Navigating Houston
How To Get Around Town
So you’re eager to explore your new city — or at least get to work on time. Unfortunately, Houston traffic can sometimes flow as slowly as the bayous that meander through town, but a good map and a little knowledge about your transportation options can greatly help you find your way. Be advised that rush hours are primarily 6:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
By Car
Freeways circle and crisscross the city, and major routes do not always follow a strictly north-south or east-west format. To add to the fun, most major thoroughfares have two names (e.g., I-45 is the North Freeway and U.S. 59 is the Eastex). Also note that the many roads labeled “FM” do not refer to your radio dial — they are “farm-to-market” roads that have served farmers, travelers, sightseers, and now suburbanites for many decades.
Your freeway “cheat sheet”:
- Gulf Freeway: I-45 between downtown and Galveston
- North Freeway: I-45 between downtown and The Woodlands
- Baytown East Freeway: I-10 between downtown and Baytown
- Katy Freeway: I-10 between downtown and Katy
- Southwest Freeway: 59 between downtown and Sugar Land
- Eastex Freeway: 59 between downtown and Kingwood
- South Freeway: 288
- Northwest Freeway: 290
- Beltway: Sam Houston Tollway and Beltway 8 names are used interchangeably
- Hardy: Hardy Toll Road
- West / South / North / East Loop: the western, southern, northern, and eastern sections of 610
Some freeways have more obscure names (like part of 288 being the Nolan Ryan Expressway), but for the most part these are the names you will hear most often.
EZ Tag · Harris County Toll Road Authority
Houston has the equivalent of several downtown skylines because there is more than one major area of business. For this reason, a map that includes a legend of buildings as well as street names for downtown, the Galleria, Greenway Plaza, and the Texas Medical Center will quickly prove to be a valuable resource.
If your new job or residence requires you to travel the Sam Houston Parkway or the Hardy Toll Road, consider obtaining an E-Z Tag. This prepaid transponder allows you to zip through toll booths on both roads without stopping — your toll is deducted automatically.
There is a $40 minimum charge to a major credit card and a $15 security deposit required for an E-Z Tag. When your account reaches a $10 balance, $30 is automatically charged to your credit account to again achieve the $40 minimum. E-Z Tag users receive a 25-cent discount on $1 tolls and a 50-cent discount on $2 tolls. An E-Z Tag application can be obtained by calling 281-875-3279.
By Bus
The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) operates buses throughout the city and suburbs. The basic adult fare is $1.25, a day pass is $3, and discounts for seniors and children as well as token options are also available. Call Metro at 713-635-4000 for schedules, rates, and general information.
Commuters can park their cars at one of several free “Park and Ride” lots and catch a bus into town. Fares are based on distance traveled. An added advantage: the buses — as well as cars with the required number of passengers — can make use of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. Call 713-224-7433 for commuter-related information.
Metro and several parking lots also operate free trolleys for traveling between downtown office buildings or to restaurants, the George R. Brown Convention Center, or theaters.