How much is a taxi from HOU to downtown Houston?

Taxi fares: about $30–$45. The ride takes 20–30 min depending on traffic.

Which airlines fly from HOU?

Airlines at HOU include Southwest Airlines. It's not a complete list: smaller and seasonal airlines come and go, so check the airport's flight board for your route.

Can I leave HOU on a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 3 h: that covers getting out of the airport, the round trip to downtown Houston, an hour there and getting back through security.

How long do I need to connect at HOU?

We recommend at least 45 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal, and more for a terminal change or after an international arrival. Our HOU connection guide breaks it down step by step.

Where is the cheapest parking at HOU?

Ecopark lot with shuttles, the cheapest. Rates change with demand, so check and book ahead on the airport's site.

Where do international flights arrive at HOU?

Arriving from abroad, you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), collect your checked bags, drop them at the recheck belt and go through TSA security again before your connection.

How do I find cheap flights from Houston?

Add HOU as a home airport on Good Flight Deals and we'll email you when fares from Houston drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

Houston · airport guide

HOU Airport guide

William P. Hobby Airport has one terminal, including the international concourse. The quickest way from HOU to downtown Houston is the METRO bus 40 (about 45 minutes, $1.25).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to downtown Houston

45 min

METRO bus 40, $1.25

Taxi

20–30 min

about $30–$45

Connecting here

45 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover

3 h+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from HOU to downtown Houston is the METRO bus 40 (about 45 minutes, $1.25). Connecting here, allow at least 45 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include Southwest.

Terminals: One terminal, including the international concourse
Taxi: 20–30 min, about $30–$45
Connecting: At least 45 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal

Getting from HOU to downtown Houston

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

METRO bus 40to downtown Houstonabout 45 min$1.25
Taxi or rideshare20–30 minabout $30–$45

Inside HOU

Terminals and connections

All gates, international ones included, are in one secure area.

How long a layover you need at HOU

Lounges

•No airline clubs; Hobby is mostly Southwest

Sleep, showers and hotels

•No hotel inside the terminal

Parking at HOU

•Ecopark lot with shuttles, the cheapest
•Terminal garage

Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check HOU's official site.

HOU tips

•Hobby is Southwest's gateway to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Can you leave HOU on a layover?

With at least 3 h between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
To downtown Houston and back, the fastest way40 min
Time in town worth the trip1 h
Back through security to your gate1 h
Layover you need3 h

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at HOU

Major airlines that fly from HOU (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

Southwest Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees

HOU airport FAQ

The quickest option is the METRO bus 40 to downtown Houston: about 45 minutes for $1.25. A taxi takes 20–30 min (about $30–$45).

Cheap flights from Houston (HOU)The latest fare drops we've found from HOU.

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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