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Houston is served by two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Both airports have their pros and cons, and the best option for travellers depends on various factors, including location, airline and flight preferences, and transportation. So, which airport is better?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Names | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) |
| Distance from Downtown Houston | IAH is 23 miles from downtown Houston, HOU is 11 miles from downtown Houston |
| Number of Terminals | IAH has five terminals, HOU has two terminals |
| Number of Gates | IAH has more than 130 gates, HOU has 30 gates |
| Number of Airlines | IAH has 27 airlines, HOU has six airlines |
| Number of Passengers | IAH has 43 million passengers annually, HOU has 14.5 million passengers annually |
| International Flights | IAH offers more international flights |
| Domestic Flights | HOU is better for domestic flights |
| Transportation | IAH has poor transportation options, HOU is more conveniently located |
| Cost | IAH has expensive taxi fares, HOU is cheaper |
| Security | HOU has shorter security lines |
| Cleanliness | HOU is cleaner and more modern |
| Art Installations | IAH has art installations, including "Countree Music" by Terry Allen |
| Construction | IAH has ongoing construction, causing delays |
| Ratings | HOU has a 5-star rating, Bush Airport has a 4-star rating |
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What You'll Learn
Location and accessibility
Houston is served by two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Both airports have their pros and cons in terms of location and accessibility.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is located 23 miles north of downtown Houston. While it is not the farthest airport from a city centre in the US, taxi fares to the downtown area can be exorbitantly overpriced. The airport is also known for having some of the longest walks through the concourse in the US. In addition, the airport has been undergoing construction work, which has caused drop-off and pick-up lines to become longer.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
William P. Hobby Airport is located just 11 miles from downtown Houston. It is considered a city airport and is much smaller compared to Bush Intercontinental. Hobby Airport is more conveniently located and is quicker to get to and from the city. However, it is primarily served by Southwest Airlines, so travellers are limited in their choice of airlines.
Comparison
In terms of location and accessibility, William P. Hobby Airport is generally more convenient for travellers due to its closer proximity to downtown Houston and the quicker travel time to and from the city. However, George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers a wider range of flight options, especially for international destinations, and is the second-largest hub for United Airlines.
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Size and capacity
When it comes to size and capacity, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the larger of Houston's two airports. Bush Airport services 27 passenger airlines compared to Hobby's six. It also has five terminals with more than 130 gates, while Hobby Airport has two terminals and 30 gates. Bush Airport is also said to have a superior flight network, with about 185 nonstop destinations across 27 airlines, making it the go-to choice for travellers looking for international flights. It is also the second-largest hub for United Airlines, with the airline holding nearly a 74% market share at the airport.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), on the other hand, is considered a smaller, city airport. It is a hub for Southwest Airlines and is the preferred airport for domestic flights. Hobby Airport is also much closer to downtown Houston, located just 11 miles away, compared to Bush Airport, which is 23 miles away.
Despite the size difference, both airports shuttle nearly 60 million people around the world each year. In terms of passenger numbers, Bush Airport services about 43 million passengers annually, while Hobby Airport welcomes approximately 14.5 million.
Both airports have undergone or are undergoing construction and upgrades. Bush Airport has been criticised for the inconvenience and disruption caused by construction, with longer wait times for drop-off and pick-up. Hobby Airport, meanwhile, has been praised for its new local dining options and its commitment to inclusive travel, maintaining a 5-star rating.
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Airlines and destinations
Houston 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 located 23 miles (37 km) north of Houston city centre. The airport offers free Wi-Fi and has five United Club locations. It is served by the following airlines:
- 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
- VivaAerobus
United Airlines offers direct flights from Houston to destinations such as Washington, D.C.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
William P. Hobby Airport is a smaller, city airport located just 11 miles from downtown Houston. It is a hub for Southwest Airlines and primarily serves domestic destinations. The airport has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers in recent years, reaching 14.5 million travellers in 2018.
Southwest Airlines offers flights from Houston to St. Maarten/St. Martin, Basseterre, St. Kitts, St. John's, Antigua, and Vieux Fort, St. Lucia.
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Amenities and facilities
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the larger of the two airports, serving 43 million passengers a year compared to Hobby's 14.5 million. It has five terminals with more than 130 gates, compared to Hobby's two terminals and 30 gates. IAH is a hub for United Airlines, which holds nearly a 74% market share at the airport. The airport offers a superior flight network, with about 185 nonstop destinations spread across 27 airlines. It is particularly well-connected to Asian and Central/South American destinations.
However, one of the drawbacks of IAH is its location. It is situated 23 miles north of downtown Houston, and transportation options are limited to overpriced taxis or inefficient public transport. The airport has also been undergoing lengthy construction works, which have caused disruptions to drop-off and pick-up lanes.
IAH does offer some amenities to enhance the customer experience. It features public art installations, such as "Countree Music" by Terry Allen, a bronze cast of a 25-foot oak tree with an interactive sound element. The airport also has a sensory room, showcasing its commitment to inclusive travel.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
William P. Hobby Airport, often referred to simply as Hobby, is a smaller, more intimate airport located just 11 miles from downtown Houston. It is a hub for Southwest Airlines and is primarily focused on domestic flights. Hobby is generally considered more convenient and quicker to get to and from the city. It has shorter security lines and is preferred by those who live closer to the airport.
Hobby has undergone upgrades and improvements, including a Terminal B Transformation Project and the introduction of new local dining options. The airport has also received recognition for its commitment to inclusive travel, such as the Wings for All event. Additionally, Hobby has achieved a 5-star rating, showcasing its world-class passenger experience.
Both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) offer a range of amenities and facilities. IAH stands out for its extensive flight network and public art installations, while HOU excels in convenience and has received accolades for its passenger experience. The choice between the two airports depends on factors such as your preferred airline, destination, and proximity to the airport.
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Ratings and reviews
HOU, on the other hand, is favoured by some travellers due to its smaller size and the perception that it is easier to navigate and less crowded. Some users have noted the ability to purchase alcoholic beverages to consume within the terminal, which is a unique feature. However, HOU has fewer flight options, and certain airlines, such as Southwest, offer limited or no direct flights to this airport.
When it comes to rental cars, both airports offer similar accessibility. They are both located at a similar distance from the Galleria area, and both require shuttles to reach the rental car locations.
For travellers with a preference for a quieter and more compact airport, HOU could be a better choice. However, for those seeking a wider range of flight options and the convenience of a major airport, IAH may be preferable. It is worth checking the specific flight options available from your origin airport to each of Houston's airports to make an informed decision.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two major airports in Houston, Texas: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). IAH is the larger airport, servicing 27 airlines to Hobby's 6, and is the best option for international flights. However, it is further from downtown Houston and has been undergoing construction, which has caused drop-off and pick-up lines to be longer. HOU is much smaller and is better for domestic flights, especially with Southwest Airlines. It is also more conveniently located, just 11 miles from downtown.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has been undergoing $2.6 billion in upgrades, which have caused disruptions. However, it features public art installations and has five terminals with more than 130 gates, compared to Hobby's two terminals and 30 gates. Hobby Airport has also undergone upgrades and is considered cleaner and more modern. It is also quicker to get through security at Hobby Airport.
William P. Hobby Airport is generally more affordable, as it is a hub for Southwest Airlines, which offers cheaper flights. Additionally, taxi fares from IAH to downtown Houston can be expensive, with some reporting fares higher than the cost of their plane tickets.
