Overview
Texas's largest city, Houston is a sprawling, friendly metropolis built on energy, space exploration and some of the best food in the American South. For UK travellers it makes a rewarding long-haul trip in its own right or a natural gateway to Galveston and the wider Gulf Coast. With direct flights from London and easy one-stop connections from regional airports, reaching the Bayou City is straightforward. Use the price charts on this page to see how current fares are moving before you book.
Best time to fly to Houston
Houston has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June to September) are hot and sticky, with temperatures often above 32C and a genuine risk of tropical storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November. The most comfortable months are spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November), when days are warm and skies clearer. Winters are mild and often better value. Fares tend to rise around Christmas, Easter and the summer school holidays, so check the When to book chart above to time your booking.
Airlines and routes
British Airways and United Airlines both operate direct flights from London Heathrow to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), one of United's major hubs. The non-stop flight takes around 10 hours westbound and a little over 9 hours on the way home. From Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and other UK airports you will usually connect once, either through Heathrow or via a European hub such as Amsterdam with KLM or Frankfurt with Lufthansa; allowing for the layover, plan on 13 to 16 hours in total. Comparing the direct and one-stop options often reveals a worthwhile saving.
Things to do in Houston
Houston rewards curious travellers with world-class museums, green space and Gulf Coast day trips.
- Space Center Houston: the official visitor centre for NASA's Johnson Space Center, with real spacecraft and tram tours behind the scenes.
- Museum District: around 19 institutions close together, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- The Menil Collection: a serene, free-to-enter art museum in the leafy Montrose neighbourhood.
- Buffalo Bayou Park: miles of trails, cycling and kayak hire just west of downtown.
- Kemah Boardwalk: a lively waterfront of rides and seafood restaurants about 30 miles south-east.
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
IAH sits about 23 miles (37 km) north of downtown Houston, typically a 30 to 45 minute drive depending on traffic. There is no rail link. Most visitors take a taxi or a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft, hire a car at the terminal, or catch the METRO 102 Bush IAH Direct bus into the city centre. Hotel and shared-van shuttles are also available. Houston's second airport, William P. Hobby (HOU), is closer to downtown but mainly handles domestic flights.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Houston
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for the best choice of fares; last-minute long-haul seats to Texas are rarely cheap.
- Fly midweek, typically Tuesday to Thursday, and avoid UK school holidays and the late-December peak.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot the cheaper departures.
- Compare British Airways and United non-stops against one-stop fares with KLM, Lufthansa or Air France before deciding.
Travel essentials
British citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days, but you must hold a valid ESTA travel authorisation, applied for online before you fly, and a passport valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the US dollar; cards are accepted almost everywhere and tipping is expected in restaurants and taxis. No vaccinations are required for entry from the UK. Summer visitors should prepare for strong sun, high humidity and fiercely air-conditioned interiors.
