Houston Car Rental

Parking in Houston

• 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 vehicle and head into Houston by bus.

Traffic in Houston

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

How to get from Houston airport to the city center

It takes approximately 20 minutes in traffic to drive 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.

Roads and freeways

Main routes in Houston

• 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.

Houston to Austin

Houston to arty Austin takes around two-and-a-half hours. Follow the I-10 westwards out of Houston, continuing on until exiting at US-71. Follow the US-71 north-west towards Austin.

Houston to San Antonio

Houston to San Antonio takes around three-and-a-half hours. The I-10 runs directly from downtown Houston to San Antonio.

Best things to do in Houston

Explore the far reaches of space

Reach for the stars at Houston’s NASA museums. Head to the Houston Space Center to learn more about the US Space program or visit Johnson Space Center to 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.

Discover the story of life on Earth

Explore the history of life on our own planet at Houston’s Natural Museum (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.

Take a walk in the gardens

Houston is brimming with greenspace and public gardens for when you need to a moment away from the city hubbub. Head to Memorial Park for a picnic on the lawn, or marvel at some of America’s best sculpture among the floral displays at Bayou Bend.

Best places to stay in Houston

Hyatt Regency Houston

Enjoy views of the Houston skyline while you swim at Hyatt Regecy Houston’s (TX 77002) rooftop pool. This downtown hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the city and features stylish, modern suites with full amenities.

Hotel ICON, Autograph Collection

The atmospheric Hotel ICON (TX 77002) is located in a stunning early-20^th 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. The suites feature excellent facilities and there is an on-site private pool.

Best places to stay in Houston

Crawfish and Noodles

A 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 tastes, and even better

Better Luck Tomorrow

Fine cocktails and 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.