About William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

William P. Hobby Airport, usually shortened to Hobby, is the second of Houston's two main commercial airports. It began life in 1927 as a private landing field and served as the city's main airport until George Bush Intercontinental opened on the north side of town. Today Hobby is known as a compact, easy-to-navigate alternative for travellers heading into the southern half of the Houston area.

Where Hobby Airport Sits in Houston

The airport lies southeast of downtown Houston, in the Greater Hobby neighbourhood. That puts it noticeably closer to the city centre than Bush Intercontinental, which is a real advantage if your plans centre on downtown, the Texas Medical Center or the Bay Area communities towards Galveston.

Terminal and Facilities at HOU

Hobby works from a single passenger terminal with two concourses. The Central Concourse holds most of the gates, while the West Concourse handles international arrivals and has its own customs and immigration facilities. Inside you will find a range of places to eat, shops and seating areas, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

A piece of aviation history sits on the airport grounds too. The original art deco terminal building from 1940 has been preserved and now houses the 1940 Air Terminal Museum.

Airlines Flying from Houston Hobby

Southwest Airlines carries the great majority of passengers at Hobby and uses the airport as an operating base. Other carriers serving HOU include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines. Alongside a wide domestic network, Southwest runs international flights from Hobby to destinations in Mexico and Latin America, so it is worth checking the current schedule for the route you need.

Getting to and from Hobby Airport

• METRO buses: several local METRO bus routes stop at the airport and link it with neighbourhoods across Houston.
• Taxis and rideshare: taxis and app-based rides such as Uber and Lyft have dedicated pick-up zones outside the terminal.
• Car hire and parking: rental cars are available, and the airport has garage and surface parking for those driving themselves.
• Shuttles: hotel courtesy vans and scheduled shuttles serve nearby hotels and some destinations outside Houston.

Things to See Near Houston Hobby

Downtown Houston, with its theatre district and sports venues, is a short drive away. Head southeast instead and you reach Space Center Houston in the Clear Lake area, the visitor centre for NASA's Johnson Space Center. The Museum District and Hermann Park are also within easy reach by road.

Travel Tips for William P. Hobby Airport

Because Houston has two major airports, always confirm that your ticket says HOU rather than IAH before you leave for the airport. If you are flying internationally, allow extra time for check-in and document checks. Weekday mornings and holiday periods can bring longer security queues, so plan ahead.

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