How to get from Houston Airport to downtown Houston

Houston is the largest city in the state of Texas that has become synonymous with space exploration due to the Houston Space Center. It is a popular metropolis with a compact downtown area and is known for its active Theater District and historic 19th-century architecture.

There are two basic options in getting to downtown Houston from Houston airport. The first option involves a local bus service run by the Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) – bus route 102. The bus stop for this service is located on the Baggage Claim Level at the south side of Terminal C. Your second option and the most comfortable way to travel to downtown Houston is to either take a Houston airport taxi or private shuttle service.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Houston at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€72	35min	24/7
Bus	€2.28	70min	04:57–00:49
Taxi	€54	35min	24/7

How to get from Houston airport to downtown Houston by bus?

The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) runs a local bus service into downtown Houston from IAH. The bus stop for route 102 which covers this service is located on the Baggage Claim Level at the south side of Terminal C. The bus service runs every 30 minutes daily from 04:57 to 00:49 and travel time is between 50 and 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

How much is the bus from Houston airport to downtown Houston?

The bus fare from Houston airport to downtown Houston is very affordable at a cost of $1.25 (€1.14) for the entire journey, but you can only pay the exact amount in cash as the driver does not carry any change.

Cost

$1.25 (€1.14)

Trip Duration

50-90 minutes

*There's a waiting time of up to 30 minutes for the bus.

Metro Bus Route 102 runs from 04:57 to 00:49

Where do I get the bus from?

The bus stop for Metro route 102 that will take you to downtown Houston from IAH airport is located on the Baggage Claim Level at the south side of Terminal C.

Convenience

The Houston airport bus service is a very affordable method of travelling to downtown Houston and runs every 30 minutes from 04:57 to 00:49. The bus stop for this service however is located in Terminal C so it may be a little inconvenient getting to the stop from terminals further away.

Timetables

Metro Route 102 Airport Service Schedule

Editor’s Note

The bus stop for the bus service to downtown Houston is located in Terminal C of the airport, but all five terminals are connected with an inter-terminal transportation system that passengers can take to transfer between terminals.

Useful Tips

Luggage on this bus service can be stowed in a dedicated baggage section that is accessed from the outside of the bus before boarding.

The bus service from IAH can only be paid in cash, so passengers must have the right amount of cash (in USD) in advance before boarding the bus.

Travel time for bus route 102 to downtown Houston can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes based on traffic.

How to get from Houston airport to downtown Houston by taxi

Taking a taxi from Houston airport (IAH) to downtown Houston is certainly the fastest way of getting to your destination and will offer you an easy, stress free experience all the way. Downtown Houston is 22 miles (35km) from the airport, so expect your transfer to take about 35 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Taxi fare from Houston airport to downtown Houston

The average metered taxi fare from Houston airport (IAH) to downtown Houston will set you back about $60 (€54.50). Add $1(€0.90) to the final cost for all night transfers between 20:00 and 06:00. Please be aware that there may be extra charges for airport pickups and the use of any toll roads or bridges that may be used during your transfer. Transfers by Houston airport shuttle to downtown Houston are also offered at a flat rate fee and can be booked online in advance.

Cost

$60

Trip Duration

35 minutes

Add $1 (€0.90) extra to the fare for any night transfers between 20:00 and 06:00

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis from Houston airport to downtown Houston are available 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Houston airport (IAH) has five Arrivals Terminals A to E. Taxis are available outside each of these terminals.

Convenience

A taxi transfer from IAH airport to downtown Houston is without a doubt the easiest way to travel into the city. You can either grab a taxi outside your Arrivals Terminal (A-E), or pre-book a Houston airport shuttle to downtown and have a driver waiting to transfer you into the city.

Editor’s Note

If you need help finding a taxi at IAH, airport personnel will be able to assist you from 07:00 till midnight . For assistance in finding a taxi out of these hours (midnight till 07:00) you can either call +1 281-743-3970 or use one of the courtesy phones to dial 23-4198.

Useful Tips

Many taxi operators in Houston offer fixed-rate transfers to many popular destinations, so if you are pre-booking your ride, feel free to ask the cost of your transfer in advance.

There is a 10% discount on all taxi transfers for senior citizens with valid identification.

It is standard practice to tip your driver 15% of your fare when using a taxi or shuttle service in Houston.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Houston. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€70.0

NIGHTTIME

€84.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

20 minute gap between transfers
Regular Car Sanitisation
Contactless ride
Sanitiser in every car

How to get from Houston airport to downtown?

There are two options available to passengers arriving at Houston airport and wanting to travel to downtown Houston. The convenient option of taking a taxi or private shuttle service or the affordable bus service that runs every 30 minutes till 00:49 at night..

How far is Houston airport to downtown?

Houston airport (IAH) is 22 miles (35 km) from downtown Houston and travel time will take approximately 35 minutes by taxi and 50-90 minutes by bus.

How much does a taxi cost from Houston airport to downtown?

Some taxi companies operating in Houston can offer a flat rate for your transfer from Houston to downtown but in general most transfers are metered taxi fares. The average metered taxi fare from Houston airport (IAH) to downtown Houston will be about $60 (€54.50). You can guarantee a flat rate price when you book your transfer with Welcome Pickups.

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How to get from Houston airport to downtown Houston by bus?

How much is the bus from Houston airport to downtown Houston?

Cost

$1.25 (€1.14)

Trip Duration

50-90 minutes

Metro Bus Route 102 runs from 04:57 to 00:49

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Metro Route 102 Airport Service Schedule

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Houston airport to downtown Houston by taxi

Taxi fare from Houston airport to downtown Houston

Cost

$60

Trip Duration

35 minutes

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis from Houston airport to downtown Houston are available 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Houston airport to downtown?

How far is Houston airport to downtown?

How much does a taxi cost from Houston airport to downtown?

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