Houston, Texas, the fourth largest city in the country and home to five million, boasts almost 600 miles of freeways and expressways, and it seems there are always more under repair or construction. Luckily, the Texas Department of Transportation is monitoring high-occupancy vehicle lanes for vans and carpools, along with timed freeway entrances to aid in congestion. With parallel “frontage roads” offering freeway access, landscaping, and a ban on billboards, Houston is attempting to make car use as convenient, easy, and pleasant as possible. However, navigating its hub-and-spoke freeway structure with multiple loops is daunting, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the city. Therefore, rental cars are probably not the best option for visitors due to confusing roads and traffic. Prior to the construction of the light rail service-METRORail-on January 1, 2004, Houston was the largest city in the United States without a rail transit system. Now offering buses, trolleys, and lift vans, it runs for eight miles from Downtown Houston to the Texas Medical Center and Reliant Park. But, its limited routes probably won’t meet all of travelers’ needs. Many visitors choose taxis, but for those who want a little luxury, over a hundred car and limousine services around. All promise to whisk riders to destinations quickly, safely, and very comfortably.

Guests flying into Houston usually land at either the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), or the William P. Hobby Airport. IAH is larger, and is the 7th-busiest in the United States ranking second for non-stop domestic and international service. It also is one of the top ten fastest growing airports in the United States, and headquarters of Continental Airlines. Hobby operates primarily smaller flights; it is the arrival point for Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways. Both airports offer a wealth of limousine options.

The Limousine Association of Houston assures that limousines are licensed by the City of Houston, as well as the company owners. The vehicles which fall under the Limousine Ordinance include Town Cars, Stretch Limos, SUV’s, Vans, Limo Buses, and Motor Coaches. All vehicles and drivers must have up to date and proper documentation. The Limousine Association also insists that operators meet a Code of Ethics in addition to the City requirements, which prohibits misrepresenting vehicle type, fleet size, services available, and pricing, and disparaging competitors’ business practices.

Houston limousine companies offer a wide range of prices, based on several factors, such as the number of passengers, the size and type of car, and, in some cases, the day of the week. For example, a 3-passenger sedan, with driver, may be $45 per hour during the week, but $55 per hour on the weekend, and there could be a 4-5 hour minimum. A 10 passenger limousine could range from $65 per hour during the week to $90 per hour on the weekend. An 18 passenger Hummer could be almost $300 per hour, and a 45 person motor coach would be almost $500 per hour. However, with so many competitors, services also vary. Some transportation is always available at the airports, while others follow passengers’ flights on computers and dispatch cars to meet guests upon their landing. Some agencies require longer lead time for reservations, while others include complimentary sightseeing tours. Certain companies charge from $22 to $50 an hour for wait time, but bill a flat rate regardless of destination. Still other services allow a guest to order either taxis or more upscale cars, and occasionally upgrade at no cost. Travelers should do their homework before leaving home to find a car service company that best meets their needs in terms of size, availability, and price.

To get a realistic picture of the total costs a few things should be kept in mind: Houston, unlike many cities, does not have just one main taxi or airport shuttle service; they have dozens, which mean that thousands of taxi drivers operate as independent contractors. Although the cost is shared and metered rates may be negotiated, the maximum number of passengers that can ride is four, which may be a problem for family vacations. The approximate cost from an airport into downtown Houston is around $40, plus tip, but this could also vary time of day and the cost of fuel. Taking a shuttle from the airport costs approximately $30.00 per person, and although relatively easy and comfortable, a rider must wait (sometimes up to a half hour) for it to arrive, and have patience during its various stops throughout the city. This may be a hindrance if time is an issue. Plus, if young children are traveling, even a discounted rate may not offset aggravation caused by a start-and-stop journey to a hotel with an already tired and cranky child. Checking total costs and comparing them with time and convenience may uncover the surprising fact that a limousine is not as extravagant as what might be expected!

If Houston tourists wish to explore the most popular attractions, they can do so by visiting the Downtown Aquarium-which offers a train ride through the center of a shark tank, carnival rides and games, and a restaurant in the midst of 150,000 gallons of water. There are also countless galleries, shops, museums and historic sights to explore. If they wish leave downtown, the Forbidden Gardens will transport them to ancient China, and Space Center Houston offers tours at the Official Visitors Center. SplashTown is a popular water park, and Kemah Boardwalk offers all a memorable amusement park/entertainment/sailing experience. No one should forget the Houston Zoo, Sam Houston Race Park, or Gulf Greyhound Park, either. A guest with a large family may find the use of a car and driver an excellent way to travel to such locations, without the worry of traffic, getting lost, or missing the wonderful sights Houston has to offer!