Houston's Main Airports: All You Need To Know

Houston is served by two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). IAH is the larger of the two, with a superior flight network and more than 650 daily departures. However, its location further outside the city, coupled with a lack of reasonable transportation, makes it less convenient for travellers. HOU, on the other hand, is located just 11 miles from downtown Houston, making it a more convenient option for those travelling to and from the city.

Houston's Major Airports

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

IAH provides convenient parking options, such as reserved spots, EV charging, and accessible spaces. The airport also offers a range of ground transportation choices, including rideshare apps, shuttles, and rental cars. For international passengers, Customs and Immigration are located in Terminal E's international arrivals hall.

In addition, IAH is committed to creating a calm and compassionate environment for all passengers, including those with autism or other sensory processing differences. The airport has introduced a quiet room in Terminal A, providing a peaceful and low-stimulation space for neurodivergent travellers.

The airport also has a mobile app, available on the App Store and Google Play, to help travellers navigate their way easily. IAH also has a Starbucks pickup-only concept, where customers can place mobile orders and pick up their items without waiting in line.

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

William P. Hobby Airport has a single terminal with two concourses (one domestic and one international) and 30 overall gates. The domestic concourse, which has various retail shops and restaurants, opened in 2003 and replaced the original three concourses, which dated back to the 1950s. The international concourse opened on October 15, 2015, and the airport became the first in Texas to have full biometric entry and exit for international passengers in February 2020.

The airport first opened in June 1927 as a private landing field in a 600-acre pasture known as W.T. Carter Field. In the 1930s, it was served by Braniff International Airways and Eastern Air Lines, and the site was acquired by the city of Houston and named Houston Municipal Airport in 1937. The airport was renamed Howard R. Hughes Airport in 1938, and this namesake was responsible for several improvements, including the construction of its first control tower in 1938.

Today, William P. Hobby Airport offers various transportation options and amenities for travellers, including Wi-Fi, retail stores, and food and beverage outlets.

Transport options to/from the airport

Houston has two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). IAH is the larger of the two, with a superior flight network and more airlines operating from it. However, it is located further from the city centre, and transport options are limited and expensive. HOU, on the other hand, is located just 7-11 miles from downtown Houston and offers various transport options, making it a more convenient choice for those travelling to and from the city centre.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

IAH is situated 23 miles north of downtown Houston. While taxi fares to the city centre can be expensive, there are other transport options available:

• Public bus: The 102 bus route serves IAH and downtown locations. It runs seven days a week, from 5 am until midnight.
• Hotel courtesy vans: Various hotels offer courtesy vans to and from the airport. You can request a pick-up using the courtesy telephones in the baggage claim area.
• Car rental: Rental cars are available at the airport.

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

HOU is located about 7-11 miles south of downtown Houston and offers several transport options for travellers:

• Public bus: There are bus services connecting HOU to the city centre.
• Hotel courtesy vans: Some hotels provide courtesy vans for guests arriving at HOU. You can use the courtesy telephones in the baggage claim area to arrange a pick-up.
• Rideshare: Non-stop and shared-ride services, such as SuperShuttle, are available at HOU.
• Car rental: You can rent a car at HOU.

Airlines serving Houston's airports

Houston's airport system is the fourth-largest in the country, serving over 180 cities worldwide. The city's major airports include George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), and David Wayne Hooks Airport (DWH).

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Located 23 miles (37 km) north of Houston's city centre, Bush Intercontinental is the largest airport in Houston. The airport has five terminals, all connected by an automated people mover and underground train. It offers various amenities, including free Wi-Fi, retail stores, and over 50 food and beverage outlets. Airlines serving Bush Intercontinental include:

• AeroMexico
• Air Canada
• Air France
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• Emirates
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• TACA
• United Airlines
• US Airways

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

William P. Hobby Airport, often referred to as Hobby Airport, is a smaller, domestic airport located about 7-11 miles south of downtown Houston. It is a hub for Southwest Airlines and is known for its convenience and quick access to and from the city. Hobby Airport offers Wi-Fi, retail stores, and over 15 food and beverage options. The following airlines serve Hobby Airport:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines

David Wayne Hooks Airport (DWH)

David Wayne Hooks Airport is located in Northwest Houston, about 5 minutes from The Woodlands and in close proximity to downtown and The Galleria. While information about specific airlines serving this airport is not readily available, Gill Aviation provides FBO services at David Wayne Hooks Airport.

Passenger numbers

Houston's airport system is the fourth largest in the country and serves over 180 cities worldwide. The city is served by two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the larger of the two airports and is located 23 miles north of downtown Houston. It is served by 28 scheduled passenger airlines and five passenger terminals. In 2018, nearly 44 million passengers travelled through IAH, with more than 650 daily departures. The airport ranks 5th in the United States among airports with scheduled non-stop domestic and international services to over 180 destinations.

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

William P. Hobby Airport is a smaller, more convenient airport located just 11 miles from downtown Houston. It is served by five scheduled passenger airlines and offers nonstop or direct service to more than 60 destinations throughout the United States. In 2018, more than 14 million passengers travelled through Hobby Airport, a significant increase from previous years. The airport is also known for its quirky and comedic flight attendant quips.

In terms of passenger numbers, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the clear leader, handling nearly three times as many passengers as William P. Hobby Airport in 2018. However, it is worth noting that Hobby Airport has been experiencing steady growth in recent years, with a significant increase in passenger numbers. The airport is also the primary hub for Southwest Airlines, offering a convenient option for domestic travellers.

When choosing which airport to fly into, factors such as location and transportation options, and the availability of domestic or international flights should be considered. Both airports offer a range of amenities, including Wi-Fi, retail stores, and food and beverage outlets, ensuring a pleasant experience for travellers.

Frequently asked questions