Dynamic Variation:

Getting Around Houston

Rental Car Services

Shuttle service is provided between the terminal and rental car facilities at Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports.

Utilizing rental car services provides travelers the most flexibility to explore Greater Houston with ease. Because Houston is so widespread, travelers who are looking to visit multiple attractions may find having a car helpful during their stay to maximize their experience.

Here are some rental car services to suit different requirements you might have.

Rail System

METRORail offers convenient and accessible service within the heart of the city between downtown Houston and NRG Park, including the Museum District and Texas Medical Center. Two additional lines connect the Theater District with PNC Stadium and destinations east of downtown. Click here for route and fare information.

Find low-cost ways to get around Houston down below.

What is there to do in Houston along the METRORail? Click here to find out. Also be aware that you can purchase a day pass for use on METRORail and METRO buses for just $3 a day.

Bus System

METRO offers several types of bus service in Houston.

Local service runs mostly on city streets, stopping at every other corner along its route. One-way fare is $1.25.
Park & Ride service is for long-distance commuting. METRO’s Park & Ride lots provide bus service to key destinations in the service area. One-way fare ranges from $2 to $4.50, depending on distance.

Click here for additional route and fare information.

METRO Statistics

Bus fleet - 1,236
Miles of light rail - 23
Local one-way fare - $1.25

Taxis

$6 Cab Fare Anywhere Downtown
The City of Houston has authorized a flat taxi fare of $6 for all trips in the downtown area. This $6 fare will apply anywhere within the Central Business District, bounded by Interstate 45, Interstate 10 and U.S. 59. The fare, in addition to increased downtown taxi stands, provides an easy alternative to driving to lunch, business meetings and activities throughout the downtown area. No surcharges will apply to the fare, which can accommodate multiple riders under the $6 total rate.

Taxi stands are designated areas where cabs can "stand" and wait for a fare. Additionally, there are at least 30 "hailing cab" icons on various downtown streets, which mark that particular site as a three-minute zone where taxis can briefly stop to pick up and drop off passengers.

Approximate cab fares from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Downtown $58
NRG Park Area $73
Texas Medical Center $66
Uptown/Galleria $71
Greenway Plaza $69

Approximate cab fares from William P. Hobby Airport

Downtown $31
NRG Park Area $33
Texas Medical Center $36
Uptown/Galleria $48
Greenway Plaza $44

*Above rates include up to four people per cab.

Would you rather have a taxi come to you? Here are the numbers you need:

Fiesta Cab Co. ................ (713) 225-2666
Liberty Cab Co. ............... (713) 444-4444
Lone Star Cab Co. ......... (713) 444-4444
Yellow Cab Houston ...... (713) 236-1111

Note: For the fast pick up, use Lone Star Cab's Curb app.

Ride-Sharing Services (Uber and Lyft)

Houston was the first city in Texas to approve ride-sharing services including Uber. This alternative transportation company allow users to request a ride via smartphone app. Learn more and download the app at uber.com. Lyft is another rideshare app available in Houston.

Parking

Those looking to avoid the search for parking around Downtown Houston can plan ahead with Parking Panda. The online parking reservation service allows visitors to find and purchase guaranteed parking in Downtown, any time.

Parking is 100% guaranteed, even if the location otherwise fills up, often at exclusive online discounts. Present the purchase confirmation at the selected location for an easy, turnkey experience.

Parking options are available throughout Houston, including the Convention District, Theater District, NRG Park, Toyota Center and many other locations.

To view real-time pricing and availability, click here.

Another great option for finding the perfect spot is Parking.com. This company operates more than 69 lots and garages across the city, from NRG Park to Downtown.

Between Galveston and Houston

Visitors looking to travel between Houston and Galveston Island can use the Island Express. The service runs each weekday with departures in the morning, midday and afternoon each way. The total ride cost each way is $9. Click here for more details.

Houston Highway System

Houston is well-served by a system of radial and ring highways that provide excellent access to markets outside the region.

Houston is the crossroads for Interstates 10 and 45. Other major highways serving Houston are Loop 610, U.S. 59, U.S. 290, U.S. 90, Texas 288, Texas 225, Hardy Toll Road, Sam Houston Tollway and the Grand Parkway (Texas 99). Planning to stay a while? Look in to getting a EZ Tag for discounted rates while traveling on toll roads.

Houston also lies along the route of the proposed I-69 NAFTA superhighway that will link Canada, the U.S. industrial mid-west, Texas and Mexico.

Freeway Names: More than a Number

Every freeway in the city has at least two names, some as many as seven, so it's quite likely that visitors will be baffled by this phenomenon. Here's a list to help you decode the nicknames:

Beltway 8: Sam Houston Tollway
Interstate 10 West: Katy Freeway, West Freeway
Interstate 10 East: East Freeway
Interstate 45 North: North Freeway
Interstate 45 South: Gulf Freeway
Interstate 45 through Downtown: Pierce Elevated
Interstate 610: The Loop, often preceded by North, South, East or West
U.S. 59 North: Eastex Freeway
U.S. 59 South: Southwest Freeway, Sen. Lloyd Bentson Highway, Future Interstate Corridor, NAFTA Superhighway, I-69
U.S. 75: See Interstate 45
U.S. 90 East: Beaumont Highway
U.S. 90 West: See Interstate 10
U.S. 290: Northwest Freeway, Hempstead Highway
Texas 6: Highway 6, Addicks Howell Road, Alvin Sugar Land Road, Addicks Satsuma Road, Hempstead Road
Texas 3: Galveston Road
Texas 225: La Porte Freeway
Texas 249: Tomball Parkway
Texas 288: South Freeway, Nolan Ryan Expressway
Highway 99: Grand Parkway