Getting Around Houston
Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.
Houston Airport information
Houston is served by two major airports:
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for most long-haul and international flights, and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) for domestic and some international routes, giving strong connectivity for conferences and events across the Americas and beyond. IAH is a major United Airlines hub with extensive global links and five terminals connected by people movers and underground trains, while both airports have ongoing upgrades for smoother security and arrivals flow. The Houston Airport System provides visitor info, maps, accessibility details, and real-time alerts to streamline your arrival and onward travel. Recent improvements include faster international arrivals at IAH and expanded concessions at both airports to reduce stress during peak seasons.
Getting there and using it:
You can navigate IAH’s five-terminal campus via automated people mover and underground train, with airport maps, accessibility info, and alerts available on the Houston Airport System site to plan your path from gate to ground transport.
Connectivity and choices:
IAH offers broad domestic and intercontinental service as a major United hub; HOU provides strong domestic connectivity, with both airports handling millions of travelers seasonally and adding new amenities to improve flow.
Key details for visitors:
IAH sits roughly 22–23 miles north of Downtown with direct access to major highways and the Hardy Toll Road, supporting quick transfers for citywide events and dispersed venues.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for most long-haul and international flights, and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) for domestic and some international routes, giving strong connectivity for conferences and events across the Americas and beyond. IAH is a major United Airlines hub with extensive global links and five terminals connected by people movers and underground trains, while both airports have ongoing upgrades for smoother security and arrivals flow. The Houston Airport System provides visitor info, maps, accessibility details, and real-time alerts to streamline your arrival and onward travel. Recent improvements include faster international arrivals at IAH and expanded concessions at both airports to reduce stress during peak seasons.
Getting there and using it:
You can navigate IAH’s five-terminal campus via automated people mover and underground train, with airport maps, accessibility info, and alerts available on the Houston Airport System site to plan your path from gate to ground transport.
Connectivity and choices:
IAH offers broad domestic and intercontinental service as a major United hub; HOU provides strong domestic connectivity, with both airports handling millions of travelers seasonally and adding new amenities to improve flow.
Key details for visitors:
IAH sits roughly 22–23 miles north of Downtown with direct access to major highways and the Hardy Toll Road, supporting quick transfers for citywide events and dispersed venues.
Houston Ground information
Houston’s METRO network includes METRORail light rail (Red, Green, Purple lines), local and commuter buses, and BRT service, linking Downtown, the Texas Medical Center, universities, and major event zones with frequent services on key corridors. The Red Line is the core spine, with Green and Purple lines serving the Theater District, EaDo, and Southeast areas; METRO’s system plans have evolved, with some expansions postponed or under review, so checking current maps and frequencies is essential. The Silver Line BRT opened in 2020 to connect major transit centers, while University and Inner Katy plans have seen scope changes, affecting long-term rail/bus rapid transit expectations. For airport links, riders commonly use local buses and ride services; METRO Route 102 previously linked IAH and Downtown, with ridemetro.org providing current options and trip planning.
Getting there and using it:
Use METRORail for quick trips between Downtown, the Theater District, and the Texas Medical Center; check line maps and station lists for Red/Green/Purple and use METRO’s planner for live timings and transfers.
Connectivity and choices:
Combine light rail with local buses and BRT (e.g., Silver Line between Westpark/Lower Uptown and Northwest Transit Center) to reach hotels, venues, and business districts; note system expansions are evolving with some projects paused or under review.
Key details for visitors:
Rail coverage is strongest through central corridors; for outer hubs, use Park & Ride, express buses, or rideshare; verify any airport bus links (e.g., historical Route 102) on METRO’s site before travel.
Getting there and using it:
Use METRORail for quick trips between Downtown, the Theater District, and the Texas Medical Center; check line maps and station lists for Red/Green/Purple and use METRO’s planner for live timings and transfers.
Connectivity and choices:
Combine light rail with local buses and BRT (e.g., Silver Line between Westpark/Lower Uptown and Northwest Transit Center) to reach hotels, venues, and business districts; note system expansions are evolving with some projects paused or under review.
Key details for visitors:
Rail coverage is strongest through central corridors; for outer hubs, use Park & Ride, express buses, or rideshare; verify any airport bus links (e.g., historical Route 102) on METRO’s site before travel.
Houston Trains & Rail Information
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited connects Houston east to New Orleans and west to Los Angeles, operating three days per week and serving as a transcontinental option for leisure travelers building itineraries around the Gulf and Southwest corridors. The route is one of Amtrak’s oldest named services, with multi-day journeys and combined operations with the Texas Eagle west of San Antonio, making it a niche but scenic alternative to flying for certain attendees. Current timetables confirm active service days and long-haul durations, which are important for planning realistic arrivals and departures around event dates. While frequency is limited, the line provides unique connectivity for rail enthusiasts and extended pre/post event travel experiences.
Getting there and using it:
Board Amtrak’s Sunset Limited at Houston with service operating Su/We/Fr per timetable; always confirm current days and times close to travel because schedules can vary by season and operations.
Connectivity and choices:
Travel east toward New Orleans or west toward San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, and Los Angeles, noting that the train runs three round-trips weekly and combines with the Texas Eagle beyond San Antonio.
Getting there and using it:
Board Amtrak’s Sunset Limited at Houston with service operating Su/We/Fr per timetable; always confirm current days and times close to travel because schedules can vary by season and operations.
Connectivity and choices:
Travel east toward New Orleans or west toward San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, and Los Angeles, noting that the train runs three round-trips weekly and combines with the Texas Eagle beyond San Antonio.
