Houston is served by two airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), United’s largest hub and about 23 miles north of downtown, and William P. Hobby (HOU), a Southwest Airlines stronghold roughly 11 miles southeast of downtown and often the faster, cheaper option for domestic-only trips.
Hurricane Season Can Affect Travel Plans
June through November is Gulf Coast hurricane season, and while most trips are unaffected, tropical storms occasionally disrupt flights with little notice. Travel insurance or flexible fare rules are worth a look if you’re booking during these months.
A Global Energy and Medical Hub
Houston’s concentration of energy companies and the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, keep weekday business travel steady year-round, which can push midweek fares and hotel rates higher independent of the tourist calendar.
Getting Around Once You Land
Houston is one of the most spread-out major US cities, and METRORail’s light rail lines cover only a few corridors, so most visitors plan on a rental car or rideshare for anything beyond a single neighborhood.
Search live fares to Houston above and check which airport, IAH or HOU, gets you the better fare and the shorter drive to where you’re staying.