Houston William Hobby airport (HOU)

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is Houston’s second international airport and a primary operating hub for Southwest Airlines. Recognized for its operational convenience and proximity to Downtown Houston, it serves an extensive domestic route network as well as international flights to destinations across Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Official Website: fly2houston.com/hou

Phone: +1 713 640 3000 | TTY: +1 713 641 7722

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport operates via a single centralized two-level passenger terminal, open 24 hours. Post-security concourses are interconnected on foot within the same building: the Central Concourse primarily serves domestic operations, while the West Concourse accommodates both domestic and international departures and arrivals with Federal Inspection Services (FIS). The TSA security checkpoint is open daily from 3:30 am to 11:00 pm.

Annual Traffic (2025): 13.9 million passengers.

Information Points

There are four visitor information desks staffed by airport ambassadors and volunteers (5:30 am to 9:30 pm), located on Level 1 (Houston Interactive Center), Level 2 pre-security near TSA, Level 2 in the post-security Rotunda, and in the West Concourse. In addition, interactive touch-screen kiosks are placed near gates 1, 22, 42, the Rotunda, and the baggage claim hall.

 Location

The airport is located 13 km (8 miles) southeast of Downtown Houston's central business district.

Public and private transportation

The airport is located approximately 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Houston, with road journey times ranging between 20 and 30 minutes depending on traffic.

METRO Public Buses

Local public transportation network METRO operates from the outer sidewalk (Curb Zone 3) on Level 1 outside the baggage claim area. Standard one-way fare is USD 1.25:

• Route 40 (Telephone and Telegraph): Connects the airport directly to Downtown Houston (including the George R. Brown Convention Center) in approximately 60 minutes. Buses run every 15-30 minutes between 4:00 am and 0:05 am.
• Airport Transfer to George Bush Intercontinental (IAH): Passengers can take Bus 40 into Downtown Houston and transfer to express Route 102 heading to IAH Terminal C (total journey time approx. 2 hours 10 minutes; combined fare: USD 2.50).
• Additional local routes serving the surrounding area include Line 50 (Eastwood Transit Center, Magnolia), Line 73 (Fannin South Transit Center), and Line 88 (San Jacinto College South).

View METRO schedules and route details

More official information on buses and shuttles

Taxis

Taxi stands are centrally located at Curb Zone 2 outside Level 1. Trips to Downtown Houston are subject to flat zone rates between USD 30.00 and USD 35.00, plus late-night surcharges (between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am). Travel time is 20 to 30 minutes.

Rideshare Apps (Uber / Lyft)

App-based transportation providers pick up passengers at designated zones along Level 1 arrivals curb. Fares to Downtown generally range from USD 25.00 to USD 40.00 depending on real-time demand.

Regional Shuttles

Sun Travel Airport Shuttle operates scheduled connections between HOU and Jack Brooks Regional Airport (Beaumont/Port Arthur) from Curb Zone 4. Regional coaches also include GroundShuttle (to College Station and Easterwood Airport) and Galveston Limousine Service (to Galveston Island and cruise terminals), along with door-to-door options from SuperShuttle.

Car rental agencies

Car rental customer service desks are conveniently located on Level 1, directly opposite the baggage reclaim area. Free shuttle buses transport customers from Curb Zone 1 on the arrivals curb to the off-site rental vehicle pick-up and drop-off facilities.

Rental Companies

• Alamo: 4:00 am to 12:00 am.
• Avis: 5:00 am to 12:00 am.
• Budget: 5:00 am to 12:00 am.
• Dollar: 5:30 am to 1:30 am.
• Enterprise: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• Hertz: 4:00 am to 1:00 am.
• National: 4:00 am to 1:00 am.
• Payless: Sunday to Friday from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm; Saturday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Sixt: 5:00 am to 12:00 am.
• Thrifty: 5:30 am to 1:30 am.

Official rental car information at HOU

Parking services at Houston William Hobby airport (HOU)

William P. Hobby Airport provides covered and open-air parking facilities operated by the Houston Airport System, featuring 24/7 security surveillance and electric vehicle (EV) charging spaces.

Parking Facilities

• Red Garage & Blue Garage: Multi-level garages located directly across from the terminal building, connected via pedestrian walkways. They provide hourly and daily spaces, alongside valet parking on Level 2.
• Ecopark: Open-air budget parking facility offering a complimentary shuttle service operating between the lot and the terminal from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Important Considerations

• Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Free waiting area on the airport approach road where drivers can wait in their vehicles until arriving passengers are curbside with their luggage.
• Parking Customer Service: For parking assistance or reservations, contact SGI Customer Service at +1 281 233 1729.

Official HOU parking rates and advance reservations

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Requesting Special Assistance

Travelers requiring wheelchair assistance or specific boarding accommodations should coordinate directly with their respective airline at least 48 hours prior to departure. Airline personnel will provide escort services from check-in counters through security to the departure gate. For security screening assistance, passengers can coordinate with the federal TSA Cares initiative.

Terminal Infrastructure and Accessibility

The facility is fully accessible, featuring mechanical ramps, elevators equipped with Braille signage, TTY phones (+1 713 641 7722), wheelchair-accessible family restrooms, and lowered drinking fountains. For blind or low-vision travelers, the airport provides complimentary visual interpretation through the Aira virtual service.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

HOU participates in the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Travelers with non-visible disabilities can obtain a Sunflower lanyard at information desks to discreetly signal staff that they may require additional time, patience, or assistance.

Nursing Suites and Service Animal Areas

Private nursing suites equipped with comfortable armchairs, sinks, and electrical outlets are situated within the boarding areas. Dedicated Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA) are available post-security for passengers traveling with assistance animals.