HOU Terminal Map 2026: Gates, Concourses & Parking

The HOU terminal map shows a single main terminal building at William P. Hobby Airport, divided into two concourses — the Central Concourse and the West Concourse — connected by a shared security checkpoint and ticketing hall. The airport sits about 7 miles southeast of downtown Houston via I-45. On-airport parking runs up to $25/day in the terminal garages, or as low as $10/day at the ecopark economy lot. Off-site lots near HOU start at just $4.73/day (verified October 2026).

• One terminal, two concourses: Central Concourse and West Concourse share one building and one security area.
• West Concourse expansion: A $470 million project adding 7 new gates is under construction, with completion scheduled for 2027.
• Main carrier: Southwest Airlines dominates HOU, using both concourses; Delta, American Airlines/American Eagle, Allegiant, JSX, and Sun Country also operate here.
• Parking options: Red and Blue Garages (up to $25/day), ecopark ($10/day), valet ($30/day), or off-site lots from $4.73/day.
• Ground transit: METRO 500 Downtown Direct runs between HOU and downtown Houston for $4.50 one-way (since February 22, 2026).
• Security tip: One main checkpoint serves both concourses — arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.

Back to HOU Airport Terminal Guide 2026 | Complete HOU Airport Parking Guide

What Does the HOU Terminal Map Look Like? Layout & Concourses Explained

William P. Hobby Airport has a single, compact terminal building with two concourses that branch off a central ticketing and arrivals hall. The layout is straightforward — most first-time visitors find it easier to navigate than larger airports like IAH.

Here is the basic structure you will find on the HOU terminal map:

• Ticketing and check-in — ground level, accessible from Airport Boulevard
• Security checkpoint — one main checkpoint serves both concourses
• Central Concourse — the primary gate area, home to most Southwest Airlines flights
• West Concourse — serves Southwest, Delta, American Airlines/American Eagle, Allegiant, JSX, and Sun Country
• Baggage claim — ground level on the arrivals side, below or near ticketing

The West Concourse is the newer wing, opened in 2015 when HOU added international service. A $470 million expansion is currently adding 7 new gates to the West Concourse. Construction began in November 2024, and completion is scheduled for 2027. No parking closures have been verified for 2026, but you should check fly2houston.com/hou/redevelopment before each trip for the latest updates.

The terminal is small enough that walking between concourses takes just a few minutes. You clear security once, then move freely between the Central and West Concourses without re-screening. For a full breakdown of what is inside each zone, the HOU airport terminal guide covers every section in detail.

Save on parking before your next HOU flight. Compare HOU off-site lots from $4.73/day on Triply and lock in your spot before the garages fill up.

Where Are the Gates at Hobby Airport? Concourse A, B & C Breakdown

HOU's gates are organized across two concourses — Central and West. Most travelers use the terms interchangeably with letters, but the official HOU terminal map labels them by concourse name rather than letter designations.

Central Concourse

The Central Concourse is the main gate area and handles the bulk of Southwest Airlines departures. Southwest is by far the dominant carrier at HOU, accounting for the vast majority of daily flights. The Central Concourse is a straight hall with gates running along both sides. It connects directly to the security checkpoint and is the fastest wing to reach from the ticketing lobby.

West Concourse

The West Concourse was added in 2015 to accommodate international service and additional domestic routes. Airlines using this concourse include Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, American Eagle, Allegiant, JSX, and Sun Country. It branches off to the left (west) once you clear security. The West Concourse also handles international arrivals, with customs and border processing on the ground floor.

The ongoing West Concourse expansion will add 7 gates once complete in 2027. That will meaningfully increase HOU's gate count and capacity. During construction, some West Concourse areas may have temporary changes, so confirm your gate on the departure board when you arrive.

Not sure which concourse your airline uses? Check the official HOU airport map for the most current gate assignments before your flight.

How Do You Get Through Security at HOU? Checkpoints & TSA Tips

HOU has one main security checkpoint that serves both the Central and West Concourses. This single-checkpoint layout keeps things simple, but it also means wait times can spike during morning rush hours and holiday weekends.

Here are practical tips for getting through security quickly:

• Arrive 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights. Give yourself more time on busy travel days.
• TSA PreCheck lanes are available at HOU. If you have TSA PreCheck, you can skip removing shoes, laptops, and liquids — a real time-saver at any airport.
• Standard screening follows TSA security screening guidelines — liquids in 3.4 oz containers, laptops out of bags, shoes off.
• Arrive earlier on Fridays and Sundays — these are HOU's busiest departure days.
• Check the departure board first — gate assignments sometimes change, especially during the West Concourse construction period.

Once through security, both concourses are accessible without any additional screening. The Central Concourse is straight ahead; the West Concourse is to your left. Most gates are within a 5-minute walk of the checkpoint.

What Dining and Shopping Options Are Inside HOU Terminal?

HOU is a mid-size airport with a solid range of food and retail options for its size. Most restaurants and shops are located post-security in the Central and West Concourses, so plan to eat after you clear the checkpoint rather than before.

Based on the current airport layout, you can expect to find:

• Quick-service restaurants and cafes — grab-and-go options for breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and snacks
• Sit-down dining — full-service restaurants in both concourses for travelers with more time
• Bar and grill options — beer, cocktails, and hot food near the gates
• Retail and convenience stores — books, travel accessories, snacks, and Houston-themed gifts
• Duty-free shopping — available in the West Concourse for international departures

The selection in the West Concourse tends to be newer, since that wing was built in 2015. The Central Concourse has a more established mix of brands. HOU is not a mega-airport, so options are fewer than at IAH — grab something before a long flight if you have specific preferences. For Wi-Fi, HOU offers complimentary wireless throughout the terminal.

How Much Does Parking Cost at Hobby Airport? (2026 Rates & Options)

HOU parking rates, per fly2houston.com's official parking rates page, are tax-inclusive and verified as of October 2026. Here is every option at a glance:

Parking in the Red or Blue Garage costs up to $25/day, per official Houston Airport System data. The ecopark cuts that to $10/day with a shuttle that runs continuously, dropping travelers at the terminal curb about every 10 minutes. Off-site lots on Triply go as low as $4.73/day — that is a saving of more than 80% compared to the terminal garages on a week-long trip.

One important note: the garages switch to reservation-only mode once they hit 85% capacity. On busy travel days — think spring break, Thanksgiving, and Houston Rodeo season — they can fill fast. Book ahead through fly2houston.com or consider an off-site lot as a backup. For a full rate-by-rate breakdown and money-saving tips, see the Hobby Airport parking rates guide.

Compare all HOU parking options on Triply — off-site lots from $4.73/day, with live availability.

How Do You Get To and From HOU? Rideshare, Bus, Taxi & Shuttle Guide

William P. Hobby Airport is about 7 miles southeast of downtown Houston via Interstate 45 (the Gulf Freeway). Getting there is straightforward, but your best option depends on your budget and travel time.

By Car

Take I-45 South from downtown Houston to Airport Boulevard, which leads directly to the terminal entrance. For travelers coming from Pearland, Pasadena, or the Clear Lake/NASA area, Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway) and Loop 610 (South Loop) provide regional access. Traffic on I-45 can be heavy during Houston rush hours — before you leave, check real-time traffic on Waze to avoid delays.

By Public Transit

The METRO 500 Downtown Direct launched on February 22, 2026. It connects HOU to downtown Houston and IAH for $4.50 one-way. Local METRO buses (routes 40, 50, 73, and 88) also serve Curb Zone 3 at the terminal. Route 73 connects to the METRO Red Line for access to the Texas Medical Center and Midtown. Check ridemetro.org for current schedules before your trip.

By Rideshare

Uber and Lyft pickups are in the designated rideshare zone at the terminal curb. Both Uber at HOU and Lyft at HOU have dedicated pickup areas — check the app for the exact zone marker when you land. Taxis are also available at the curb. For detailed fare comparisons and step-by-step directions for every mode, the getting to and from Hobby Airport guide has everything you need.

By Park-and-Ride Shuttle

Off-site lots near HOU run their own shuttles. The DoubleTree Houston Hobby Airport and Hobby Airport Parking both run shuttles 24/7 every 15 minutes. The Houston Hobby Marriott South runs every 30 minutes. The Hampton Inn Houston Hobby Airport uses a complimentary Lyft — book it at least 24 hours ahead through the hotel. For full park-and-fly hotel details, see the Hobby Airport park and fly hotels guide.

Where Is Baggage Claim at William P. Hobby Airport?

Baggage claim at HOU is on the ground (arrivals) level, directly below the main ticketing hall. After you deplane and walk through the terminal, follow the baggage claim signs down to the lower level. Carousels are labeled by flight — check the monitors near the escalators to find your carousel number before you head down.

A few things to know when collecting bags:

• International arrivals clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before accessing baggage claim. This process adds time — allow at least 30-45 minutes after landing if you are arriving on an international flight.
• Southwest Airlines bags typically arrive quickly because Southwest loads bags last and unloads first. Still, expect to wait 15-20 minutes after landing on average.
• Rental car counters are located in or near the baggage claim area. No bus or shuttle to an off-site rental facility is required at HOU — rentals operate from the main terminal building.
• Ground transportation (taxis, rideshare, hotel shuttles) is accessed from the arrivals curb, which is directly outside the baggage claim doors.

Once you have your bags, rideshare and taxi zones are just outside. Hotel and off-site parking shuttles pick up at the designated shuttle zones on the arrivals curb. Look for signage directing you to the correct zone for your lot or transportation type.

HOU Terminal Map: Final Tips Before You Go

The HOU terminal map is one of the simpler layouts you will find at a major U.S. airport. One building, two concourses, one security checkpoint. The tricky part is not navigation — it is planning your parking and arrival time correctly, especially with the West Concourse expansion underway.

Here is a quick summary to take with you:

• Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights to allow for parking, shuttle time, and security.
• On-airport garage rates are up to $25/day. The ecopark is $10/day. Off-site lots on Triply start at $4.73/day.
• The garages go reservation-only at 85% capacity — book early for peak dates.
• The METRO 500 Downtown Direct is the cheapest way to get to HOU from downtown Houston at $4.50 one-way.
• Check fly2houston.com/hou/redevelopment before each trip for construction updates through 2027.
• Use the official HOU airport map to confirm your gate before arriving.

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