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Airport Transportation

William P. Hobby Airport

Also known as: Houston Hobby Airport, Hobby Airport.

HOU · KHOU · Houston

Airport facts

Name
William P. Hobby Airport
IATA code
HOU
ICAO code
KHOU
City
Houston
Country
United States of America
Coordinates
29.6453, -95.2768
Time zone
America/Chicago

About William P. Hobby Airport

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is Houston's second commercial airport, in Texas, United States, and the closer of the city's two main airports to downtown, about 7 miles away in the Greater Hobby neighborhood. It is a different airport from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Houston's larger hub in the north of the city.

Southwest Airlines has an operating base here and carries most of the passengers, with a large domestic network and international flights to Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Belize City, Costa Rica, San Juan and, in season, Montego Bay and Punta Cana. Delta, American Eagle, Allegiant, JSX and Sun Country add a handful of routes.

The airport has one terminal with 30 gates on two concourses. The Central Concourse handles mostly domestic flights, and the West Concourse, opened in 2015, handles Southwest's international flights and is being extended with seven more gates by 2027.

From the airport, most travelers head into downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center and the southeast side of the city, or south toward Clear Lake and Galveston, which is also served by scheduled shuttles.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Houston Airport System (owned by the City of Houston)

Runways

Three (04/22, 13L/31R and 13R/31L)

Passengers per year

About 13.9 million in 2025

Gates

30, on the Central and West concourses

Main airline

Southwest Airlines (operating base)

Arrival tips for William P. Hobby Airport

If you are flying in from Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean, you arrive at the West Concourse and clear US immigration and customs there before you reach baggage claim. Domestic flights arrive at the Central Concourse and go straight to baggage claim.

Check that you are meeting someone at the right airport: Houston has two main airports, and Hobby (HOU) is a different place from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), which is a long drive away on the north side of the city.

Once you have your bags, follow the signs to the numbered curb zones outside. Taxis wait at Curb Zone 2, METRO buses stop at Curb Zone 3, and Uber and Lyft pick up at Curb Zone 5. Hotel courtesy vans are called from the courtesy telephones in baggage claim. METRO's 73 Bellfort line connects with the METRORail Red Line.

Houston is on Central Time. Summers are hot and humid, and the Gulf hurricane season runs from June to November.

Ground transportation

Hobby is close to downtown, so a taxi, rideshare or pre-booked car is quick; METRO buses are the budget option.

  • Taxi from Hobby Airport

    Taxis wait at Curb Zone 2 outside baggage claim. Door to door and quick to downtown, but traffic at rush hour can slow it down.

  • Rideshare

    Uber and Lyft pick up at Curb Zone 5. Fares rise at busy times.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you at the terminal, useful for groups, heavy luggage and trips to Galveston or Clear Lake.

  • METRO bus

    Four lines stop at Curb Zone 3; the 73 Bellfort runs up to every 12 minutes on weekdays and connects with the METRORail Red Line. Cheapest, but slower.

  • Shuttles to Galveston and College Station

    Scheduled bus and shuttle services run from Hobby to destinations outside Houston, including Galveston and College Station.

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Terminals

Central Concourse

25 gates, opened in 2003. Mostly Southwest domestic flights, plus the other airlines' flights. It also has an interfaith chapel.

West Concourse

Opened in 2015 with 5 gates, mainly for Southwest's international flights, where international arrivals clear customs. Seven more gates are due in 2027.

Airlines and destinations

Allegiant Air

Selected US leisure destinations

Airline guide

American Airlines

Dallas/Fort Worth

Airline guide

Delta Air Lines

Atlanta

Airline guide

JSX

Dallas–Love Field

Airline guide

Southwest Airlines

Cities across the US, plus Belize City, Cancún, Liberia, Puerto Vallarta, San José (Costa Rica), San José del Cabo, San Juan; Montego Bay and Punta Cana (seasonal)

Airline guide

Sun Country Airlines

Minneapolis/St. Paul (seasonal)

Parking

Terminal parking garage

Built as part of the 2013–2015 terminal expansion, next to the terminal.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Hobby Airport from downtown Houston?

William P. Hobby Airport is about 7 miles from downtown Houston, in the Greater Hobby neighborhood. That makes it much closer to downtown than George Bush Intercontinental (IAH). Taxis, rideshare and METRO buses all run from the terminal curb.

What is the difference between Hobby and IAH?

Houston has two main airports. William P. Hobby (HOU) is the smaller one, close to downtown and dominated by Southwest Airlines. George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), in the north of the city, is United's hub and handles most long-haul international flights. Check your ticket for the airport code.

Which airlines fly from Hobby Airport?

Southwest Airlines carries most passengers at Hobby, with flights across the US and to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Delta flies to Atlanta, American Eagle to Dallas/Fort Worth and JSX to Dallas Love Field, with Allegiant and seasonal Sun Country flights as well.

Does Hobby Airport have international flights?

Yes. Southwest flies from Hobby's West Concourse to Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Belize City, Liberia and San José in Costa Rica, and San Juan, with seasonal flights to Montego Bay and Punta Cana. International arrivals clear customs at the West Concourse.

Where do I get a taxi or Uber at Hobby Airport?

Outside baggage claim, the curb is split into numbered zones. Taxis wait at Curb Zone 2 and Uber and Lyft pick up at Curb Zone 5. METRO buses stop at Curb Zone 3.

Can I take a bus from Hobby Airport?

Yes. Four METRO lines stop at Curb Zone 3: 40 Telephone/Heights, 50 Broadway, 73 Bellfort and 88 Sagemont. The 73 Bellfort runs up to every 12 minutes on weekdays and connects with the METRORail Red Line. Scheduled shuttles also run to Galveston and College Station.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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