Houston Rental Cars
Houston is the fourth-largest US city by population and the largest city in Texas. Rent a car in Houston, and you can go everywhere, from Tomball to Sugarland to Clear Lake. Visitors can enjoy various parks, an eclectic museum district, a high-quality zoo and aquarium, and more.
Houston has multiple toll roads and uses a system of highways with one-way frontage roads that run alongside the main roads. You can use frontage roads to avoid tolls, but the tollways offer the most direct routes. Avis Houston offers an e-toll system for your convenience while traveling to and from other Avis locations in Texas.
Find Avis Car Rental at Houston Travel Hubs
If you’re out and about in other parts of town, you can still find convenient Avis counters for rental cars in Houston to help you get where you want to go. Some of our most popular locations are:
Houston Rental Cars
Houston is the fourth-largest US city by population and the largest city in Texas. Rent a car in Houston, and you can go everywhere, from Tomball to Sugarland to Clear Lake. Visitors can enjoy various parks, an eclectic museum district, a high-quality zoo and aquarium, and more.
Houston has multiple toll roads and uses a system of highways with one-way frontage roads that run alongside the main roads. You can use frontage roads to avoid tolls, but the tollways offer the most direct routes. Avis Houston offers an e-toll system for your convenience while traveling to and from other Avis locations in Texas.
Find Avis Car Rental at Houston Travel Hubs
If you’re out and about in other parts of town, you can still find convenient Avis counters for rental cars in Houston to help you get where you want to go. Some of our most popular locations are:
Does Avis Offer Car Rentals at the Airport in Houston?
Yes, two major airports help people come and go from Houston, and Avis offers rental car services at both. Figure out which airport works better for your plans and make a reservation:
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) lies north of downtown.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is south of downtown.
Popular Cars to Rent in Houston
Popular Cars to Rent in Houston
Van Rental in Houston
Take the whole family to the Houston Zoo for a day trip in a comfortable minivan or passenger van.
SUV Rental in Houston
Enjoy the comfort of an SUV and head to the Downtown Aquarium with the family for the afternoon.
Luxury Car Rental in Houston
Take a ride downtown in one of our luxury cars. While you’re there, enjoy some delicious barbecue at a local restaurant.
Monthly or Long-Term Car Rental in Houston
If you’re staying in Houston for an extended period of time, utilize the convenience of a long-term car rental.
Convertible Rental in Houston
Ride in style with the top down on a sunny day in Houston. Don’t forget your sunglasses during the summer months!
Pickup Truck Rental in Houston
Fit in with the Texas locals by renting a pickup truck. Choose from a midsize or full-size pickup truck.
Places to See and Things to Do in Houston
Planning a trip is no small feat. These travel tips can make your visit to Houston, Texas, a lot simpler. Check out the local museum district. See the stadium that’s played host to two Super Bowls. Spend a relaxing day at Hermann Park. Whatever your plans, one of our rental cars in Houston can help you get there.
Business Travel in Houston
Are business travels taking you to Houston, Texas? Enjoy your time in Space City. Spend some time exploring the local nightlife after a long day of meetings. Check out our recommendations for where a Houston car rental should take you when you’re off the clock.
What to See & Do in Houston
There is something for everyone in Houston; come and stay a while.
Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston
1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058
Come walk in the footsteps of astronauts and scientists at this unique space exploration center. Visit this location, which partners with NASA and the Smithsonian, to enjoy an immersive experience you’ll never forget.
The Galleria
5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the shopping malls. The Galleria is the largest, with over 400 stores to choose from. With massive skylights, chandeliers, and an ice rink, this mall makes it an adventure to shop all your favorite stores.
What to Eat in Houston
Fajitas: According to legend, Houston is the birthplace of the fajita. With its love for all things Tex-Mex, the city takes full credit for this fantastic culinary combo.
Chicken Fried Steak: Bring on the gravy! This tasty food item is so integral to Texan culture that there is even an official Chicken Fried Steak Day (October 26).
Texas Funeral Cake: This tasty chocolate cake with fudge and pecan icing is made in a sheet pan so each cake yields as many portions as possible. There's no need to wait for a funeral—it’s yummy anytime.
Queso: Spanish conquistadors brought this cheesy concoction to Texas. It pairs well with tortilla chips and atop other Latin dishes.
Where to Stay in Houston
Downtown (77002, 77003): Take advantage of all Houston has to offer in the heart of the city. The downtown area has the best lodging choices and attractions.
Northwest Houston (77066-77070): If you’re on a tight budget, choose Northwest Houston. The area offers many green spaces, parks, and outdoor activities.
Medical Center (77030): This safe, family-friendly area is close to the Houston Zoo and the Hermann Park Railroad.
Museum District (77004-77006, 77098): The Museum District lives up to its name with plenty of choices for art and history experiences for every taste.
Distance to Nearby Cities
Houston to Dallas: 238 miles (drive time of about 3 to 4.5 hours)
Houston to Austin: 165 miles (drive time of about 3 hours)
- Houston to San Antonio: 197 miles (drive time of about 3 to 3.5 hours)
What to Eat in Houston
Fajitas: According to legend, Houston is the birthplace of the fajita. With its love for all things Tex-Mex, the city takes full credit for this fantastic culinary combo.
Chicken Fried Steak: Bring on the gravy! This tasty food item is so integral to Texan culture that there is even an official Chicken Fried Steak Day (October 26).
Texas Funeral Cake: This tasty chocolate cake with fudge and pecan icing is made in a sheet pan so each cake yields as many portions as possible. There's no need to wait for a funeral—it’s yummy anytime.
Queso: Spanish conquistadors brought this cheesy concoction to Texas. It pairs well with tortilla chips and atop other Latin dishes.
Where to Stay in Houston
Downtown (77002, 77003): Take advantage of all Houston has to offer in the heart of the city. The downtown area has the best lodging choices and attractions.
Northwest Houston (77066-77070): If you’re on a tight budget, choose Northwest Houston. The area offers many green spaces, parks, and outdoor activities.
Medical Center (77030): This safe, family-friendly area is close to the Houston Zoo and the Hermann Park Railroad.
Museum District (77004-77006, 77098): The Museum District lives up to its name with plenty of choices for art and history experiences for every taste.
Distance to Nearby Cities
Houston to Dallas: 238 miles (drive time of about 3 to 4.5 hours)
Houston to Austin: 165 miles (drive time of about 3 hours)
- Houston to San Antonio: 197 miles (drive time of about 3 to 3.5 hours)
Houston Car Rental FAQs
Yes, it's easy to reserve a one-way car rental in Houston. Choose your most convenient pickup location in Houston, then let us know if you’re traveling across town or heading to Florida. The choices are always yours.
Yes, it's easy to reserve a one-way car rental in Houston. Choose your most convenient pickup location in Houston, then let us know if you’re traveling across town or heading to Florida. The choices are always yours.
Yes! Every good Houston car rental deal can be improved with a little extra savings. Remember to check our discounts page when planning a trip to H-Town. We’ll help you stretch your budget with competitive pricing.
Yes! Every good Houston car rental deal can be improved with a little extra savings. Remember to check our discounts page when planning a trip to H-Town. We’ll help you stretch your budget with competitive pricing.
Houston Travel FAQs
Houston is famous as the home of the NASA Space Center. “Houston” was actually the first word spoken on the moon by astronauts as they communicated with NASA. The city is also well-known for its museums, like the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts. You can access any of these Houston attractions easily in your rental car.
Houston is famous as the home of the NASA Space Center. “Houston” was actually the first word spoken on the moon by astronauts as they communicated with NASA. The city is also well-known for its museums, like the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts. You can access any of these Houston attractions easily in your rental car.
Somewhat surprisingly, Houston is known for its Louisiana Creole cuisine, thanks to Houston’s “Frenchtown” and large Creole population. Houston also has a reputation for its Vietnamese cuisine. And, of course, Houston is known for its Tex-Mex and barbeque, which are classic Texan staples throughout the state.
Somewhat surprisingly, Houston is known for its Louisiana Creole cuisine, thanks to Houston’s “Frenchtown” and large Creole population. Houston also has a reputation for its Vietnamese cuisine. And, of course, Houston is known for its Tex-Mex and barbeque, which are classic Texan staples throughout the state.
We recommend staying near Downtown Houston because you’ll be closer to many popular tourist attractions and restaurants during your stay. You’ll find luxury apartment buildings and friendly hotels near downtown to make your time relaxing. Hop in your rental car and explore Houston neighborhoods like Montrose, an area just outside downtown known for its fun, bohemian eccentricity.
We recommend staying near Downtown Houston because you’ll be closer to many popular tourist attractions and restaurants during your stay. You’ll find luxury apartment buildings and friendly hotels near downtown to make your time relaxing. Hop in your rental car and explore Houston neighborhoods like Montrose, an area just outside downtown known for its fun, bohemian eccentricity.
Rush hour in Houston lasts from 7 AM to 9 AM on weekday mornings and from 4 PM to 7 PM on weekday evenings. During events and holidays, traffic can be even worse. Highway 290 in particular can get crowded during rush hour, so do what you can to avoid it. (source)
Rush hour in Houston lasts from 7 AM to 9 AM on weekday mornings and from 4 PM to 7 PM on weekday evenings. During events and holidays, traffic can be even worse. Highway 290 in particular can get crowded during rush hour, so do what you can to avoid it. (source)
Yes. The main toll road is Sam Houston Tollway (the Beltway). It’s an 88-mile loop that encircles the city. Other major toll roads include Katy Freeway, Tomball Tollway, and Westpark Tollway. Other freeways offer HOT (High Occupancy Toll) lanes to allow commuters alternatives during traffic.
Yes. The main toll road is Sam Houston Tollway (the Beltway). It’s an 88-mile loop that encircles the city. Other major toll roads include Katy Freeway, Tomball Tollway, and Westpark Tollway. Other freeways offer HOT (High Occupancy Toll) lanes to allow commuters alternatives during traffic.