Transportation in Houston
Rail System
METRORail offers convenient accessible service within the heart of the city between downtown Houston and NRG Park, including the Museum District and Texas Medical Center. Click here for route and fare information.
What is there to do in Houston along the METRORail? Click here to find out. Also be aware that you can purchase a day pass for use on METRORail and METRO buses for just $3 a day.
Bus System
METRO offers several types of bus service in Houston.
- Local service runs mostly on city streets, stopping at every other corner along its route. One-way fare is $1.25.
- Park & Ride service is for long-distance commuting. METRO’s 28 Park & Ride lots provide bus service to key destinations in the service area. One-way fare ranges from $2 to $4.50, depending on distance.
Click here for additional route and fare information.
Taxis
Houston has more than 2,400 taxis in its fleet. There are also 1,700 limos and town cars.
$6 Cab Fare Anywhere Downtown
The City of Houston has authorized a flat taxi fare of $6 for all trips in the downtown area. This $6 fare will apply anywhere within the Central Business District, bounded by Interstate 45, Interstate 10 and U.S. 59. The fare, in addition to increased downtown taxi stands, provides an easy alternative to driving to lunch, business meetings and activities throughout the downtown area. No surcharges will apply to the fare, which can accommodate multiple riders under the $6 total rate.
Approximate cab fares from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Downtown $58
- NRG Park Area $73
- Texas Medical Center $66
- Uptown/Galleria $71
- Greenway Plaza $69
Approximate cab fares from William P. Hobby Airport
- Downtown $31
- NRG Park Area $33
- Texas Medical Center $36
- Uptown/Galleria $48
- Greenway Plaza $44
*Above rates include up to four people per cab.
Would you rather have the taxi come to you? Here are the numbers you need:
- Fiesta Cab Co. ................ (713) 225-2666
- Liberty Cab Co. ............... (713) 695-6700
- Lone Star Cab Co. ......... (713) 444-4444
- Yellow Cab Houston ...... (713) 236-1111
Note: For the fastest pick up, use the Yellow Cab's Hail A Cab app or Lone Star Cab's Curb app.
Ride-Sharing Services (Uber)
Houston was the first city in Texas to approve ride-sharing services including Uber and Lyft. These alternative transportation companies allow users to request a ride via smartphone apps. Learn more and download the apps at uber.com and lyft.com.
Jitney Service
The Wave--a hybrid between a taxi, limo and public bus--is a jitney service that shuttles folks around Houston's primary nightlife areas, including Midtown, Montrose, Downtown, Uptown, Rice Village and the Washington Avenue corridor. There are a number of ways to catch the wave: along its route, call to see when and where the Wave will be arriving or pick it up at a designated free parking lot (southwest corner of Houston and Memorial Pkwy. and at Pizzitola's on Shepherd). Frequent riders can get a monthly membership. The Wave also offers private rentals with a concierge service.
Zipcar
Over 25 Zipcars are available for rent at 10 locations throughout Houston - primarily in the downtown, midtown and Greenway Plaza areas.
Zipcar allows users to rent a nearby car when they need access to it. Users can sign up for a membership online for a one-time $25 membership fee and then have access to rent a car from any Zipcar lot or from a mobile app for an hourly or daily rate. Rates typically start from $9/hour and $73/day.
The rental includes gas, a reserved parking spot and up to 180 miles of use per day. None of the Zipcars are more than a few years old, and car rentals can range from Mini Coopers to pickup trucks depending on the need of the user. Click here to sign up and find a Zipcar for rent.
Rental Cars
Houston has a fleet of 30,000 rental cars with every major rental car company represented. Click here to search and book rental car agencies. Looking for something on the higher-end or sporty? Visit with Auto Exotic Rental.
Parking
Those looking to avoid the search for parking around Downtown Houston can plan ahead with Parking Panda. The online parking reservation service allows visitors to find and purchase guaranteed parking in Downtown, anytime.
Parking is 100% guaranteed, even if the location otherwise fills up, often at exclusive online discounts. Present the purchase confirmation at the selected location for an easy, turnkey experience.
Parking options are available throughout Houston, including the Convention District, Theater District, NRG Park, Toyota Center and many other locations.
