Houston Hobby Airport Parking

You’re flying from Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) and taking your vehicle to the airport?

Congrats on making a smart move. For many travelers, getting to the airport in their own social bubble is calming, plus you can listen to your holiday mixtape on the way there – winner!

And if you’re rolling in from outside the city, why not spend some pre-vacay time soaking up the atmosphere in this terrific Texas city?

First off, you can visit Space Center Houston and learn all about the history of space exploration. The centerpiece is a replica of Nasa Johnson Space Center’s Mission Control – seriously impressive! And if all that time (kind of) in space gets you yearning for a spending spree, The Galleria is one of the biggest malls in America, with over 400 stores, an ice skating rink, and a movie theater.

And if you’re partial to a museum, there are no less than 19 of them in Houston’s Museum District – take your pick from outstanding establishments like the Children’s Museum of Houston, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and many more. You can then explore fascinating Downtown areas like the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, or catch a show in the Theater District, at renowned venues like the Wortham Theater Center, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts and Alley Theater.

Last but not least, you can blow off those cobwebs at Buffalo Bayou Park – a gorgeous 160-acre green space with a playground, dog park and plenty of trails. Not to mention lush picnic areas and bike routes.

And maybe you’d like to stay the night in Houston. If so, there are lots of comfortable hotels to choose from. For example, the Hotel Indigo is bang in the middle of downtown Houston and a stone’s throw from lots of the main tourist attractions. It has a great bar, gym, and rooftop pool. Alternatively, the St. Regis Houston is a plush establishment in the Galleria area that’s in easy reach of excellent restaurants and boutiques. You can unwind in the spa, stretch off in the gym and enjoy a few leisurely lengths in its own rooftop pool.

And the choice doesn’t end there: you can also venture to the Memorial area to try the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, which is close to the Museum District and George R. Brown Convention Center, and the Westin Houston Downtown, with its spa and refreshing pool.

Find the best deals at Houston Hobby Airport

For the dedicated Houston Hobby Airport parking bargain hunters, there are few pro tips to take into consideration.

First off, if you’re open to off-site parking, there are several such lots near HOU, they’re usually cheaper than onsite options and particularly good value if you’re parking for a longer time period or during peak season.

You should also scour local press and magazines (as well as websites) for HOU airport parking discount coupons – they’re usually available for groups like AAA, seniors, and the military.

And finally, why not ask your airline? If it’s switched-on about providing a holistic customer experience, it’ll probably offer discounts you qualify for.

Compare parking at Houston Hobby Airport

Houston Hobby Airport has thousands of parking spaces spread over four lots, so it’s particularly well appointed when it comes to berthing your vehicle while you bolt into the blue horizon.

And the evolution of HOU is a tale of ambitious design and evolution that stretches back to 1927, when it first opened as a private landing strip in a pasture called W.T. Carter Field. In 1937, the airfield was bought by the city of Houston and renamed Houston Municipal Airport, then renamed again as Howard R. Hughes Airport in 1938.

Then came a hiatus of several years when Hobby Airport closed after Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) opened. However, it rose like a phoenix from the flames and in 1997 was named the William P. Hobby Airport after former Texas governor William Pettus Hobby.

These days, HOU typically processes around 10 million passengers annually and it’s the biggest base for Southwest Airlines.

What parking is there at Houston Hobby Airport?

Want to broaden your search for HOU parking? Considering parking comparison sites is one top tip. For example, Looking4Parking offers discounts if you book in advance, and a price match deal for other providers. Meanwhile, APH offers lots of different types of discounts, including deals for military members, seniors, and AAA members.

For the moment though, here are your official Houston Hobby Airport parking options:

Short-term parking

Located right next to the terminal, the HOU short-term parking lot has 1,200 spaces and it’s very convenient. But (as you might expect), it’s not exactly the cheapest.

Long-term parking

With 2000 spaces, the HOU long-term parking lot is east of the terminal. It’s idea if you want a secure space while you’re away for more than a couple of days, and the daily rate is reasonable.

Valet parking

Available right in front of the terminal, HOU valet parking is the most expensive official option. But it’s well worth it if you want a little VIP treatment and the chance to stroll right into the terminal, tootle through security and relax with a cool drink in departures.

Economy parking

Located west of the terminal, economy parking is great for thrifty travelers and there are 1600 spaces to choose from.

Cell phone lot

This convenient lot is also super-close to the airport and it’s free to use for up to 3 hours. Ideal for picking up or dropping off passengers.

Getting to Houston Hobby Airport

Luckily, Houston Hobby Airport is also easy to drive into from nearby towns and cities.

If you’re rolling in from downtown Houston, take the I-45 South to Exit 17A for Airport Boulevard, turn left onto Airport Boulevard and follow the airport signs. From Sugar Land meanwhile, take I-69 South to Exit 9B for U.S. 59 South, then follow that road to Exit 6 for Airport Boulevard. Turn left onto Airport Boulevard and follow the airport signs.

Cruising in from Woodlands? Drive along I-45 North to Exit 17A for Airport Boulevard, then turn right onto Airport Boulevard and follow the signs to the airport.

And from Baytown, take I-10 East to Exit 14B for U.S. 59 North, then follow U.S. 59 North to Exit 6 and follow the usual final directions.

Driving times from these locations to HOU vary according to traffic but they’re usually 20-40 minutes. If you can, avoid driving during peak hours and allow plenty of time to find your parking space and check in. The signs for HOU are clearly marked but make sure that you follow those for the right terminal.

Facilities and amenities at Houston Hobby Airport

Facilities and amenities at HOU are generally very good. There’s everything you need for a comfortable pre-flight experience and a little bit more.

You won’t need it if you’re driving, but for future reference, the METRO bus system serves HOU, several routes connect to the airport and the bus stop is right outside the terminal.

Crucially, you won’t go hungry either because there are lots of good food and drink options (more of which shortly). And when nature calls (as it tends to do), you’ll find ample restrooms dotted throughout the airport.

You can plug into free Wi-Fi at HOU to check your emails and socials, there are plenty of ATMs, and two airport lounges (the USO Lounge and the Southwest Airlines Club). Facilities are rounded up by a lovely kid’s play area, business center and nursing room.

So how about those restaurants?

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. specializes in ocean-fresh seafood and there’s a seafaring theme and laid-back atmosphere. If Mediterranean dishes are your thing meanwhile, Cava Grill serves quality food promptly. And Emmy Squared has a relaxed atmosphere and delish Neapolitan-style pizzas.

If you enjoy a drink or two before you board, HOU has a range of friendly bars, including the HouBar (draft beer, cocktails, and wine), Pinnacle Bar (cocktails and beer), and Miller Lite Bar (which has an endless stock of a certain brand of popular US beer).

More of a caffeine person? Starbucks has all the fancy coffees you can think of, while Tequila Sunrise café serves spicy Mexican meals and is no slouch when it comes to coffees either.

For a little retail therapy, try Liquor Barn for great prices on your favorite beer, wine and liquor, Hudson News for newspaper and magazines, and Brookstone for gifts, souvenirs and travel essentials.