
Best Airports & How to Get from the Airport to the City in Houston, Texas, United States
1. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Largest airport in Houston, offering flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. Features a space for live music performances.
- Size: Handles over 50 million passengers annually.
- Live Music Venue: A unique airport attraction showcasing local and regional talent.
- Connectivity: Offers nonstop service to over 130 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and South America.
2. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Smaller airport in Houston, offering flights primarily to domestic destinations. Known for its convenient location near downtown Houston.
- Location: Situated just 7 miles south of downtown Houston.
- Size: Handles around 14 million passengers annually.
- Public Transportation: Easily accessible via the MetroRail and city bus services.
3. Metered Taxis from IAH
Convenient transportation option available at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Taxis can accommodate up to five passengers and their luggage.
- Ease of Access: Found on the lower level curbside of each terminal.
- Cost: Fares are metered, based on distance and time.
- Availability: Taxis are available day and night.
4. Shuttle Services from IAH
Shared-ride shuttle vans offering affordable transportation to various destinations in Houston. Advance reservations are recommended.
- Cost: Offers a more cost-effective option compared to taxis.
- Schedule: Shuttles run frequently, but specific schedules may vary based on your chosen destination.
- Capacity: Vans can accommodate up to 14 passengers and their luggage.
5. Ride-hailing Services from IAH
Services such as Uber and Lyft are available at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Apps are required for booking rides.
- Convenience: Simply book a ride via the app, and your driver will meet you curbside at your terminal.
- Cost: Fares are based on distance and time, with surge pricing during peak hours.
- Availability: Ride-hailing services are available day and night.
6. METRORail from IAH to Downtown Houston
A light rail transit system linking George Bush Intercontinental Airport with downtown Houston. The ride takes around 45 minutes.
- Time: Travel time from IAH to Downtown Houston is approximately 45 minutes.
- Cost: One-way fare for adults is $1.25.
- Connectivity: Connects to multiple destinations in the greater Houston area, including the Medical Center and the Texas Medical Center.
7. Car Rental at IAH
Various car rental options available at George Bush Intercontinental Airport for those seeking personal transportation during their stay in Houston.
- Convenience: Rent a car directly from the airport to explore Houston at your own pace.
- Variety: Choose from a variety of car types, including compact cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles.
- Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Rental car counters located on the ground level of each terminal.
8. Bus Services from HOU to Downtown Houston
Public bus services offered at William P. Hobby Airport connecting passengers with downtown Houston and other popular destinations in the city.
- Cost: One-way fare for adults is $1.
- Time: Travel time from HOU to Downtown Houston varies, but expect around 30 minutes.
- Connectivity: Connects to multiple destinations in the greater Houston area, including the University of Houston and Reliant Park.
9. Hotel Shuttle Services from IAH
Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services for guests arriving at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Check with your hotel for availability.
- Cost: Complimentary service provided by many hotels.
- Reservation Requirements: Advance reservations may be required for hotel shuttle services.
- Availability: Shuttles run frequently, but specific schedules may vary based on your chosen hotel.
10. Hotel Shuttle Services from HOU
Some hotels near William P. Hobby Airport offer complimentary shuttle services for guests. Check with your hotel for availability.
- Cost: Complimentary service provided by some hotels.
- Reservation Requirements: Advance reservations may be required for hotel shuttle services.
- Availability: Shuttles run frequently, but specific schedules may vary based on your chosen hotel.
11. Rideshare Vans from HOU
Shared-ride vans offering transportation to various destinations in Houston. Apps are required for booking rides.
- Cost: Offers a more cost-effective option compared to taxis.
- Schedule: Vans run frequently, but specific schedules may vary based on your chosen destination.
- Capacity: Vans can accommodate up to 14 passengers and their luggage.
12. Car Rental at HOU
Various car rental options available at William P. Hobby Airport for those seeking personal transportation during their stay in Houston.
- Convenience: Rent a car directly from the airport to explore Houston at your own pace.
- Variety: Choose from a variety of car types, including compact cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles.
- Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Rental car counters located on the lower level of the airport.
13. METRORail Expansion to IAH
An upcoming light rail expansion connecting George Bush Intercontinental Airport with downtown Houston, expected to reduce travel time.
- Expected Timeframe: Construction is currently underway, and the project is expected to be completed by 2023.
- Travel Time: The expanded METRORail system will significantly reduce travel time between IAH and downtown Houston.
- Connectivity: Provides a convenient transportation option, connecting the airport with multiple destinations in the greater Houston area.
14. Fly2Houston Bus from HOU
A direct bus service offered at William P. Hobby Airport connecting passengers with downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center.
- Cost: One-way fare for adults is $2.
- Time: Travel time from HOU to Downtown Houston or the Texas Medical Center is approximately 30 minutes.
- Connectivity: Direct connection to downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center, bypassing the need for transfers.
15. Fly2Houston Bus from IAH
A direct bus service offered at George Bush Intercontinental Airport connecting passengers with downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center.
- Cost: One-way fare for adults is $2.
- Time: Travel time from IAH to Downtown Houston or the Texas Medical Center is approximately 60 minutes.
- Connectivity: Direct connection to downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center, bypassing the need for transfers.