Hobby or IAH, Which Houston Airport Should You Fly Into?

Houston is served by two major commercial airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) north of the city and William P. Hobby (HOU) to the southeast. They are roughly 30 miles apart, and in Houston traffic that distance matters. The right choice depends mostly on where you are going once you land, which airline you fly and whether your trip is domestic or international.

The Short Answer

Choose IAH if you are flying internationally on a long-haul route, flying United, or staying in north Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood or Conroe. Choose Hobby if you are flying Southwest, staying near Downtown, the Texas Medical Center, Clear Lake or Pearland, or heading to Galveston.

Where Each Airport Is

IAH sits about 23 miles north of downtown Houston, reached by I-45, I-69 (US-59), the Hardy Toll Road and Beltway 8. Hobby is much closer to the city center, about 7 miles southeast of downtown off I-45 and Loop 610.

Which Airport Is Closer to Your Destination?

Because the airports are on opposite sides of the city, your destination usually decides it. These are general guides; actual drive times depend heavily on the time of day.

• Downtown Houston: Hobby is closer. IAH is a longer drive north on I-45 or the Hardy Toll Road.
• Texas Medical Center: Hobby is usually the easier airport. See our medical center transfers.
• Uptown and the Galleria: Hobby is a little closer, but traffic on Loop 610 can even things out.
• The Woodlands, Spring and Conroe: IAH is much closer. See The Woodlands.
• Clear Lake, NASA and Galveston: Hobby is the clear choice. See cruise transportation.
• Memorial City and the Energy Corridor: Both are workable; check flight times and traffic.

Airlines and Flight Options

IAH is a major United hub and is served by many domestic and international airlines, so it usually offers the widest choice of nonstop destinations. Hobby is dominated by Southwest and handles a smaller number of international flights. If your fare or loyalty program is tied to one airline, that may make the decision for you.

International Travel

For long-haul international flights to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America, IAH is Houston's gateway. Allow extra time on arrival for immigration and customs. Hobby's international flights are mostly short routes to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Getting Around the Airport

Hobby has a single terminal, which makes it quick and simple, especially for first-time visitors. IAH has five terminals connected by an airside train and a landside train, so it pays to know your terminal before you land. Our IAH airport guide explains each terminal.

Connecting Between IAH and Hobby

Some itineraries land at one airport and leave from the other. With roughly 30 miles between them, allow plenty of time. A private car is the simplest way to move between them with your luggage; we track your inbound flight and drive you straight to the departing terminal.

Ground Transportation From Either Airport

Whichever airport you choose, a private car service removes the wait for a taxi or ride-share. With Pro Ride Limo, your flight is tracked, your chauffeur's details arrive 12 hours before pickup, and your chauffeur waits up to 30 minutes after landing. See IAH airport car service and Hobby airport car service.

Which Houston Airport Should You Choose?

Start with your destination, then check airline and price. If the fares are close, the airport nearer to where you are staying almost always wins, because time on Houston freeways is the part of the trip you cannot control.

What to Expect Arriving at IAH

IAH is large, and arrival experiences vary by terminal. Domestic passengers usually go straight to baggage claim; international passengers clear immigration and customs first, which can add significant time at busy periods. Know your terminal letter before you land, since meeting points differ. If you want someone waiting inside, add Meet & Greet.

What to Expect Arriving at Hobby

Hobby's single terminal keeps things simple. Baggage claim and the curb are close together, so getting from the gate to your car is usually quick. It is a popular choice for business trips into Downtown and the Medical Center, and for cruise passengers heading to Galveston.

Traffic Patterns to Plan Around

Weekday rush hours affect both airports. Trips to IAH from the south and west of the city can be slow on I-45 and I-69 during the evening peak, while trips to Hobby can slow on I-45 and Loop 610. For early-morning departures the roads are usually clear, but security lines may not be, so build in time at the airport as well as on the road.

Price Is Not the Only Cost

A cheaper fare into the farther airport can cost more once you add an extra hour of ground travel, parking or a longer ride-share. Compare the total trip, including the drive to your hotel, office or home, before deciding.