Houston

✈️

Airports

Houston has major international and regional airports to facilitate air travel, including domestic and global connections.

Sections

1. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Overview

  • Location: 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston.
  • Code: IAH
  • Size: One of the largest airports in the U.S., serving as a major hub for United Airlines.
  • Primary Use: International and domestic flights.
  • Terminals: Five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E), connected by an underground train (Subway) and an above-ground train (Skyway).

Transportation Options

  1. Rideshare Services:
    • Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are available.
    • Approximate cost to Downtown Houston: $35–$50 (depending on traffic and time of day).
  2. Taxis:
    • Available at designated taxi stands.
    • Flat rate to Downtown Houston: $57.
  3. Public Transit:
    • METRO Bus 102: Connects IAH to Downtown Houston.
    • Fare: $1.25 (one-way).
    • Travel time: Approximately 1 hour.
  4. Shuttle Services:
    • Shared shuttles like SuperShuttle are available.
    • Cost: $25–$35 per person to Downtown.
  5. Car Rentals:
    • All major car rental companies operate from the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, accessible via a free shuttle from the terminals.
  6. Private Transfers:
    • Limousines and private car services can be pre-booked.

Parking Facilities

  1. On-Site Parking:
    • Terminal Parking: Closest to terminals, $24/day.
    • Economy Parking: $6–$10/day, with free shuttle service to terminals.
    • Valet Parking: $28/day.
  2. Off-Site Parking:
    • Numerous private lots nearby offer competitive rates (as low as $5/day) with free shuttles to the airport.
  3. Tips:
    • Book parking in advance for discounts.
    • Use the airport’s parking availability tracker online.

Check-In Procedures

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
  • International Flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure.
  • Self-service kiosks are available for most airlines.
  • TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes are available for expedited security screening.

Unique Amenities and Features

  • Dining and Shopping: A wide range of restaurants, including local Texan cuisine (e.g., Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen) and international options.
  • Lounges: United Club lounges, Centurion Lounge (American Express), and other airline-specific lounges.
  • Art Installations: Rotating art exhibits and permanent installations throughout the terminals.
  • Pet Relief Areas: Located in all terminals for travelers with pets.
  • Interfaith Chapel: Available for quiet reflection or prayer.
  • Proximity to Landmarks:
    • 30–40 minutes to Downtown Houston.
    • 45 minutes to the Houston Museum District.

2. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

Overview

  • Location: 7 miles (11 km) south of Downtown Houston.
  • Code: HOU
  • Size: Smaller than IAH, primarily serving domestic flights and some international flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.
  • Primary Use: A hub for Southwest Airlines.
  • Terminals: Single terminal with concourses for domestic and international flights.

Transportation Options

  1. Rideshare Services:
    • Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are available.
    • Approximate cost to Downtown Houston: $20–$30.
  2. Taxis:
    • Available at designated taxi stands.
    • Approximate cost to Downtown Houston: $30.
  3. Public Transit:
    • METRO Bus 40: Connects HOU to Downtown Houston.
    • Fare: $1.25 (one-way).
    • Travel time: Approximately 50 minutes.
  4. Shuttle Services:
    • Shared shuttles like SuperShuttle are available.
    • Cost: $20–$30 per person to Downtown.
  5. Car Rentals:
    • Rental car counters are located in the baggage claim area.
  6. Private Transfers:
    • Limousines and private car services can be pre-booked.

Parking Facilities

  1. On-Site Parking:
    • Garage Parking: $24/day.
    • EcoPark (Economy Parking): $10/day, with free shuttle service to the terminal.
  2. Off-Site Parking:
    • Private lots nearby offer rates as low as $5/day with free shuttles.
  3. Tips:
    • Hobby is smaller, so parking is generally more convenient than at IAH.

Check-In Procedures

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure.
  • International Flights: Arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure.
  • Self-service kiosks are available for most airlines.
  • TSA PreCheck lanes are available.

Unique Amenities and Features

  • Dining and Shopping: Local favorites like Pappasito’s Cantina and national chains like Chick-fil-A.
  • Art Installations: Rotating exhibits featuring local artists.
  • Pet Relief Areas: Located inside and outside the terminal.
  • Proximity to Landmarks:
    • 15–20 minutes to Downtown Houston.
    • 25 minutes to the Houston Museum District.
    • 30 minutes to NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

General Tips for Houston Airports

  1. Weather Considerations:
    • Houston’s weather can be unpredictable, especially during hurricane season (June–November). Check for flight delays during this time.
  2. Traffic:
    • Houston is known for heavy traffic. Plan extra time for travel to the airport, especially during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM).
  3. Language:
    • English is the primary language, but Spanish is widely spoken. Many airport staff are bilingual.
  4. Currency Exchange:
    • Currency exchange services are available at IAH (limited at HOU). ATMs are widely available at both airports.
  5. Wi-Fi:
    • Free Wi-Fi is available at both airports. Look for the “Free Airport Wi-Fi” network.

Comparison of IAH and HOU

| Feature | IAH (George Bush Intercontinental) | HOU (William P. Hobby) | |------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------------| | Distance to Downtown | 23 miles | 7 miles | | Primary Airlines | United Airlines | Southwest Airlines | | International Flights | Extensive | Limited (Mexico, Caribbean) | | Size | Large | Medium | | Parking Costs | $6–$28/day | $5–$24/day | | Public Transit Time | ~1 hour | ~50 minutes |

By understanding the layout, services, and transportation options at Houston’s airports, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth travel experience. Let me know if you need further assistance!