Houston Travel Guide
The city of Houston might very well be the reason for the catch phrase, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.” Houston is home to the U.S. energy headquarters, and it is the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest city in America. It is home to the fourth largest multi-airport system in the U.S., has the nation’s third largest fleet of taxis and, of course, is home to NASA – the world’s leading space and aeronautics research center. Do you need another reason to book cheap flights to Houston?
Visitors booking trips to Houston will no doubt be entertained. Whether it’s golfing, sports, business or education, Houston has it all. Prepare to rally if your Houston flight falls during baseball season. Houston is big sports town – after all, it is the site of the Houston Astrodome, home to MLB Houston Astros, and the country’s first retractable-roof stadium, Reliant Park. Hop a flight to Houston to visit The Museum of Fine Arts, the sixth largest museum in the country, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. If you’re flying to Houston for business, make sure to set aside some time for a quick game of golf at one of Houston’s 165 golf courses.
NASA, the rodeo, museums, the Astrodome, elegant restaurants and barbecue spots — Houston has plenty to offer, and Houstonians are among the world’s friendliest people. Never hesitate to ask for directions or information; this town, for all its sophistication, still shows the spirit of the frontier days when the pioneers all pitched in to lend a helping hand.
Houston is also very attractive, livable, and fun. There are many parks and smaller green spaces and many unusual public sculptures and fountains. Usually, the first thing visitors notice when they step off their flight to Houston is the in-your-face architecture with no end to the odd juxtaposition of elegant and mundane, functional and whimsical. Buildings show a decided degree of originality: the name of Texas Children’s Hospital is spelled out on its sloping lawn in brightly colored letters and a Mayan pyramid tops a skyscraper.
Houstonians are among the world’s friendliest people. Never hesitate to ask for directions or information; this town, for all its sophistication, still shows the spirit of the frontier days when the pioneers all pitched in to lend a helping hand.
Getting to and around the city of Houston
As long as you’re spending most of your Houston time downtown, you won’t need to rent a car. Houston’s downtown and museum district are small and compact, and many hotels have shuttles to help you get around. The city’s public transportation system is very good. The Metro has both bus and light rail services. If you do decide to venture out, you’ll want to rent a car. Finding your way around shouldn’t be too difficult. The city is smartly laid out, streets are clearly marked and the roads are well kept. The only trouble you’ll have is with traffic. Houston drivers are notoriously ruthless and fast, and you’ll want to stay off the road during rush hour.
Tips for your stay in Houston
- Space Center Houstonis the official visitors’ center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The tram tour and the 4-hour tour show you working parts of the space center, and sometimes you can see astronauts in training. The Astronaut Gallery has a number of actual flight suits and pictures of all astronauts and crews. Films, simulations, and interactive displays give you the feel of being in space. Plan to spend at least half a day. If you take the 4-hour tour, consider a full day.
- TheHouston Museum of Natural Sciencehas excellent permanent exhibits (including good dinosaurs, a planetarium, and a Foucault pendulum) and often has outstanding traveling exhibits. The star attraction is the rainforest environment in the Butterfly Collection, with hundreds of butterflies eating, flying, or resting (sometimes on you).
- TheMuseum of Fine Arts Houston(MFAH), near the science museum, has an admirable permanent collection, including a sculpture garden, and also hosts outstanding traveling exhibits. It’s worth visiting just for the architecture, a mixture of early 20thcentury traditional and outstanding modern, including two additions by Mies van der Rohe.
- If your Houston flights are delayed don’t despair. The Houston airports have a reputation of being a “city within a city”. Take a stroll through any airport terminals and you’ll find dozens of specialty retail shops, fine dining and Wi-Fi service. Be sure to watch the time so you don’t miss your Houston flight.
- Now part of the MFAH,Bayou Bendis a wonderful museum house set in 14 acres of lovely garden. It showcases the American antiques, some as old as the 1600s, collected by Miss Ima Hogg. (Yes, it’s pronounced “I’m a hog.” The tour explains how her father, Governor Jim Hogg, did that to her—and also that she did not have a sister called Ura; that’s just a Texas tall tale).
- East Texashas similar terrain to Louisiana, and Houston has several bayous, watercourses that are quite deep and narrow, except during heavy rains. At places like Bayou Bend, they are a lovely part of the natural environment. In downtown Houston, they have sloping concrete banks to reduce flooding, but they are still sometimes home to wildlife such as shore birds like herons or even the occasional alligator.
- The Houston Livestock Showand Rodeo takes place in late February and early March. But there are also other rodeo and livestock-related events throughout the year.
- Galveston, an hour’s drive from Houston, is a small beach resort town. In addition to the beaches, its attractions include the Victorian buildings in the historic district.
Finding Flights from Houston
Had enough of the Texas heat? Hitch a ride on a flight out of Houston on American, Delta, United and other popular airlines.
Check out these popular routes out of the city:
Cheap flights from Houston to New York City
Cheap flights from Houston to Los Angeles
Cheap flights from Houston to Seattle
Cheap flights from Houston to London
Give yourself plenty of time to reach George Bush International Airport, which is 22 miles north of downtown. Houston METRO buses service the airport for easy access without driving. The airport has five terminals, so you need plenty of time to clear security and get to your gate. Take the above-ground Skyway or underground Subway to move from one terminal to another if needed.
What’s the weather like in Houston?
Houston is a year-round city so no matter when you book your Houston flight, you’re sure to enjoy good weather. The weather is pleasant from autumn through spring. If you can stand the heat, cheap plane tickets to Houston are commonly found during the summer months when the temperature is very hot and very humid. Thunderstorms are frequent in late summer and occasionally Houston experiences a tornado. Houston is also vulnerable to hurricanes, so be cautious about booking flights to Houston during hurricane situation, which is usually June through November. Winters are generally mild, but there can occasionally be very sudden cold weather in late autumn and winter, when frigid winds whistle down off the plains.
When is the best time to fly to Houston?
Peak Season:The ideal times totake a flight toHoustonare early spring and fall. In October and at least early November, the weather is often still warm enough for summer clothes, but the humidity is gone.Off Season:Most visitors prefer to avoid the hot, humid summer from June until September. Travelers on a budget are sure to find airline tickets to Houston during the summer months. Book your hotel accommodations at the same time as your Houston flight – cheap hotelsin Houston book up fast during the off-season.
How long is the flight to Houston?
Houston is easily accessible from many locations. A trip from Boston takes just over three hours. Arrive from Chicago in just over two hours. The flight from Atlanta only takes about 1.5 hours
Which airlines fly to Houston?
George Bush International Airport is a hub for United Airlines, but plenty of other carriers also fly into Houston. Take your pick from domestic airlines such as American, Delta, Frontier, Spirit and Texas Sky. International carrier options include Aeromexico, Avianca, British Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa.
What should you pack for a flight to Houston?
Summer trips to Houston call for the coolest clothes you own. Pack lightweight, breathable clothes that dry quickly, so you aren’t sitting in sweat-soaked attire all day. Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses also help you beat the heat. A trip during the milder spring and fall months gives you more flexibility. Pack layers to account for possible temperature fluctuations. Winters are usually mild, but they can get chilly with the possibility of snow. Bring a jacket just in case. If your Houston plans involve fine dining, the opera or the theater, pack a dressier outfit.
What are some things to do in Houston?
Houston offers something for every traveler, young and old, no matter what your interests. Start with a trip to the Johnson Space Center. This hub of NASA activity features a visitor center called Space Station Houston where you can enjoy interactive exhibits and displays of space artifacts. Take a 90-minute narrated tour, or explore the center on your own.Houston hosts numerous museums worth visiting, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, complete with dinosaur fossils, gem vault, chemistry hall, planetarium and butterfly center. Holocaust Museum Houston is in the same area and provides a thought-providing, educational experience. Yet another museum in the area is the Children’s Museum of Houston, where kids get to run wild through the interactive displays.If you prefer art, check out The Menil Collection, which offers a quiet, contemplative environment for exploring Byzantine, medieval and 20th century art. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is another option. The collection spans thousands of years. For a unique take on art, visit Art Car Museum. Inside, you’ll find a collection of cars painted and decorated with ornate detailing. It may not be huge, but this museum is definitely memorable.Connect with nature in the city at the Houston Zoo. Home to more than 6,000 animals, the zoo is sure to have your favorite species on display. If you have kids along for the ride, visit the water play park and interactive kids’ area inside the zoo. Buffalo Bayou is another opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. It’s a waterway in the city surrounded by natural landscaping and trails. Check out the city from the water by canoe, kayak or boat tour at Buffalo Bayou.
What does IAH mean?
This is defined as Houston George Bush Intcntl Airport (IAH). Codes like IAH are often used to just call airports uniquely. This flight destination has multiple associated airports, so we think it might be helpful to learn the name and codes of them as well. They are Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), College Station Easterwood Field Airport (CLL), Beaumont Jefferson County Airport (BPT).
Can I find cheaper flights to Houston if I am willing to have layovers?
Yes, flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Houston on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.
What is the best airline to fly to Houston?
Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, Frontier is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Houston.
How much is a round-trip flight to Houston?
A round-trip flight to Houston will typically cost around $1,090, however they can be found for as little as $38.
Where does the fastest flight to Houston depart from?
For those looking to save time traveling to Houston, Houston offers the quickest one-way flight (0 hours 0 minutes).
Does Houston George Bush Intcntl have rental cars?
Yes. Those touching down at Houston George Bush Intcntl can take advantage of the rental car services offered upon their arrival.
Are there hotels close to Houston George Bush Intcntl?
Yes. Houston George Bush Intcntl has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental is the closest property to Houston George Bush Intcntl (0.0 mi away from Houston George Bush Intcntl).
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