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Getting around Houston

Public transport: 

The Metro (tel: (713) 635 4000; www.ridemetro.org) operates an extensive bus service and a light rail system, Metrorail, with services from downtown to Reliant Park. There are fare boxes on the bus (correct change is required) but for trains pay at the ticket vending machines before boarding. For longer stays buy a Metro Q Card which is used like a debit card. You can get information from the RideStore at 1900 Main Street.

Taxis: 

Taxis are plentiful and the new Six in the City programme is a cheap way to travel in the downtown area where the US$6 flat-rate fare applies. A tip of around 10% of the fare is usual. Companies include Fiesta Cab Company (tel: (713) 225 2666), Square Deal Cab Company (tel: (713) 659 7236) and Yellow Cab Company (tel: (713) 236 1111).

Driving: 

Driving in the morning and evening rush hours should be avoided. The highways have Protected High Occupancy Vehicle lanes for buses and carpools.

Parking is generally not a problem with plenty of car parks right across the city. Many attractions or venues have free parking for visitors. Some on-street parking is available, although difficult to find in the downtown areas.

Car hire: 

To hire a car, you must be in possession of a full national driving licence. The minimum age is generally 25 years, although some companies will hire cars (at a higher rate) to drivers aged between 21 and 24 years. Avis (tel: (713) 629 7230; www.avis.com), Dollar (tel: (713) 797 9624; www.dollar.com) and Hertz (tel: (713) 652 0436; www.hertz.com) all have offices in Houston.

Bicycle hire: 

Cycling is an ideal way to take advantage of the many cycle trails in Houston's parks. You can hire bikes from West End Bicycles, 5427 Blossom Street (tel: (713) 861 2271; www.westendbikes.com), east of Memorial Park.

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