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Houston has two major airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), which together form the 4th largest airport system in the country. Bush Intercontinental Airport is the larger of the two and is preferred by international travellers, while Hobby Airport is smaller and caters more to domestic travellers and those heading to downtown Houston. Hobby Airport is located about 7 miles from downtown Houston and has various transport options available, including taxis, rideshares, and buses. It has also received a 5-star Skytrax rating, the only North American airport to do so, thanks to its efficient processing, short walking distances, upgraded interior décor, nursery facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | William P. Hobby Airport |
| Airport Code | HOU |
| Distance from Downtown Houston | 7 miles |
| Airlines | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines |
| Passenger-Friendly Features | Wi-Fi, retail stores, food and beverage outlets, play areas for children, nursery facilities for families, efficient processing at security and immigration |
| Rating | 5-star Skytrax rating |
| Transport Options | Taxi, rideshare apps, Uber, Lyft, SuperShuttle, METRO Bus |
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What You'll Learn
Houston Airports is the City of Houston's Department of Aviation
The William P. Hobby Airport, commonly referred to as Hobby Airport, is located about 7 miles south of Downtown Houston. It serves domestic destinations and has seen a significant increase in passenger traffic in recent years, reaching 14.5 million travellers in 2018. Hobby Airport offers a range of amenities, including WI-FI, retail stores, and over 15 food and beverage outlets. It is also easily accessible via various transportation options, such as public bus routes and hotel courtesy vans.
Hobby Airport has received numerous accolades for its exceptional customer service. It was awarded the AX 2024 Award for the "Airport with the Highest Regard for Customer Service" at the 2024 Airport Experience Conference. The Houston Airports Concessions team is dedicated to providing a 5-star experience by delivering outstanding customer service and utilising cutting-edge technology. The airport has also undergone significant upgrades to enhance the overall passenger experience, including improvements to Terminals E and B at Bush Airport, which are part of the Houston Airport System.
The Houston Airport System exists to connect people, businesses, cultures, and economies worldwide to the city of Houston. It strives to establish Houston as a five-star global air service gateway and a primary gateway to Latin America. The system includes the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport / Houston Spaceport, each contributing to the city's reputation as a major aviation hub.
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Hobby Airport is located about 7 miles south of Downtown Houston
Houston has two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Hobby Airport is located about 7 miles south of Downtown Houston and is the best airport for travellers heading to the city.
William P. Hobby Airport is much smaller than Bush Intercontinental Airport and is located just 7 to 11 miles from Houston's bustling downtown. Hobby Airport serves domestic destinations and is a hub for Southwest Airlines. In 2018, the airport saw 14.5 million travellers and has seen significant increases in passenger numbers in recent years.
Hobby Airport offers various transport options to downtown Houston. Houston's METRO Bus number 40 will get you from the airport to downtown for a low price, although it is the most time-consuming option. One-way rides from Hobby to downtown via Lyft or Uber range from $16 to $18, while taxis to the city centre should cost around $30, not including a tip. SuperShuttle provides a door-to-door service for about $23 one-way, although reservations are recommended.
Hobby Airport has maintained a 5-star Skytrax rating, with efficient processing for key formalities at security and immigration. The airport has a range of amenities, including free fast Wi-Fi, upgraded interior décor, play areas for children, and enhanced nursery facilities for families. There is also a broad range of seat choices and charging sockets.
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Hobby Airport is the best option for domestic flights
Houston has two major airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), which together form the 4th largest airport system in the country. While Bush Intercontinental is the larger of the two, Hobby Airport is considered the best option for domestic flights.
For one, Hobby Airport is much smaller compared to Bush Intercontinental and is located just 7 miles from Houston's bustling downtown, whereas Bush Intercontinental is located 23 miles north of the city. This makes Hobby Airport a much more convenient option for those travelling to the city, as it is quicker to get to and from. In addition, the shorter distance means that rideshare apps and taxis are roughly the same price or cheaper than shuttles.
Hobby Airport is also preferred by domestic flyers due to its proximity to downtown Houston. It is a hub for Southwest Airlines and offers various transport options, including rental cars, taxi services, airport transfers, and public transportation such as buses. The airport has also seen significant increases in passenger numbers in recent years, hitting 14.5 million travellers in 2018.
Hobby Airport has also received numerous accolades. It is the only North American airport with a 5-star Skytrax rating, with Bush Intercontinental keeping its 4-star Skytrax rating for seven straight years. In addition, Houston Airports, which includes Hobby Airport, received the award for World's Best Art & Entertainment Program at the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards. The airport has also seen record-breaking passenger numbers and iconic art installations, with Houston Airports soaring into 2025 with unstoppable momentum.
Therefore, with its convenient location, efficient transport options, and numerous accolades, Hobby Airport is indeed the best option for domestic flights.
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Hobby Airport has a 5-star Skytrax rating
Houston has two major airports, forming the 4th largest airport system in the country. William P. Hobby Airport, located about 7 miles south of Downtown Houston, is one of them.
Hobby Airport offers a broad range of seat choices, charging sockets, and free fast Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. The airport also has efficient processing for security and immigration, reinforced by short walking distances for departure, arrival, and transfer flights. The airport has a range of dining options, including local and national brands, and a variety of retail stores.
Hobby Airport has seen significant increases in passenger numbers in recent years, with 14.5 million travellers in 2018. The airport has also undergone major upgrades to enhance the passenger experience further, including art installations and improved facilities for families.
The 5-star Skytrax rating is a testament to the airport's commitment to providing a world-class experience for its customers, with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner stating that the rating "proves that being committed to first-class service is a tremendous benefit for Houston and the entire region."
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Hobby Airport is smaller than Bush Intercontinental Airport
Houston has two major airports, the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). The former is located 23 miles from the city of Houston, while the latter is located about 7 miles from downtown Houston. Hobby Airport is considered a city airport and is much smaller than Bush International Airport.
Hobby Airport is the preferred choice for domestic travellers and those heading into the city due to its proximity to downtown Houston. It is also much more convenient and quicker to get to and from the city centre. The airport has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers in recent years, hitting 14.5 million travellers in 2018. Hobby Airport offers Wi-Fi, retail stores, and more than 15 food and beverage outlets. Airlines serving the airport include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and Southwest Airlines, with the latter using Hobby Airport as a hub.
Bush Intercontinental Airport, on the other hand, is the preferred airport for international travellers as it offers more airlines and daily flights. It is also a major hub for United Airlines, offering hundreds of flight options each week. The airport has a broad range of dining choices, representing the best of local Texan food culture, as well as many national and international brands.
While Hobby Airport is smaller in size compared to Bush Intercontinental Airport, it has received a 5-star rating by Skytrax, while Bush Intercontinental Airport has maintained a 4-star rating. The ratings were based on a global customer satisfaction survey conducted between August 2023 and March 2024.
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Frequently asked questions
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is considered much smaller than Houston's other airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Hobby Airport is located about 7 miles from Downtown Houston and serves domestic destinations.
Houston Hobby Airport is about 7 miles from the city.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the larger of Houston's two airports. It is located 23 miles from the city.
