Houston's airports: George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby
Houston is a vibrant hub of art, culture, and exquisite dining that draws visitors from around the globe. When flying to or from the city, you have two options: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the primary airport, and the smaller William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Continue reading to discover the key differences between these two airports, helping you choose the one that best fits your travel needs.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is enormous, featuring five terminals that accommodate 26 domestic and international airlines. It serves as the second largest hub for United Airlines in the U.S. and is often recognized as one of the busiest airports globally. Annually, over 39 million passengers travel through this vibrant airport.
Location
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is situated approximately 22 miles north of downtown Houston. If you choose to drive, it can be accessed via Interstate 45, US Highway 59, the Hardy Toll Road, and the Sam Houston Tollway. Be mindful that Houston's traffic can be quite heavy, particularly during peak hours (from 5 PM to 9 PM daily). Fridays and Sundays typically see the highest volume of travelers.
Plan your trip to the airport accordingly—if your flight is scheduled during peak travel times, consider adding an extra hour to your travel time.
Terminals and airlines
George Bush Intercontinental Airport features five terminals: A, B, C, D, and E. These terminals are interconnected by Skyway and subway trains. International flights primarily depart from Terminals D and E, whereas domestic flights operate from Terminals A, B, and C (with Spirit Airlines also offering international flights from Terminal A). Notable airlines at this airport include Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, KLM, and United Airlines.
Shopping, dining, and entertainment
If you find yourself on a layover, George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers a wealth of activities to keep you entertained. As expected, there is a broad range of lounges available, with at least one in each terminal, including five United Club locations, an American Express Centurion Lounge, and an Admirals Club. The United Polaris lounge is frequently hailed as the top choice here, thanks to its outstanding dining and amenities like personal daybeds, shower suites, and a kids’ area. Even without access to these premium lounges, you’ll discover an impressive array of dining, drinking, and entertainment options.
Among my favorite dining spots in the airport are 3rd Bar Eating House in Terminal B for Gulf seafood, Vida Taqueria in Terminal C for delicious Tex-Mex, Hugo’s Cocina in Terminal D for tortas and mojitos, and Pala in Terminal C for mouthwatering Neapolitan-style pizzas. Ember and Olio are two other exceptional restaurants in Terminal C, with Ember offering hand-cut steaks and seafood, while Olio, led by James Beard Award-nominated chef Monica Pop, features fresh, locally sourced dishes.
George Bush Intercontinental features a variety of duty-free shops, convenience stores, and unique boutiques. Be sure to visit Made: Texas for a fantastic selection of exclusive Texas souvenirs. Additionally, the airport offers something every airport should have: a yoga studio. Situated in Terminal A, this space is fully equipped with yoga mats, padded flooring, and privacy screens, allowing travelers to unwind and find a moment of tranquility. There are also numerous public art installations throughout the airport, showcasing a range of works from Texas-based artists, including photographs and sculptures.
Navigating George Bush Intercontinental: Tips
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
William P. Hobby Airport is significantly smaller than George Bush Intercontinental, yet it provides access to a range of domestic destinations. The airport features non-stop flights to over 60 locations across the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Notably, Hobby Airport serves as the sole operating base for Southwest Airlines in Houston, which offers both domestic and international services. Generally, you may find more affordable flights from William P. Hobby, particularly for travel within Texas.
Location
Situated roughly 11 miles southeast of downtown Houston, this airport is accessible by taking the Monroe Road exit from I-45 South and heading west, then turning right onto Airport Boulevard. If you're coming from I-45 North, take the Airport Boulevard/College Avenue exit and turn right onto Airport Boulevard.
Terminals and airlines
Hobby Airport is served by airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest. Budget-friendly options like Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air also operate from this airport, frequently offering competitively priced flights. With just one terminal, navigating to your gate is straightforward and quick.
Shopping, dining, and entertainment
While Hobby Airport lacks the extensive amenities found at George Bush Intercontinental, it does offer some dining options worth exploring, especially if you have a long layover. You can choose from over 15 food and drink outlets. Personally, I enjoy Pink’s Pizza by gate 21 and Hubcap Bar & Grill for a beer and burgers (gate 46). For dessert, don’t miss Fat Cat Creamery, a local ice cream shop famous for its distinctive small-batch flavors.
Additional facilities at Hobby Airport include an XpresSpa, a chapel, a nursing room, and free lending libraries located near gates 5, 22, and 44. At gate 1, Gameway provides various personal gaming stations for entertainment.
Tips for navigating William P. Hobby
Best airports in Houston for arrivals and departures
When choosing between the two airports in Houston for your travel needs, several factors come into play. Refer to the chart below for a straightforward comparison of location, terminals, transportation options, and amenities at each airport.
| George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) | William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) | |
| Distance to the city center: | About 22 miles | About 11 miles |
| Hotel shuttle: | Various hotels and lodgings offer courtesy vans to their properties | Various hotels and lodgings offer courtesy vans to their properties |
| Rideshare: | Multiple rideshare apps operate to and from IAH | Multiple rideshare apps operate to and from HOU |
| Taxi: | Taxis are available | Taxis are available |
| Bus: | The public bus route 102 serves IAH and downtown locations | The public bus route 40 serves HOU and downtown locations |
| Airlines: | A wide variety of domestic and international airlines | The only Southwest hub in Houston + a selection of other domestic airlines |
| Shopping: | An exceptional range of shops akin to those of a mall | Duty-free kiosks, convenience stores, and a few apparel and souvenir shops |
| Dining: | Multiple standout food and beverage options, from upscale eateries to brew pubs | 15 options in total (a mix of chain and local restaurants) |
| Unique: | A yoga room; public art installations | Just the basics |
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the most frequented airport in Houston, boasting a wide variety of airline choices. On the other hand, William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is the city's sole Southwest hub and can provide budget-friendly flight options through its low-cost carriers. Regardless of which airport suits you best, Houston is a vibrant city that’s definitely worth visiting. And if you’re considering other airports this year, Dinogo has you covered with a comprehensive airport guide filled with useful insights.
The creation process behind this guide
As a passionate traveler for both work and leisure who has lived in Texas for over ten years, I’ve passed through Houston’s airports countless times. While George Bush Intercontinental offers more flight options, I’ve frequently discovered budget-friendly flights to various destinations within Texas from William P. Hobby Airport.
1
2
3
4
5
Evaluation :
5/5