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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Compare rates and book in one place. Grab your keys at the dedicated rental center just five minutes from baggage claim and hit I-45 for a quick drive to downtown Houston, NASA or Galveston. We pull live prices from Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and other top brands so you can lock in a low rate before you land.
HOU offers several rental options, each having distinct advantages compared to other Houston locations.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| HOU Airport Rental Facility | • All major brands available • Shuttle service from terminal • Closer to downtown than IAH • Easier navigation than larger IAH • Shorter wait times in most cases |
• Some counters close by midnight • Airport surcharges apply (10-15%) • Limited luxury car selection • Smaller facility than IAH • Shuttle required (though short distance) |
| Off-Airport Nearby Locations | • Potentially lower rates • Some within walking distance • Fewer airport fees |
• Limited hours • Smaller selection • Transportation needed for some locations • May require advance arrangements |
| Southwest Houston City Locations | • Lower rates without airport fees • Convenient if staying in area first |
• Limited hours (often closed Sundays) • Transportation needed from airport • Extra step in journey |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals at Houston William P Hobby Airport cost around $70 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $25 per day.
Compare airport vs. nearby city branches: Off-airport locations in South Houston can be 10-15 % cheaper. Even after a $15–$30 rideshare, you may still come out ahead.
Tweak your dates around big events: Rates spike during summer weekends and the Houston Rodeo. Shifting pickup to a mid-week day often shaves dollars off the total.
Book a refundable rate and keep stalking prices: HOU prices fluctuate. Lock in a free-cancellation deal now, then re-book if you spot a drop a week or two before arrival.
Check weekly vs. daily pricing: A 7-day rental in Houston can cost less than a 5-day one. Run both options in the comparison tool before paying.
Understanding where to park and local driving rules will make your Houston experience better.
| Area | Parking Options | Local Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| HOU Airport Area | • Terminal parking (hourly and daily options) • Economy lot (daily options) • Ecopark (shuttle service) |
• Follow airport road signs carefully • 30 mph on airport roads • Watch for shuttle buses and pedestrians |
| South Houston/Clear Lake | • Free parking at most businesses • Uncrowded street parking in many areas |
• Multiple school zones on major roads • Watch for cyclists in Clear Lake area • Less congestion than central Houston |
| Downtown Houston | • Street meters (rates vary; often free after 6 PM and Sundays) • Garages (daily rates vary) • Discount weekend rates at many garages |
• One-way street grid system • Light rail on Main Street • Multiple construction zones |
| Returning to HOU | • Follow "Rental Car Return" signs • Gas stations available on Airport Blvd and Broadway |
• Allow 30 minutes for return process and shuttle • Return at least 2 hours before flight time • Use GPS as signage can be limited |
Important Local Regulations:
Book a car rental to drive to:
Downtown Houston – museums, theater district
Texas Medical Center – hospitals, Hermann Park
NASA Space Center – visitor center, Clear Lake
Galveston – beaches, historic Strand district
The Galleria / Uptown – shopping, dining
Kemah Boardwalk – waterfront amusement, restaurants
How long does it take to get from the terminal to the rental car facility at HOU?
The shuttle ride from the Hobby Airport terminal to the rental car building takes about 5 minutes. Shuttles pick you up every 5 to 10 minutes from marked spots outside baggage claim. The whole trip, from when you get off your plane until you reach the rental counter, usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. That's a lot faster than at bigger airports like IAH.
What are the operating hours for rental car companies at HOU?
Most major rental companies at Hobby stay open from early in the morning (about 5 AM) until midnight or 1 AM. Some smaller agencies might have shorter hours. If your flight arrives late, you should check your rental company's hours and arrange for a late pickup if you need to. You can usually return the car after hours using a key drop box.
Is it better to rent at HOU or in downtown Houston?
Renting at HOU is easier if you need a car right when you land, but it costs more because of airport fees. If you're staying downtown and don't need a car immediately, you can rent one there to save about 10–15%. Just remember to add the cost of a taxi or rideshare to get downtown, which is around $25–35.
How does HOU compare to IAH for car rentals?
People usually find it easier to get around HOU than IAH. You'll find shorter wait times at the rental counters and the airport procedures are simpler. However, IAH offers more car choices, especially if you want a luxury or specialty vehicle. HOU is in south Houston, which gives you better access to Galveston and NASA. IAH is more convenient for destinations in north Houston.
Can I return my HOU rental to a different location?
Yes, you can do one-way rentals from HOU. Most major companies let you return your car to another Houston location (like IAH) or even to other Texas cities. They will charge a one-way fee that is usually $50 to $100, depending on the distance. Always book these rentals in advance, as the company needs to make special arrangements.
What should I do if I encounter flooding on Houston roads?
Houston can get flash floods when it rains hard. Never drive through standing water, since you can't tell how deep it is. Just 6 inches of water can make you lose control or stall your engine. If you see a flooded road, find another way to go or wait until the water goes down. The safety motto is "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
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