Downtown Houston features the Theater District, Discovery Green park, Minute Maid Park (Astros), Toyota Center (Rockets), and the downtown tunnel system connecting buildings underground.

About Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston is the commercial heart of America's fourth-largest city, dominated by the skyline of energy company headquarters (ExxonMobil, Chevron, Halliburton) connected by a 10-mile underground tunnel system of shops and restaurants. Discovery Green, a 12-acre urban park, hosts concerts, fitness classes, and seasonal events in the shadow of the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Houston's Theater District is the second-largest concentration of theater seats in a contiguous downtown area in the U.S. (after New York), with the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony, and Alley Theatre. Market Square Park in the historic district has emerged as a food destination, and nearby EaDo (East Downtown) is the city's brewing and nightlife frontier.

Downtown connects to the Museum District and Texas Medical Center via the METRORail Red Line, and the downtown tunnel system keeps workers comfortable during Houston's sweltering summers. The area is undergoing significant revitalization, with new residential towers and restaurants transforming previously office-only blocks.

Nearby Landmarks

Discovery Green Theater District Market Square Minute Maid Park Buffalo Bayou

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost USD 35-55
Time 25-45 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost USD 25-40
Time 25-45 minutes

Uber/Lyft pickup from designated rideshare areas at each terminal ground level

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit terminal to ground transportation level. 2. Board METRO Bus 102 Airport Direct. 3. Ride to downtown transit center (60 min). 4. Walk or transfer to METRORail for final destination.

SuperShuttle / GO Airport Shuttle

Cost USD 25-30
Time 45-60 minutes
Frequency Every 30 minutes, 6 AM - 11 PM

Terminal curbside, ground transportation level

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi USD 35-55 25-45 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare USD 25-40 25-45 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle USD 25-30 45-60 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) operate 24/7 at IAH. A nighttime ride to downtown costs $35-55. SuperShuttle offers shared rides. There is no late-night bus service from IAH. Downtown Houston is relatively quiet after 10 PM on weekdays; EaDo bars stay open until 2 AM.

Luggage Tips

Taxis and rideshares have trunk space. The 102 bus has limited luggage room. Downtown Houston's tunnel system has luggage carts at some hotel entrances. Hotels along the METRORail line are convenient for luggage-heavy arrivals.

Accessibility

IAH airport is fully ADA compliant. Taxis can accommodate folded wheelchairs (request accessible vehicle). METRORail is wheelchair accessible. Downtown Houston sidewalks are generally flat and accessible. The tunnel system has elevator access at most buildings.