Transportation in Houston
Houston covers almost 600 square miles. The metropolitan area is even larger, with dozens of communities – from the piney woods to the east, and the Gulf Coast to the south.While the Downtown district has buzzed back to life in recent years, the heart of Houston and its major attractions are primarily west of the city centre. Downtown, find the lively cultural centre of the Theatre District and government headquarters. Midtown, between Downtown and the Museum District, is a trendy place to hang out. The east side is the centre of the Hispanic community, while just south-west of the city centre is the world-class Medical Centre and Rice University. Head west for wealthy River Oaks, fashionable Uptown and the petroleum corridor, and south to the relaxed atmosphere of coastal Texas.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful at the airports, and at major hotels, Downtown or near the Galleria but can be expensive for short trips. For other neighbourhoods or hotel districts, it's best to work with the concierge, especially for return trips.
Bus
Houston buses are plentiful and inexpensive with local and express routes. Day and weekly passes are available at very decent rates – shuttles for special events are also available. Online trip-planning is a handy tool for finding your way to destinations.
Train
The MetroRail opened in 2004 and runs a fairly limited service in Houston, but there are grand plans for expansion. Currently, just one line is in operation, from Downtown, through the Museum District, Medical Centre and university area, to the Reliant Park sports complex.
Foot
Simply put, Houston as a whole is not a walking city. Locations within Downtown – the Theatre District, sports complexes and hotels – are well within walking distance of each other. Neighbourhood shopping areas including Rice Village, Highland Village and part of River Oaks are fine to stroll around. But it's certainly best to take taxis between major attractions in different neighbourhoods.
Rent your car
Houston is geared up for cars with Interstates 10 and 45 intersecting downtown, and Beltway 8 and Interstate 610 (The Loop) circling the outer and inner city. You can buy a Downtown Hopper Pass from meters for $6, allowing you to park all day at multiple spaces in the Central Business District.
Transportation Tips
Houston is a driving town, easy to navigate with a good map. Many Downtown streets are one way, while huge six- and eight-lane surface streets through Uptown allow for easy flow of traffic. Rush hour on the Loop road, Highway 610, can add an hour to a trip of even just a few miles. Be wary of highway construction – a constant – and the limited hours for street parking, especially Downtown and in the major shopping districts. Alternatively, use one of the many park and rides.
