William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

Overview

A short drive from downtown Houston, William P. Hobby Airport is affectionately known as Hobby Airport. Passengers wishing to avoid the hustle, bustle and queues of the George Bush Intercontinental often use this smaller, well-connected airport.

Although there isn't a vast selection of shops and restaurants at Hobby Airport, this is countered by the personalised service and faster security processes making it a refreshing change for the seasoned air traveller.

Location

The airport is seven miles (11km) from downtown Houston.

Getting to the city

The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority operates bus services between downtown Houston and William P. Hobby Airport. Route 88 serves the airport, buses leave from zone 13 outside the baggage claims area. Buses operate every 30-40 minutes between 5.09am and 12.42am during the week and 5.50am and 11.21pm on Saturdays. Fares start at $1.25.

Time

GMT - 6

Contacts

Tel: +1 (713) 640 3000.

Car rental

Car rental companies including Thrifty, Alamo, Dollar, National, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget and Avis all operate at Hobby Airport. Rental booths are in the baggage claim area on the lower level of the terminal.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are available on curbside zone 3 outside the arrivals part of the terminal. Cabs operate on a flat rate based on various zones within Houston. Fares range from $22 for downtown Houston in Zone 3 to $60.50 for a taxi to Ellington Airport in Southeast Houston, Zone 8.

Facilities

Facilities at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange facilities, public call boxes, mailboxes, luggage carts, phone charging facilities as well as shops and restaurants.

Parking

The parking garage is connected to the terminal and costs $3 for up to two hours and $9 for up to five hours or $19 per day. Another option is the Ecopark lots, which cost roughly $11 or less per day depending on which Ecopark parking lot.

Departure Tax

None.

Website

www.fly2houston.com/hobby

Airlines

Flights to Hobby Airport can be booked on Delta, Airtran, Frontier and American Airlines. Passengers can also get cheap flights to William P. Hobby Airport on JetBlue or Southwest Airlines.

Internet

Limited free wifi is provided by Boingo. Other pay-per-use service providers are also available.

Business Lounges

Business travellers can make use of the conference facilities, with audiovisual equipment, fax and photocopying services, booked through the information desk.

Hobby Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.