City guides
United States of America
Texas
Getting Around
Visitors to Houston are well advised to hire a car, which is relatively inexpensive and provides the quickest and most convenient way to navigate the spread-out city. There are plenty of car parks and a well-managed road system. To hire a car (for up to 90 days), a full national driver's license is required and drivers must be at least 25 years old (some companies hire cars to those aged 21 to 24 with surcharges).
Those opting for public transport will find that the METRO has it well covered with an efficient and extensive bus service, as well as a light rail line which links Downtown, Midtown, the Museum District, Hermann Park, the Texas Medical Center, and Reliant Park. Correct change is required for on-board bus fare boxes, or purchase tokens or a day pass in advance from local stores sporting the Metro sign. Taxis are a rather expensive option, though readily available downtown; ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft are also options.
Airports
George Bush Intercontinental
The airport is situated 23 miles (37km) north of Houston.
George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
Location
The airport is situated 23 miles (37km) north of Houston.Getting to the city
Numerous shuttle services, including minibuses and limousines, are available from the airport to downtown Houston and a variety of other destinations, including the Gulf Coast resort city of Galveston. SuperShuttle shared-ride service picks up from any home or business. The Houston Metro offers public bus services from the south side of Terminal C, including an express airport bus. The fare is $1.25 per ride to downtown Houston. Courtesy vans are operated by various hotels and there are courtesy telephones in the baggage claim area.
Time
GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).Car rental
Car rental services are available at the airport.
Airport Taxis
Metered taxis are available outside each terminal. A $2.75 departure fee will be added to the meter, plus $1 should the journey be between 8pm and 6am.
Transfer between terminals
The free Skyway, an above-ground automated people mover, links the terminals for passengers who are inside security. A free, below-ground Subway train provides inter-terminal transportation to those who are outside of security.
Facilities
Facilities at the airport include dozens of food and beverage establishments from formal dining to fast food. There are also many newsstands and speciality shops throughout the airport. There is an art gallery and live performances in the airport. Duty-free shops are available in the international terminal. ATMs and currency exchange are available throughout the airport. Disabled facilities are good.
Parking
Parking rates start at $5 per hour with a $24 daily maximum, and parking lots are located near all the terminals.
Hobby Airport
The airport is seven miles (11km) from downtown Houston.
Hobby Airport (HOU)
Location
The airport is seven miles (11km) from downtown Houston.Getting to the city
The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority operates bus services between downtown Houston and William P. Hobby Airport. Route 88 serves the airport, buses leave from zone 13 outside the baggage claims area. Buses operate every 30-40 minutes between around 5am and 12.30am during the week and around 6am and 1am on Saturdays. Fares start at $1.25.
Time
GMT - 6Car rental
Car rental companies including Thrifty, Alamo, Dollar, National, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget and Avis all operate at Hobby Airport. Rental booths are in the baggage claim area on the lower level of the terminal.
Airport Taxis
Taxis are available on curbside zone 3 outside the arrivals part of the terminal. Cabs operate on a flat rate based on various zones within Houston. Fares range from $26.50 for downtown Houston in Zone 2 to $72.30 for a taxi to Bush Intercontinental Airport in Zone 8.
Facilities
Facilities at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange facilities, public call boxes, mailboxes, luggage carts, phone charging facilities as well as shops and restaurants.
Parking
The parking garage is connected to the terminal and costs $6 for up to two hours and $10 for up to five hours, or $22 per day. Another option is the Ecopark lots, which cost roughly $12 or less per day.