How to get around in Houston?

How To Get Around In Houston?

What are the best ways to get around in Houston?

How to get around in Houston? One of the most common question when traveling to a new city. Figuring out how to get around efficiently and cost effectively is important when traveling to a new city. Visiting a new city can be a ton of fun, but pricey if you don't know your way around. We have created a list of some of the most popular transportation options available in Houston during your sports trip. Plan the ultimate trip with the help of our travel experts and don't get caught unprepared when traveling to a new city!

How to get around in Houston

Houston is one of the biggest cities in the US. Because of this, a car may be the easiest way to get around Houston, just because destinations may be wide apart. However, Houston’s freeway and road system may be a little confusing and intimidating to a visiting outsider. If you aren’t getting around by car, your next best bet is to use Houston’s light rail system - METRORail - as it does make stops by many of Houston’s main attractions. Besides the METRORail, Uber and Lyft are great options as well. Houston METRO is Houston’s public transportation, containing a system of buses and light rail.

How to get around in Houston?

Here is a list of options on how to get around in Houston:

  • Light Rail
    • METRORail - Has 3 lines
      • Red Line - 13 mile line that extends from north of downtown, through the city center, past Midtown, the Museum District, and the Med Center, before stopping at NRG Stadium and ending just outside the 610 loop.
      • Purple Line - 6.6 mile line that travels through the southeast community connecting Downtown, Texas Southern University, the University of Houston and the Palm Center Transit Center.
      • Green Line - 3.3 mile line that travels along Harrisburg through the historic East End connecting downtown, the Convention District, EADO/BBVA Compass Stadium and Altic.
      • Fare: $1.25/ride. There is no turnstile, but fare checkers pop up randomly and will issue fines to those without a valid pass. Otherwise it works on the honor system.

  • Bus
    • Local Service
      • Stops on every corner along its route, mainly within city streets. Fare is the same as METRO.
      • Free transfers for up to three hours
    • The Wave
      • Jitney service that shuttles people around Houston’s primary nightlife areas, including Midtown, Montrose, Downtown, Uptown, Rice Village and the Washinton Avenue corridor. There are a number of ways to catch the wave: along its route, call to see when and where the Wave will be arriving or pick it up at a designated free parking lot (southwest corner of Houston and Memorial Pkwy. and at Pizzitola's on Shepherd). (713) 863-9283

  • Bikesharing
    • BCycle - Houston’s bike sharing system. Has over 75 stations throughout central Houston, most of which are downtown, at the med center and the Museum District.

  • Ridesharing
    • Uber
    • Lyft

  • Taxis
    • Can be difficult to hail on the street, best to get one at a hotel

 

These are some of the best transportation options when trying to figure out how to get around in Houston.

Airport (IAH) & (HOU) to Downtown Houston

# of Major Houston Airports: 2

 

  1. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
  2. William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU)

 

How to get to and from IAH

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the second busiest airport in Texas. The airport was originally named “Houston Intercontinental Airport”, it was renamed to honor George H. W. Bush, the 41st US President. IAH is the 47th busiest airport in the world. The difference between these two airports comes down to the price and airline you prefer. Both options service Houston and are perfect if you are looking to fly in to see a game.   

 

Located only 23 miles from Downtown Houston, which is about a 28-minute drive, it is quite easy to get to and from IAH. If you are flying in for a Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets game be sure to give yourself some added time before the game(s), traffic around any major airport can be unpredictable and you don’t want to miss being late to the game! 

 

Below are your best available options for how to get to Downtown Houston from ORD so you can start your sports getaway!

  • Taxi: Taking a cab from the airport to downtown Houston may be your best bet in terms of convenience. There is a taxi stand located outside of Baggage Claim / Arrivals Level. They have them available outside of Terminals A,B,C and E. Follow the signs marked “Ground Transportation” and exits are marked “Taxis”. Taxi stand assists are available between 7:00am and Midnight. Estimated fares may vary depending on your destination however it will usually cost $50-$60 USD. Seniors will get a 10% discount. Keep in mind there is a $2.75 surcharge for all airport pick up and drop offs. 

 

      • Taxi Stand Exits: 
        • Terminal A: South Side, Door A-115
        • Terminal B: South Side, B-103
        • Terminal C: South Side, Door C-106
        • Terminal E: West Side, Door E-102

 

  •  Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft): Another convenient way to get to downtown from IAH is ridesharing companies. Elite Sports Tours suggests Uber or Lyft. Fares estimates will be provided via the app. You can expect $36-$40 CAD one way. Something to keep in mind Uber X rides are cheaper than the taxis rates, usually. However, if you are interested in taking a different classification of Uber, you can expect to pay a little more. Once you have your bags follow the signs “Ground Transportation''. Exit through the doors “Passenger Pick-Up” to find your Uber. Keep in mind there is an airport surcharge fee of $2.75 USD for all rides to and from IAH. This is standard for ridesharing options during airport pick ups and drop offs. IAH has a number of loading zones for Rideshare services. Pick up areas are designated by “Ride App'' Signs. 

 

      • Ride Sharing Designated Pick Up Zones: 
        • Terminal A: South Side, Door A-115
        • Terminal B: South Side, B-103
        • Terminal C: South Side, Door C-106
        • Terminal E: West Side, Door E-102

 

  • Limo/ Town Car Service: There are limo/town car services available to pick you up at IAH and take you downtown. However, this is something you will need to arrange before you arrive. There are multiple local limo/town car services in Houston so be sure to read the reviews to make the best decision for you. You must call your service once you have claimed your luggage. You will be able to find your limo/car service in a couple of different areas depending on what Terminal you are using. 

 

      • Limo/Car Service Reception: 
        • Terminal A, B: Limo Reception Area in Baggage Claim 
        • Terminal C: Baggage Claim 
        • Terminal E: Limo Reception Area on the Arrivals Level 

 

Follow the signs marked “Ground Transportation” and then exit through the doors marked “Limousines”. The estimated price will be between $140 - $200 CAD. This is used by business travelers or larger groups such as bachelor parties. 

 

  • Rental Car: IAH offers a couple different car rental counters offering options from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and more. You will need to board a free, 24-hour shuttle to the Car Rental Center is about 5 minutes away from the terminals. Shuttles depart every 5 minutes from outside of Baggage Claim/Arrivals. 

 

      • Shuttle Pick Up Exits: 
        • Terminal A: South Side, Door A-115
        • Terminal B: South Side, B-103
        • Terminal C: South Side, Door C-106
        • Terminal E: West Side, Door E-102

Once you have your bags, follow the signs marked “Ground Transportation”, exit through the doors marked “Rental Car” and look for blue and white buses marked “Rental Car Shuttle”. Renting a car is a great way to explore a city at your own pace. Keep in mind rates will vary depending on demand, the type of car you want, and how many days you need it. If you want to rent a car for your trip, get an Elite Sports Tours representative to add it to your package before your trip!

 

  • Public Transit (Bus): Metro Bus 102 will take you from IAH to downtown Houston. It will take you about 50 to 90 minutes to arrive depending on traffic. This is double the amount of time then some of the other options listed, something to keep in mind. It will cost you $1.25 USD per ride and they take cash only. Driver will not make changes. Rides can stow luggage in the baggage compartment. Pick up is at the Metro Bus Stop on Baggage Claim Level, south side of Terminal C. Visit Houston Metro online for more information, schedule and pick up times. 

 

  • Airport Shuttles: Some hotels in Houston offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from IAH for their guests. Keep in mind most of these hotels are “airport” hotels not downtown properties. Be sure to ask your Elite Sports Tours representative about your hotel’s shuttle service, if applicable. Pick-up times can be coordinated by communicating your flight information with your hotel. Hotels depart outside of Baggage Claim/Arrivals. 

 

      • Hotel Shuttle Pick Up Exits: 
        • Terminal A: South Side, Door A-115
        • Terminal B: South Side, B-103
        • Terminal C: South Side, Door C-106
        • Terminal E: West Side, Door E-102

Once you have your bags, follow the signs marked “Ground Transportation”, exit through the doors marked “Hotel Shuttles”.

 

For getting to Downtown Houston from IAH we recommend either taking an Uber or the Taxis. Uber, is an ever-reliable option. It is your most efficient choice and the cost is very reasonable. With that said if you feel more comfortable using a taxi because you aren’t familiar with ridesharing services then that would work as well. The choice is yours. 

 

How to get to and from HOU

William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU) is Houston's oldest commercial airport and it was the primary airport in Houston until George Bush Intercontinental Airport opened in 1969. Both IAH & HOU that service Houston and are perfect if you are looking to fly in to see a game. It comes down to price and airline preference.    

 

Located only 10 miles from Downtown Houston, which is about a 20-minute drive, it is quite easy to get to and from HOU. If you are flying in for a Houston Rockets, Houston Texans, or Houston Astros game be sure to give yourself some added time before the game(s), traffic around any major airport can be unpredictable and you don’t want to miss being late to the game! 

 

Below are your best available options for how to get to Downtown Houston from HOU so you can start your sports getaway!

 

  • Taxi: Taking a cab from the airport to downtown Houston may be your best bet in terms of convenience. There is a taxi stand located outside of Baggage Claim / Arrivals Level on Curb Zone 2. The ride to downtown will take you approximately 40 minutes depending on traffic. Estimated fares may vary depending on your destination however they offer a flat rate to downtown Houston for $29 USD. Keep in mind there is a $1.25 surcharge for all airport pick up and drop offs. The taxi companies Elite Sports Tours recommends are Yellow Cab Houston, Houston VIP Taxi, and Oncabs Houston. 

 

  •  Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft): Another convenient way to get to downtown from IAH is ridesharing companies. Elite Sports Tours suggests Uber or Lyft. Fares estimates will be provided via the app. You can expect $21-$25 CAD one way. Something to keep in mind Uber X rides are cheaper than the taxis rates, usually. However, if you are interested in taking a different classification of Uber, you can expect to pay a little more. Keep in mind there is an airport surcharge fee of $1.25 USD for all rides to and from HOU. This is standard for all ridesharing options during airport pick ups and drop offs.  Once you order you Uber, you will need to work with your driver to confirm your exact pick up location after you exit the terminals. 

 

  • Limo/ Town Car Service: There are limo/town car services available to pick you up at HOU and take you downtown. However, this is something you will need to arrange before you arrive. There are multiple local limo/town car services in Houston so be sure to read the reviews to make the best decision for you. You must call your service once you have claimed your luggage. The estimated price will be between $120 - $180 CAD. This is used by business travelers or larger groups such as bachelor parties. 

 

  • Rental Car: IAH offers a couple different car rental counters offering options from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and more. You will need to board a free, 24-hour shuttle to the Car Rental Center is about 5 minutes away from the terminals. Shuttles depart every 5 minutes from outside of Baggage Claim/Arrivals. Renting a car is a great way to explore a city at your own pace. Keep in mind rates will vary depending on demand, the type of car you want, and how many days you need it. If you want to rent a car for your trip, get an Elite Sports Tours representative to add it to your package before your trip!

 

  • Public Transit (Bus): Metro Bus 40 will take you from IAH to downtown Houston. It will take you about 60 minutes to arrive depending on traffic. This is double the amount of time then some of the other options listed, something to keep in mind. It will cost you $1.25 USD per ride and they take cash only. Driver will not make change. Rides can stow luggage in the baggage compartment. Pick up is at the Metro Bus Stop on Baggage Claim Level,at curb zone 3. Visit Houston Metro online for more information, schedule and pick up times. 

 

  • Airport Shuttles: Some hotels in Houston offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from IAH for their guests. Keep in mind most of these hotels are “airport hotels” not downtown properties. Be sure to ask your Elite Sports Tours representative about your hotel’s shuttle service, if applicable.

 

For getting to Downtown Houston from HOU we recommend either taking an Uber or a taxi. Uber is an ever-reliable option. It is your most efficient choice and the cost is very reasonable. With that said if you feel more comfortable using a taxi because y

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