How Many Airports Are in Houston? A Traveler’s Guide to Houston’s Aviation Scene

Planning a trip to Houston and wondering how many airports it has? Whether you’re heading there for a business meeting, a family vacation, or a private getaway, knowing which airport to fly into can save you time and hassle. Houston is a huge city with a lot of air traffic, and it has several airport options to fit different travel needs.

There are two major commercial airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which handles most international and long-distance flights, and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), which mainly serves domestic routes and is a hub for Southwest Airlines. In addition to those, there are several smaller airports for private jets, cargo, and regional travel, including Ellington Field, Houston Executive Airport, and more. From busy airline terminals to quiet private runways, Houston has a total of 11 airports, each serving a specific purpose. Let’s break them down so you can choose the one that best suits your trip.

The Big Two: Houston’s Major Airports

Houston has two main airports that handle most of the city’s commercial flights. These are the airports most people use and are likely the ones you’ve heard of. Let’s take a closer look at each one so you can decide which is better for your trip.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

First up is George Bush Intercontinental Airport, also called IAH. It’s about 23 miles north of downtown Houston, so it’s a bit of a drive, but it’s a major airport with lots of flight options. It’s one of the busiest airports in the U.S., with five terminals and more than 44 million passengers each year. If you’re flying internationally, this is the main airport in Houston for that it connects to over 180 cities around the world, including places like London and Tokyo.

​Getting to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is straightforward. From downtown Houston, you can take METRO bus route 102, which takes about an hour. Taxis and rideshare services are also available for quicker trips. If you prefer a more personalized and comfortable ride, consider using a private car service like Elite Town Car Services, which offers reliable transportation to and from IAH.

For those driving themselves, the airport is easily accessible via Interstate 45 or the Hardy Toll Road, with ample parking options, including reserved spots and EV charging stations. Inside the airport, you’ll find lounges to relax in, dining options like Einstein Bros. Bagels, and even a quiet sensory room in Terminal A for those seeking a calm environment. It’s a busy airport, but that’s because it’s such an important hub for Houston.

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

Next is William P. Hobby Airport, known as HOU if you’re looking at airport codes. It’s just 15 miles from downtown Houston, so it’s the closest airport to the city, great for quick trips in and out. HOU mainly handles flights within the U.S. and has earned a 5-star Skytrax rating, showing how well it’s managed. It’s smaller than IAH, but it has a lot of character, with tasty food options like Killen’s Barbecue and Velvet Taco near Gate 44.

It’s also really easy to get to. Major highways, shuttles, and rideshares make the trip smooth. Once you’re inside, you’ll find spa services, a loyalty program, and a good variety of places to eat. It’s a great choice if you’re flying domestically and want a calm, convenient airport experience. Together, IAH and HOU are the main airports in Houston, and knowing their airport codes IAH and HOU can make booking flights quicker and easier. If you want a smooth, stress-free ride to the airport, Elite Town Car Services is a great option to book.

Beyond the Big Two: Private Airports in the Greater Houston Area

If you prefer to avoid crowded terminals and long security lines, Houston has you covered. Whether you’re flying privately for business or just want a quieter experience, there are nine private airports around the city, making a total of 11 airports in the Houston area. These private airports offer more privacy, luxury, and convenience than the larger ones. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Sugar Land Regional Airport (SGR): Luxury at Its Finest

Located about 17 miles southwest of downtown, Sugar Land Regional Airport (SGR) is perfect for travelers who want a luxury experience. It’s easy to reach from Houston’s business areas by major highways. The airport’s 20,000-square-foot terminal feels like a high-end lounge, with 99 hangars for jets, fueling services, and on-site maintenance. Need a hotel or rental car? The concierge takes care of it. The lounge is open 24/7, offering Wi-Fi, conference rooms, snacks, and even U.S. Customs for international flights. If you’re looking for VIP treatment, SGR is one of the best airports in the Houston area.  For a VIP experience, consider using Elite Town Car Services for private transportation.

David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport (DWH)

About 25 miles north of downtown, you’ll find David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport (DWH). This airport is popular with private flyers and offers luxury lounges, even a theater room to relax in. They have hangar space for everything from business jets to military planes, along with fueling services for both Avgas and Jet-A. On-site maintenance is available, and the concierge can help with catering or car rentals. The lounge is open 24/7, offering Wi-Fi and light snacks, and has a friendly atmosphere. It’s a great choice for a more personal experience at airports in the Houston area.

West Houston Airport (IWS)

Just 15 miles west of downtown, West Houston Airport (IWS) is a great choice, especially if you’re near the Galleria or Energy Corridor. It’s easy to reach from Interstate 10, and it offers everything you need hangars, Jet-A fueling, and maintenance on-site. The concierge can help with hotel bookings, and the lounge is open 24/7 with Wi-Fi and rest areas. It’s set up to handle jets and turboprops with modern safety features, and travelers say it’s very easy to use. If you’re staying west of Houston, this airport is a top pick.

Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO)

About 40 miles north, Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO) provides a quiet, peaceful option. It’s easy to get to by highways, and it offers hangars, fueling, and maintenance on-site. The concierge can assist with car rentals, and the lounge is open 24/7 with Wi-Fi and refreshments. It’s suitable for different types of aircraft and has reliable safety features. Travelers like its efficiency and the fact that it’s a more peaceful, less crowded airport near Houston.

Houston Executive Airport (TME)

Roughly 35 miles west, Houston Executive Airport (TME) caters to both work and play. Highways get you there, and they’ve got hangars, Jet-A fueling, and maintenance services. The concierge can book your hotel, and the 24/7 lounge has Wi-Fi and conference rooms. It’s built for jets, with safety handled by top-notch FBO services, and people love the luxury feel. It’s a standout in Houston airports for private flyers.

Baytown Airport (HPY)

About 25 miles east of Houston, Baytown Airport (HPY) is perfect for quick turnarounds. It’s easy to reach by highways, and it has hangars, fueling, and maintenance on-site. The concierge can help with catering, and the lounge is open 24/7 with Wi-Fi. It’s ideal for smaller aircraft and has good safety features. Travelers love the friendly service, making it a great choice for trips to the east of Houston.

Ellington Field (EFD)

Just 8 miles southeast, Ellington Field (EFD) is the closest private option to downtown. It serves both private and military aviation, with highways for easy access. Hangars, fueling, and maintenance are all there, and the concierge can sort out car rentals. The 24/7 lounge has Wi-Fi, and it handles jets with strong safety protocols. It’s a unique pick among airports in Houston Texas for its versatility.

La Porte Municipal Airport (T41)

Also 25 miles east, La Porte Municipal Airport (T41) is a convenient option for the eastern side of Houston. It’s easy to reach by highways, and it provides hangars, fueling, and maintenance. The concierge can help with hotel bookings, and the lounge is open 24/7 with Wi-Fi. It’s great for smaller aircraft and has good safety measures. Travelers appreciate the convenience, making it a hidden gem among Houston area airports.

Pearland Regional Airport

Fifteen miles south, Pearland Regional Airport is all about simplicity and efficiency. It’s easy to reach by highways and has hangars, fueling, and maintenance on-site. The concierge can help with car rentals, and the lounge is open 24/7 with Wi-Fi. It’s perfect for smaller aircraft with reliable safety, and travelers enjoy the smooth experience. It’s a great addition to the list of Houston-area airports.

Why Go Private?

Why choose one of Houston’s private airports over the big ones? It all comes down to what you need. Private airports offer less waiting, more privacy, and a bit of luxury that you won’t always find at IAH or HOU. Take Sugar Land (SGR), for example it has an upscale feel with customs services, making it ideal for quick international flights. Or David Wayne Hooks (DWH), where you can relax in a theater room before your flight. Even HOU offers private jet services with FBOs like Atlantic Aviation, Jet Aviation, Million Air, Signature Flight Support, and Wilson Air Center. If you want a quieter, smoother trip, these airports near Houston are the way to go