Houston Car Rental

Car Rental in Houston

Discover the Lone Star State with Hertz car rental in Houston. Texas’ largest city, Houston is the home of everything from stunning space museums to the captivating cowboy tales of old.

Rent a car in Houston and explore the far reaches of the Universe at NASA’s Space Center and Johnson Mission Control. Head downtown to catch a show at the world-famous Grand Opera House or enjoy tasty cross-border cuisine and traditional Tex-Mex cooking.

With Hertz offices throughout the city, car rental in Houston is never far away. Whether you’re in Pasadena, touching down at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport or landing at Houston Hobby Airport, our team are on hand to get you on your journey.

The Latin-infused city of San Antonio is a little over three hours away, while the racetracks and rock ‘n’ roll of Austin are just over two hours by car. So, wherever you rent a car in Houston, you can extend your journey to other amazing locations.

Reserve car rental in Houston online today and chart a course through the Lone Star State.

 

Google
Map data ©2026 Google, INEGI
Map data ©2026 Google, INEGI

Popular Vehicles to Rent in Houston

A BWM series 2 car model

Cars

  • 4-5 People
  • 2 Suitcases
  • 3-5 Doors 
A Range Rover SUV model

SUVs

  • 7 People
  • 5 Suitcases
  • 5 Doors 
a red porsche panamera

Electric Vehicles

  • 5 people
  • 4 Suitcases
  • 5 Doors 

Houston Car Rental FAQs

There’s plenty of on-street parking downtown, with most spots paid by meter or via the ParkMobile over-the-phone system. On-street parking is limited to three hours unless specified. SP+ Parking has paid lots throughout the city, both north and south of Houston’s central area. There are also several park and ride systems in operation, where you can leave your Houston car rental and head into Houston by bus.

  • Interstate 69 runs through Houston heading north-east.
  • Interstate 45 runs through central Houston, heading north to south.
  • Interstate 10 runs westwards from central Houston, heading towards San Antonio.

It takes approximately 20 minutes (depending on traffic) to drive your Houston car rental from the airport to the city center.

  1. Leave the airport via Will Clayton Parkway, turning right to join US-59.
  2. Follow the US-59 southwards towards central Houston, joining the I-69.
  3. Follow the I-69 into central Houston, following the lead into I-10.
  4. Continue along the I-10, turning left onto the I-45.
  5. The I-45 will bring you into central Houston.

Top Tips for Driving a Rental Car in Houston

You don’t need a Texas driver’s license to drive in the state, as you only need a full photo driver’s license from your home state or country. But you must be at least 20 years old to reserve a rental car in Houston with Hertz.

 

In Houston everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt, regardless of age. It is also illegal to text while driving. Texas has strict laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Houston has many school zones, and the speed limit is 20 mph when children are outside or crossing the street during school hours.

 

Traffic in Houston tends to peak during weekday rush hour. The busiest times are often from 7 am to 9 am and 4.30 pm to 7 pm. Central Houston can be busy throughout the day, though the city is easy to navigate. Give yourself plenty of time before traveling in your Houston rental car.

 

The operating hours for our desk at George Bush Intercontinental Airport are from 6am to 11pm seven days a week. You can reach the desk via the shuttle service, with the courtesy bus stop located outside of baggage claim. Just go through the door marked "Rental Car Exit”. For walk-ins follow the Car Rental Return signs to the Rental Car Center then follow signs to the Visitor Parking. Then take the pedestrian walkway to the Hertz counter located at 17330 Palmetto Pines. Visit our support page for more information.

 

A Quick Travel Guide to Houston

Houston NASA Museum spacecraft

Space Center Houston

Reach for the stars at Houston’s NASA museums. Take your Houston rental car to Space Center Houston to learn more about the US Space program or visit Johnson Space Center. Here you’ll see how the latest recruits train for life aboard the International Space Station. Tour Mission Control and find out what goes into planning a mission to the Moon.

T-Rex skeleton on display in a museum

Museum of Natural Science

Explore the history of life on our own planet at Houston’s Museum of Natural Science (TX 77030). Come face-to-face with the remains of huge dinosaurs and other prehistoric wonders, marvel at the amazing butterfly collection and uncover tales from tales from the insect world.

Houston Memorial Park

Memorial Park

Houston is brimming with greenspace and public gardens for when you need to a moment away from the city hubbub. Park your Houston car rental and head to Memorial Park for a picnic on the lawn. Or marvel at some of America’s best sculptures among the floral displays at Bayou Bend.

Hyatt Regency Houston

Enjoy views of the Houston skyline while you swim at Hyatt Regency Houston’s (TX 77002) rooftop pool. This downtown hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the city and features stylish, modern suites with full amenities. There’s also valet parking for your Houston rental car, as well as other parking lots nearby.

Hotel ICON, Autograph Collection

The atmospheric Hotel ICON (TX 77002) is located in a stunning early-20th century former bank building in the heart of Houston. Inside, you’ll find all the style and glamour of upmarket 1900’s life, with a chic twist. Soak up views of Houston’s skyline from the bar, or simply relax in the spa.

Four Seasons Hotel Houston

The grand Four Seasons Hotel Houston (TX 77010) is a stunning five-star high-rise hotel in downtown Houston, a short walk from the city’s Natural History Museum. It’s also a 20-minute drive from our Houston Hobby Airport car rental location. The suites feature excellent facilities and there is an on-site private pool.

Crawfish and Noodles

In true Bayou tradition, crawfish is a firm fixture in Texan cuisine. At Crawfish and Noodles (TX 77072), you can go one step further and mix this Cajun classic with the flavors of Vietnam. A tasty blend of gastronomic influences, tuck into succulent Asian-spiced crawfish with heaps of flash-fried noodles.

Xochi

No trip to Texas would be complete without trying traditional Tex-Mex cooking. You’ll find fine dining Tex-Mex style at Xochi (TX 77010). Here, expertly crafted Oaxacan dishes arrive at your table as small artistic displays. Superb flavors, and even better atmosphere. Simply park your Houston car rental nearby and indulge in this rich cuisine.

Better Luck Tomorrow

Delicious treats await at Better Luck Tomorrow (TX 77077). This chic bar is a great place to grab an afternoon drink or sample some new takes on traditional gastropub comfort food. The southern bean stew or vinegar-fried brussels sprouts are not to be missed.

Fancy a Road Trip from Houston?

Houston to Galveston Island. Go picnicking or swimming at scenic Galveston Island State Park. Only an hour’s drive in your Houston car rental is this popular beach park filled with amusement rides, eating options and entertainment offering fun for the whole family.