Houston Hobby Airport Map & Terminal Guide 2026
One terminal, two concourses, 30 gates. Everything you need to navigate William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) — the Central Concourse, West Concourse, security, parking and ground transport at North America’s first 5-Star Skytrax airport.
Houston Hobby Airport Map
The Houston Hobby Airport map below shows the full layout of William P. Hobby Airport (HOU/KHOU). In 2022, HOU became the first airport in North America to earn a 5-Star rating from Skytrax — a distinction it has retained every year since. Southwest Airlines is the dominant carrier, operating the vast majority of flights, with additional service from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air.
As you can see on the Houston Hobby Airport map, the layout is compact: one terminal building with two connected concourses (Central and West), a single security checkpoint, and all gates within easy walking distance. Study the HOU airport map before you travel so you know which concourse and gate to head for.
Click image to view full size
Houston Hobby Airport Location Map
William P. Hobby Airport is located just 7 miles (11 km) southeast of downtown Houston, making it significantly closer to the city centre than George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The Houston Hobby Airport location map below shows HOU’s position relative to the city. The airport is accessed via Airport Boulevard, connecting to I-45 (Gulf Freeway to downtown and Galveston) and the Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8).
Interactive map showing Houston Hobby Airport’s location southeast of downtown Houston
View Larger Map
Houston Hobby Airport Terminal
Houston Hobby Airport has a single terminal building that handles all check-in, security screening, baggage claim and ground transportation. The terminal is divided into two levels, with ticket counters and security on Level 2 (departures) and baggage claim, ground transport and rental car access on Level 1 (arrivals). Southwest Airlines ticket counters are on the west side of the terminal; all other airlines check in on the east side.
Terminal Levels
Houston Hobby Airport Security Checkpoint
Houston Hobby Airport has one central security checkpoint on Level 2 of the terminal, located between the ticket counters and the concourses. This single checkpoint serves both the Central Concourse and the West Concourse. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes are available.
After Security
Houston Hobby Airport Central Concourse
The Central Concourse is the main hub at Houston Hobby Airport, handling all domestic flights for Southwest and all other airlines. As shown on the Houston Hobby Airport map, it sits directly beyond the security checkpoint.
The Central Concourse opened in 2003, replacing the original three concourses. Southwest operates the majority of gates here for domestic flights. New dining openings in 2026 include Killen’s Barbeque, Common Bond Bistro and Bakery, Spindletap Brewery and Yard House.
Houston Hobby Airport West Concourse
The West Concourse is the smaller of Houston Hobby Airport’s two concourses, primarily handling Southwest Airlines international flights to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It opened in 2015 and is connected to the Central Concourse by a corridor with moving walkways (~5–7 min walk).
The West Concourse includes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities for international arrivals, with Global Entry kiosks and Mobile Passport Control. The $470 million expansion will add seven new gates (six for Southwest domestic, one shared) by summer 2027.
Walking Between Concourses at Houston Hobby Airport
Unlike larger airports with separate terminal buildings, both concourses at Houston Hobby Airport are connected inside the secure zone. After clearing the central security checkpoint on Level 2, you can walk freely between the Central Concourse and the West Concourse via a corridor with moving walkways. The walk takes about 5–7 minutes. You do not need to re-clear security when transferring between concourses unless you are arriving on an international flight and need to collect checked baggage.
Connection Times
HOU is a compact airport, so connections are fast. Allow 15–20 minutes to walk from the furthest Central Concourse gates (around Gate 51) to the West Concourse (Gate 1). If you are arriving on an international flight and need to re-clear security, allow at least 45–60 minutes, especially during peak periods.
Getting to Houston Hobby Airport
All ground transportation departs from Level 1 (arrivals) of the terminal building. HOU does not have a direct rail connection, but its proximity to downtown Houston makes taxi and ride-share fast and affordable.
Houston Hobby Airport Parking
Pre-book Houston Hobby Airport parking at fly2houston.com for discounted rates and guaranteed availability. All on-site lots are open 24/7 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Houston Hobby Airport Map — Arrivals
If you are arriving at Houston Hobby Airport or meeting a passenger, the arrivals area is on Level 1 of the terminal building. After deplaning, domestic passengers walk from their gate through the concourse to the baggage claim area on Level 1. International arrivals go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the West Concourse before proceeding to baggage claim.
Ground Transportation from Arrivals
Baggage claim carousels are on Level 1. From there, step outside to access taxis (Curb Zone 2), ride-shares (Curb Zone 5), rental car shuttles (Curb Zone 1) and METRO buses (Curb Zone 3). If picking someone up by car, use the free cell phone waiting lot on Airport Boulevard and collect your passenger from the Level 1 pick-up lanes.
Houston Hobby Airport Map — Departures
Departing passengers should enter the terminal on Level 2 via curbside drop-off or the parking garage walkways. Check in at your airline’s ticket counter — Southwest on the west side, all other airlines on the east side — then proceed to the central security checkpoint, also on Level 2. After clearing security, walk straight ahead for the Central Concourse or turn right for the West Concourse.
Recommended Arrival Times
Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights. During periods of TSA staffing disruptions (check fly2houston.com for current wait times), consider arriving even earlier. Check-in counters typically close 45 minutes before departure.
Insider Tips
Houston is hot and humid most of the year — dress accordingly and stay hydrated. HOU is much closer to downtown than George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), so double-check which airport your flight departs from. The Fly2Houston app shows real-time security wait times and turn-by-turn directions inside the terminal. For the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Houston, expect higher-than-normal passenger volumes and longer security lines — plan accordingly. Refer to the Houston Hobby Airport map above to plan your route before you arrive.
Houston Hobby Airport Map — FAQ
How many terminals does Houston Hobby Airport have?
One terminal with two concourses: the Central Concourse (25 gates, Gates 20–32 and 40–51) for domestic flights, and the West Concourse (5 gates, Gates 1–5) mainly for Southwest international flights. Both are connected inside security by a corridor with moving walkways.
Which airlines fly from Houston Hobby Airport?
Southwest Airlines dominates with the majority of flights (domestic and international). American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air also operate from the Central Concourse.
Where is security at Houston Hobby Airport?
One central checkpoint on Level 2 of the terminal, between the ticket counters and both concourses. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR available. Opens at 3:45 a.m. daily.
How far is Houston Hobby Airport from downtown Houston?
About 7 miles (11 km) southeast. Taxi/ride-share: 15–25 min ($25–$35). METRO Bus 40: ~1 hour.
Where can I find Houston Hobby Airport parking?
Red and Blue Garages next to the terminal ($24/day), valet in the Red Garage ($28/day), Ecopark economy lot (~$10/day with free shuttle). Pre-book at fly2houston.com.
Can I walk between concourses at Houston Hobby?
Yes. Both concourses are connected inside the secure zone via a corridor with moving walkways. The walk takes 5–7 minutes. No need to re-clear security unless arriving from an international flight with checked bags.
Is there a train or rail to Houston Hobby Airport?
No direct rail link. METRO Bus 40 runs to downtown (~1 hr). Bus 73 connects to Fannin South MetroRail station. Taxi and ride-share are the fastest options.
What does the Houston Hobby Airport map show?
The Houston Hobby Airport map shows the single terminal, Central Concourse (Gates 20–32, 40–51), West Concourse (Gates 1–5), security checkpoint, Red and Blue parking garages, Ecopark, rental car facility, ride-share zones and METRO bus stop.
What is the West Concourse expansion?
A $470 million project adding seven new gates, a modern baggage handling system, additional carousels and a weather-protective canopy. Expected completion: summer 2027. Six of the new gates will be used by Southwest for domestic flights.