Dallas to Houston Travel Options
If you’re planning a tour of the southern states, Texas would be a great place to start – specifically, Dallas and Houston – two of the largest cities in the Lone Star State. Getting around can pose a bit of a challenge if you’re new there.
If you’re already in Dallas and are wondering about the available travel options if you need to get to Houston, we’ve got you covered.
How much does it cost to travel from Dallas to Houston? What’s the fastest option? This guide explores the answers to these questions and more. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Why Visit Houston
First things first – What so special about Houston? The answer is – a lot. According to a 2020 study by Resonance Consultancy – a research, marketing, and strategy firm based in Canada – Houston ranks as the number one city in Texas and 11th in the country. The reasons given for this were its:
- Airport connectivity: The city ranks 7th in the country
- Ethnic diversity: 145+ languages are spoken in the area
- Premier restaurants: The eateries in the city are rated fourth in the country, behind those in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago
- A large number of Fortune 500 companies: The corporations in the city represent some of America’s biggest businesses
Houston is also regarded as the world capital for space exploration. The famous phrase, “Houston… we have a problem…” draws its origin from its astronomy background. The city’s top attraction is, no doubt, the Johnson Space Center – NASA’s official visitor venue. There are 500+ space artifacts on display, some of which include the world’s largest moon rock collection.
It doesn’t end there, though. If you’re an avid foodie, Houston needs to be on your bucket list for several reasons. For starters, the city is known to serve some of the most delicious food in all of the US. It has more than 11,000 restaurants offering cuisines from America and 80+ countries. From fine dining to ramen eateries to food trucks to healthy choices – Houston has it all.
It probably explains why so many city residents eat out as much as they do. It might also be because the average cost of a meal in the city is significantly lower than the national average. Either way, your taste buds are in for quite a treat.
Some of the meals you have to sample while you’re there include sizzling steaks, juicy cheeseburgers, tender smoked ribs, and good-ole-fashioned chicken and waffles. You haven’t had chicken and waffles until you’ve tried Houston-style chicken and waffles. You can take our word for it.
Dallas to Houston Travel Options
Now that you have some pretty compelling reasons to visit this amazing city, the next question is – How do you get to Houston from Dallas? Here’s everything you need to know.
Distance From Dallas to Houston
If you intend to take a bus from Houston to Dallas or drive there yourself, the distance between the two cities is 239 miles (385 km) along I-45 S. If you intend to drive there nonstop, it typically takes about 3.5 hours driving at an average speed of 68 mph.
It could take a little longer depending on the traffic conditions on the road. Traveling by bus takes 40 minutes longer. If you would rather take an alternate route with less of an elevation change, consider using any of the following options:
- Dallas to Houston via San Antonio: The total distance and travel time via this route is 470 miles and 7.2 hours, respectively
- Dallas to Houston via Austin: The total distance and travel time via this route is 361 miles and 5.6 hours, respectively
- Dallas to Houston via Waco: The total distance and travel time via this route is 281 miles and 4.5 hours, respectively
If you plan on driving, the estimated fuel cost will be anywhere between $24 and $35, excluding tolls and rental car fees. On the other hand, a one-way bus ticket will set you back between $13 and $45. Some of the bus operators on this route include Greyhound USA, Megabus, and Flixbus USA.
Train From Dallas to Houston
Another option would be to take a train from Dallas to Houston. You can expect to pay around $33 to $51 for a one-way ticket, which you can purchase online or at the station on the day of travel. The price might be lower if you book your trip at least 28 days in advance.
The distance by train is 225 miles, and the total transit time is 23.3 hours. Keep in mind that the arrival time might be slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
The only railroad operator on this route is Amtrak. The proposed Texas bullet train could see the total travel time from Dallas to Houston reduced to 90 minutes. The expected project completion date is slated for 2026.
Houston to Dallas Luxury Bus
If you’re looking for a convenient alternative to flying, but with all the perks that come with private jets, Vonlane Dallas to Houston and Vonlane Houston to Dallas might be just what the doctor ordered.
This luxe bus service caters to business class travelers and offers appealing amenities such as full-attendant service, elegant bathrooms, electric outlets, complimentary noise-canceling headphones, satellite TV, and more.
A one-way ticket from Doubletree Love Field in Dallas to Hyatt Regency in Houston costs around $105 with departures at 10.30 a.m., 12.00 p.m., and 5.00 p.m. The average travel duration is 4 hours.
Dallas to Houston Flights
The final travel option would be to fly from Dallas to Houston. The average price of a one-way economy ticket is $126, although costs can go as low as $101, depending on the season. This price does not include airport transfers.
The average cost of round-trip Dallas to Houston to Dallas flights is $235. The total duration of a one-way nonstop flight ranges anywhere between 1 hour 4 minutes and 1 hour 18 minutes. Some airline operators that fly this route include Spirit, JetBlue, American Airlines, and United.
A City With So Much to Offer
There you have it – The top Dallas to Houston travel options. There’s so much to see and so many things to do in Houston. It’s one of those places you can’t get enough of. You’ll love it as much as we do.
In the meantime, check out our article for information on the Texas hurricane evacuation route.