Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

HOUUnited StatesTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

William P. Hobby Airport

Houston, United States

Drop-off

Downtown Houston (around Main Street Square / George R. Brown Convention Center)

Pin before customs

Fastest

METRO Bus 40 Telephone / Heights

bus · 30m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: METRO Bus 40 Telephone / Heights
Headway: 30
Backup: METRO Bus 50 Broadway + METRORail Green Line · 10-15m

Note

Local METRO bus from William P. Hobby Airport (Curb Zone 3 at Hobby Transit Center) to downtown Houston, serving multiple stops including near the George R. Brown Convention Center and Main Street area; typical journey time is around 50–60 minutes and buses generally run about every 30 minutes during the day. Riders pay the regular METRO local fare and can transfer to other downtown routes or METRORail if needed. cite

Budget focus

Houston: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likehouston airport busandhou to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: Airport taxi (HOU–Downtown Houston)
Mode: taxi
Freq: on-demandm
Note: Metered taxis are available 24/7 from Curb Zone 2 outside Baggage Claim at Hobby Airport and provide direct service to downtown Houston in about 20–35 minutes depending on traffic. Service is on-demand with no fixed schedule. cite

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: METRO Bus 40 Telephone / Heights
Mode: bus
Freq: 30m
Note: Local METRO bus from William P. Hobby Airport (Curb Zone 3 at Hobby Transit Center) to downtown Houston, serving multiple stops including near the George R. Brown Convention Center and Main Street area; typical journey time is around 50–60 minutes and buses generally run about every 30 minutes during the day. Riders pay the regular METRO local fare and can transfer to other downtown routes or METRORail if needed. cite

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.