Getting Around Houston: A Visitor's Guide
Houston offers several options for getting around the city, from public transportation to rental cars and ride-hailing services. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) operates the main public transit system, which includes buses, light rail, trolleys, and lift vans.
Light Rail and Metro Transit
METRO's light rail system, called METRORail, began service on January 1, 2004, making Houston one of the last major U.S. cities to introduce rail transit. The system currently serves multiple corridors connecting downtown Houston with major destinations including the Texas Medical Center and Reliant Park to the south, and Northline Mall to the north.
METRO is in the design phase of a 10-year expansion plan that will add five new sections to the rail network. One planned 8.3-mile expansion will extend service northward through Texas Southern University to the University of Houston campus.
Buses and Park-and-Ride Services
METRO operates an extensive bus network throughout the city. The agency provides specialized park-and-ride bus services for commuters in Houston's suburban areas. Many of these park-and-ride buses run in dedicated high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes, offering direct service from parking lots to major employment centers.
In addition to METRO's services, Harris County Transit operates some public transportation in the Clear Lake City area of Houston.
Getting from the Airport to Downtown
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is located approximately 23 miles north of downtown, near Beltway 8. It is Houston's largest commercial airport and serves 24 domestic and international airlines.
The most budget-friendly option from IAH to downtown is METRO Bus Line 102, which departs from Terminal C. The bus takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach downtown and costs $1.25. During the day, the bus runs approximately every 30 minutes. The bus stop at Terminal C is located on a traffic island, exposed to the elements. It's advisable to wait indoors by a window and step outside 5-7 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
For car rentals, dedicated shuttle buses transport passengers from terminals to the IAH Car Rental Center, a trip that takes 5-7 minutes.
Many visitors also opt for rental cars, taxis, or ride-hailing services like Uber.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
William P. Hobby Airport is located 7 miles south of downtown, off Interstate 45 South. It is particularly convenient if you're traveling to downtown or south of the city, such as to Galveston. Southwest Airlines is the airport's primary carrier, along with Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Via Air. The airport also has limited Southwest service to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
METRO Bus 40 serves the airport, running to downtown Houston approximately every 30 minutes with a travel time of about one hour. Like at IAH, most visitors choose to rent a car or use ride-hailing services such as Uber or taxis.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Ride-hailing services like Uber are widely used in Houston and available from both major airports. Traditional taxi service is also available throughout the city.
Walkability
Houston's layout and sprawling nature mean that most areas are not highly walkable for visitors. While downtown Houston has some pedestrian-friendly areas, exploring the city generally requires a car, public transportation, or ride-hailing services.
Intercity Travel
Train Service
Amtrak's Sunset Limited line serves Houston on its route between Los Angeles and New Orleans, stopping three times per week at the Houston train station on the north side of downtown. An Amtrak Thruway bus service connects Houston to the Texas Eagle in Longview, providing access to Chicago and San Antonio routes.
Bus Service
Greyhound Lines operates services from multiple stations across Houston, including the main Houston Greyhound Station at 2121 South Main Street, plus stations in northwest, northeast, southeast, and southwest Houston. Greyhound also serves surrounding areas including Galveston, Conroe, and Katy.
Greyhound provides seamless connecting service to major cities in Mexico. Kerrville Bus Company also operates from the Houston Greyhound Station.
Several other bus companies connect Houston to cities across the southeastern United States and beyond, with many terminals and stops located in different parts of the city. Flixbus operates low-cost coach service to San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and other regional destinations. Be sure to check your tickets carefully, as different bus companies have multiple stops in various parts of Houston and buses may not stop at all company locations.