Book Flights to Houston, Texas
Houston -- America's 4th-largest city and one of the world's great energy capitals -- is a city of superlatives: NASA's Mission Control, the world's largest medical complex, one of America's most diverse restaurant scenes, and a world-class arts district. The Space City is also one of the most international cities in the US, with over 145 languages spoken.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), United's major hub, and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Southwest's Texas base, give Houston exceptional flight connections from all US cities. FareOptic compares all carriers on both airports for the best Houston fares.
Cheap Flight Deals to Houston
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
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Why Visit Houston, Texas?
NASA Johnson Space Center, Museum of Fine Arts, Natural Science Museum, Buffalo Bayou, Space City culture and cuisine
NASA Johnson Space Center
Mission Control and the Moon Rocks -- America's Human Spaceflight HQNASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) -- 40 km southeast of downtown Houston -- is the home of Mission Control, astronaut training, and all US human spaceflight operations. Space Center Houston, the visitor center adjacent to JSC, provides access to original Mission Control (Apollo-era), real Moon rocks, the Space Shuttle Independence on a Boeing 747 carrier aircraft, and behind-the-scenes tram tours of active NASA facilities.
Apollo Mission Control (Room 30)
The original Apollo-era Mission Control room -- from which all Apollo missions including Apollo 11 were managed -- was meticulously restored in 2019 to its 1969 configuration: coffee cups, ashtrays, flight manuals, and the original computers. Guided tours of Mission Control are included with Space Center Houston admission ($35 adults) -- the most visited paid attraction in Texas. Book tram tours in advance online.
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston
One of the Largest Art Museums in the United StatesThe Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) -- with a permanent collection of over 70,000 works spanning 6,000 years of world art history -- is consistently ranked among the top 10 art museums in the United States. The collection's greatest strengths include: Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting (Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin), Renaissance and Baroque European masters, outstanding Pre-Columbian and African art, and a superb photography collection.
Audrey Jones Beck Building
The Rafael Moneo-designed Audrey Jones Beck Building (2000) houses the European and American paintings collections in a masterwork of natural-light museum architecture. The museum is free on Thursdays and for children under 18 always. The 14-acre Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden across the street -- designed by Isamu Noguchi and free always -- contains works by Rodin, Matisse, and Ellsworth Kelly.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Dinosaurs, Gems, and Planetarium -- Top Attraction in TexasThe Houston Museum of Natural Science -- one of the most visited natural history museums in the United States -- encompasses five permanent halls: the Morian Hall of Paleontology (Texas's finest dinosaur hall, including a Diplodocus Carnegie skeleton 26 meters long), the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals (with the world's largest blue topaz), the Burke Baker Planetarium, the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, and an outstanding Fabergé Egg collection.
Morian Hall of Paleontology
Houston's dinosaur hall is the largest in Texas: 50+ articulated fossil skeletons including a Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, and the famous Diplodocus Carnegie -- one of the longest dinosaurs ever excavated. The hall's transparent glass walls allow viewing from multiple levels. Open daily; general admission $25 adults, children under 3 free.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Linear Urban Park Along the Historic WaterwayBuffalo Bayou Park -- 160 acres of landscaped green space along the historic bayou that flows through downtown Houston -- is the city's premier outdoor destination: 10 km of hike/bike trails, the iconic Waugh Bridge bat colony (one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America, with 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats), kayak and paddleboard rentals, and the Cistern -- an 87,500-square-meter 1926 underground reservoir converted into an art installation space.
The Waugh Drive Bat Colony
The Waugh Drive Bridge houses approximately 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats -- one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America. At dusk (typically 30-45 minutes after sunset) from March through October, the bats emerge in a spectacular spiral cloud to hunt insects over the bayou. The best viewing spot is the pedestrian overlook immediately east of the Waugh Bridge. Free; no reservation required.
Houston Zoo and Hermann Park
World-Class Zoo in Houston's Finest ParkHermann Park -- 285 acres of landscaped parkland in the Museum District (adjacent to Rice University and the Texas Medical Center) -- contains the Houston Zoo, McGovern Centennial Gardens, a Japanese Garden, paddleboat lake, and a miniature railroad. The Houston Zoo (6,000+ animals, 900+ species) consistently ranks among the most visited zoos in the United States.
African Forest Exhibit
The Houston Zoo's African Forest is one of the finest chimpanzee and gorilla habitats in the US -- a naturalistic 3-acre exhibit modeled on Central African rainforest. The zoo also operates a critically acclaimed conservation program for the Houston toad (Anaxyrus houstonensis), listed as Endangered under the US Endangered Species Act.
How to Find Cheap Flights to Houston
IAH vs. HOU -- Two Airports, Very Different Experiences
Houston has two major airports 45 km apart. IAH (George Bush Intercontinental) is United's hub with 5 terminals and worldwide nonstops -- best for connections and international travel. HOU (William P. Hobby) is smaller, closer to downtown (11 km), and dominated by Southwest -- best for domestic travel with no bag fees. Always compare both airports when booking.
United MileagePlus Is Essential for IAH Travel
Since United dominates IAH with hub operations, earning United MileagePlus miles on every Houston flight provides the fastest path to free travel. United Premier Silver status (25,000 miles/year) gives free checked bags, upgrade priority, and economy plus seating -- easily achievable for frequent Houston travelers.
Book September-November for Best Houston Fares
Houston summers (June-August) are extremely hot (35-38°C) with high humidity. Fall (September-November) brings relief: pleasant weather (20-28°C), fewer tourists, and typically 15-25% lower airfares than summer. Spring (March-May) is also excellent but coincides with Spring Break price spikes in late March.
Space Center Houston Books Out Weeks Ahead
The popular behind-the-scenes NASA tram tours at Space Center Houston require advance booking -- tours to active mission facilities sell out days to weeks ahead. Book online before your trip. The Astronaut Training Experience programs (interactive simulation) require 1-3 months advance booking.
Airlines Serving Houston (IAH / HOU)
United Airlines
Primary Carrier at IAH -- Houston is United's Second Largest HubUnited Airlines operates its second-largest hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), making Houston one of the most connected cities in the United States. United flies nonstop from IAH to over 100 domestic and international destinations including London (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), Tokyo (NRT), Mexico City (MEX), Panama City (PTY), and São Paulo (GRU). IAH is United's primary gateway for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Key Routes
IAH nonstop to Los Angeles LAX (3h 30m); IAH to Chicago ORD (2h 45m); IAH to New York JFK (3h 15m); IAH to Denver DEN (2h 30m); IAH to London LHR (9h 30m); IAH to Frankfurt FRA (10h 15m); IAH to Tokyo NRT (14h 30m)
Southwest Airlines
Budget Leader at Hobby Airport -- Point-to-Point Nonstops NationwideSouthwest Airlines dominates William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Houston's closer-in secondary airport (11 km from downtown vs. IAH's 37 km). Southwest flies nonstop from HOU to over 60 US cities including Dallas, Las Vegas, Orlando, Nashville, Denver, Phoenix, and Baltimore. Southwest's no-bag-fee policy (two free checked bags) and flexible change policy make it the most popular choice for domestic travel.
Key Routes
HOU nonstop to Dallas DAL (1h 10m); HOU to Las Vegas LAS (2h 55m); HOU to Orlando MCO (2h 15m); HOU to Nashville BNA (2h 10m); HOU to Denver DEN (2h 35m); HOU to Phoenix PHX (2h 40m); connections to all Southwest destinations
American, Delta & Spirit
DFW Connection, Southeastern US, and Ultra-Low-Cost OptionsAmerican Airlines connects Houston IAH to its Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Miami (MIA), and Philadelphia (PHL) hubs. Delta links IAH to Atlanta (ATL) for its global network. Spirit Airlines provides ultra-low-cost bare-bones fares from both IAH and HOU to major leisure destinations -- best for travelers who pack light and know Spirit's fee model before booking.
Key Routes
American: IAH to Dallas DFW, Charlotte CLT, Miami MIA, Philadelphia PHL; Delta: IAH to Atlanta ATL (2h 20m); Spirit: HOU to Las Vegas LAS, Orlando MCO, Los Angeles LAX, Fort Lauderdale FLL
Things to Do in Houston, Texas
Essential Info for Your Houston Trip
State
Texas (TX)
Currency
USD — US Dollar
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6) / CDT (UTC-5) in summer
Airport Codes
IAH — George Bush Intercontinental (37 km north); HOU — William P. Hobby (11 km southeast)
Population
~2.3 million city; ~7.3 million Houston metro (4th largest US metro)
Top Attractions
NASA JSC, Museum of Fine Arts, Natural Science Museum, Buffalo Bayou, Houston Zoo, Rothko Chapel
Emergency Number
911
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Houston
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Houston, Texas
Which airport should I fly into for Houston?
Houston has two main airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH, 37 km north) is United's hub with the most flights and nonstops worldwide; William P. Hobby (HOU, 11 km southeast of downtown) is Southwest's base with excellent domestic connections and no bag fees. For international flights or United connections: IAH. For domestic Southwest travel or staying downtown: HOU. Compare fares on both before booking.
What is Houston known for?
Houston is America's 4th-largest city and one of the world's most diverse: the Energy Capital of the World (global headquarters for ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, ConocoPhillips, BP America), the home of NASA's Johnson Space Center and Mission Control, the world's largest medical complex (Texas Medical Center), one of the most diverse restaurant scenes in the US, and a world-class arts and museum scene rivaling any American city.
How far is Houston from San Antonio and Austin?
San Antonio is 320 km (3 hours by I-10) west of Houston. Austin is 250 km (2.5 hours by I-10/TX-71) northwest. Dallas is 385 km (4 hours by I-45) north. The three Texas triangle cities (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio/Austin) are easily combined on a road trip; flights between them are fast but often more expensive than driving.
What is the best time to visit Houston?
March-April and October-November are Houston's finest months: mild temperatures (20-28°C), low humidity, and the spring wildflower season (March-April, when bluebonnets bloom across Texas) or the cooler fall atmosphere. Avoid June-August: extreme heat (35-38°C), very high humidity, and peak hurricane season (Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30).
Is Houston safe to visit?
Houston is a large, diverse American city with the full range of safe and less-safe neighborhoods typical of major metros. The Museum District, Montrose, the Heights, Midtown, the Galleria area, and most tourist destinations are very safe and well-policed. The Medical Center area (home to many hotels) is highly secure. As with any large city, exercise normal urban awareness after dark and in unfamiliar areas.
Does Houston have good public transportation?
Houston is primarily car-dependent -- it's the largest US city with no urban growth boundary and very low density. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) operates bus and light rail (METRORail: Main Street Line downtown, Green/Purple Lines, Red Line). The Red Line connects downtown to the Museum District and NRG Stadium. For most tourist destinations, rideshare or car rental is more practical than public transit.
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