we know many of you are flying in here exclusively to board a cruise ship.

The 5 Closest Airports to Galveston Texas

#5. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Distance from Galveston, Texas: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps

Austin-Bergstrom might not be your immediate go-to for a beach day, but for some, it’s about the quality and quantity of flights. AUS is a sprawling hub of domestic and international routes, serving up all the flavor of Austin’s weirdness but with some of the most polished services around.

Yes, it’s far—so far that you may forget the sea exists by the time you hit the halfway point, but if you’re flying in for a week-long stay, this airport’s efficient service and top-notch food options can make the longer drive worthwhile, making it one of the closest airports to Galveston TX for those who might explore more of the Lone Star State during their trip.

#4. San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

Distance from Galveston, Texas: 3 hours
Location: Check on Google Maps

Landing at SAT feels like arriving at a family gathering: comfortable and approachable. The amenities are straightforward, the gates not too complicated, and the crowds more manageable than the mega-airports.

Still, it holds its own in terms of flights, catering to a variety of carriers. The biggest drawback? Three hours on the road might as well be a chapter in a novel, so it’s not the absolute closest airport to Galveston Texas.

But if you’re coming from the western side of the state, SAT serves as a solid middle-ground option between the large and the massive.

#3. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Distance from Galveston, Texas: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps

George Bush Intercontinental Airport spans five terminals, offering you a dizzying array of services and amenities. International lounges that feel like you’ve stepped into a five-star hotel, gourmet restaurants with food better than most people’s dinner tables, and luxury shopping that will have you reaching for that extra suitcase you didn’t think you’d need.

But, while you’re wandering its endless corridors, you’re about 80 minutes away from Galveston, depending on how generous Houston traffic is feeling that day. The upside to choosing IAH is its sheer volume of international flights. Whether you’re arriving from Singapore or San Francisco, IAH will have something for you.

With airlines like United practically living here, the airport offers a solid connection network. The trade-off is that once you get out of the luxurious, albeit overwhelming, airport, you’ve still got that hour-plus drive ahead of you. Think of it as a scenic route, with the Gulf Coast calling you forward.

#2. Hobby Airport (HOU)

Distance from Galveston, Texas: 50 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps

Hobby is just under an hour from Galveston, making it one of the best choices for an airport near Galveston Texas if you’re looking to cut down on road time. It’s also the closest airport to Galveston Texas that is open for commercial flights (our #1 choice is only available for private flights.

While not as glamorous as George Bush Intercontinental, Hobby gets the job done with less hustle and a quicker breeze through security. Southwest Airlines owns the space here, so expect plenty of domestic routes as well.

The airport is functional, efficient, and gives you everything you need without the excess fluff. Plus, 50 minutes from the ocean? That’s makes it the best airport for Galveston TX for commercial flyers who really want to save some time.

That means it’s the closest airport to Galveston cruise ports for commercial flights as well.

#1. Scholes International Airport (GLS)

Distance from Galveston, Texas: 15 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps

This little-known gem is so close to Galveston, it almost feels like cheating. Scholes International Airport is about as cozy and local as it gets, as it is the only airport in Galveston Texas.

And while there are currently no commercial flights, for those lucky enough to access private aviation or general flights, it is perfect. This airport is more about intimacy than grandiosity—it’s designed for those flying in on small planes, with a focus on convenience and ease.

Here, the experience is the polar opposite of the colossal IAH. You won’t find long lines, nor will you be bombarded with a thousand signs telling you to turn right, left, up, down, or spin in circles to find your gate.

Instead, you get a smooth, breezy arrival that has you relaxing on Galveston’s beaches within 10-15 minutes of your wheels hitting the tarmac. While commercial travelers will need to set their sights elsewhere, Scholes International is the ultimate choice, making it the best and closest airport near Galveston TX.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest major airport to Galveston Texas?

The closest airport to Galveston TX is Scholes International Airport, just a 10-minute drive away. However, it serves only general aviation, so commercial travelers will need to fly into Houston’s Hobby Airport (HOU), which is 50 minutes away.

What is the closest airport to Galveston Island?

Galveston Island is just 20 minutes away from Galveston, so the nearest airport to Galveston Island remains Houston’s Hobby Airport (HOU) for commercial flyers.

What airport near Galveston TX has the most flights?

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) boasts the largest number of flights, both domestic and international. It’s about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Galveston by car, making it the best airport for Galveston TX.

Is there a commercial airport near Galveston Texas?

Yes, both Hobby Airport (HOU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) are commercial airports near Galveston Texas. HOU is closer at 50 minutes, while IAH is about 1 hour and 20 minutes away.

Which airport is best for international travelers heading to Galveston?

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the best choice for international travelers, with a wide variety of flights and excellent amenities. It’s a bit farther from Galveston but worth it for the flight options.

How far is Hobby Airport from Galveston TX?

Hobby Airport is approximately 50 minutes away from Galveston TX by car, making it one of the best options for travelers looking for a quicker trip to the beach.