Cheap Flights from Houston to Dallas

This Texas-sized shuttle covers just 362 km - barely enough time to finish your drink! The flight itself takes about ​1 hour, though with airport time, plan for ​3 hours total. Both cities are in the ​same Central time zone, so no clock adjustments needed.

• You'll typically depart from: ​Houston's George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) - the main international hub, or Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) - closer to downtown with more budget options
• Most flights land at: Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) - massive but efficient, or ​Dallas Love Field (DAL) - closer to downtown (only 6 miles away)

For speed and convenience: ​HOU → DAL. For flexibility: ​IAH → DFW. Southwest Airlines dominates this route (especially from HOU to DAL), with fares as low as $29 one-way. ​American Airlines has the most options from IAH to DFW. For premium service, check ​​Delta's direct flights.

Credit: Unsplash, Scott Fillmer

Houston’s Airports

1. ​George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

📍 23 miles north of downtown
​Houston's George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is Houston’s big-league airport, where United Airlines runs the show.

Why fly from here?

• ​Most flight options to Dallas (seriously, there’s a flight almost every hour).
• Nonstop to ​DFW (55 mins) and ​DAL (1 hr) on American, United, and Southwest.
• If you’re heading to Dallas for work, this is your best bet—efficient, frequent, and full of power travelers.

Getting to IAH:

• ​Uber/Lyft: ~$50 from downtown (but pray I-45 isn’t a parking lot).
• ​METRO Bus 102: $1.25, but takes forever (only for the truly budget-conscious).

2. ​William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

📍 7 miles southeast of downtown
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) is Southwest Airlines’ playground—smaller, simpler, and usually cheaper.

Why fly from here?

• ​Nonstop to Dallas Love Field (DAL) only—no DFW flights.
• If you’re visiting friends in Dallas proper (not the suburbs), Love Field is way more convenient than DFW.
• Feels less corporate than IAH—more families, fewer suits.

Getting to HOU:

• ​Uber/Lyft: ~$25 from downtown (easy in, easy out).
• ​METRO Bus 40/50: Also $1.25, but again… time is money, y’all.

Credit: Unsplash, Izyan Sultanali

​Dallas’ Airports

1. ​Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

📍 Between Dallas and Fort Worth
Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) is the second-busiest airport in the U.S. (yes, really), and American Airlines’ fortress.

What to know:

• ​Huge. Like, “walking a mile between gates” huge.
• Flights from Houston land here if you’re on American or United.
• Good if you’re going to Fort Worth or the northern suburbs… but a ​schlep if you’re headed to Dallas proper.

Getting to Dallas from DFW:

• ​Uber/Lyft: ~$50 to downtown (toll roads included).
• ​DART Orange Line: $3 for a 50-minute train ride to downtown. Not fast, but cheap.

2. ​Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)

📍 6 miles northwest of downtown
Dallas Love Field (DAL) is Southwest’s home base, and Dallas’ answer to Hobby Airport.

What to know:

• ​Way closer to the city—you’ll be downtown in 15 minutes.
• Only Southwest and Delta fly here from Houston (so no United/AA options).
• Feels like an airport from 1995 (in a good way?). Small, simple, no frills.

Getting to Dallas from DAL:

• ​Uber/Lyft: ~$20 to downtown (cheapest rideshare option of all four airports).
• ​DART Bus 524: $2.50, but takes 30+ mins.

Best Time to Fly from Houston to Dallas

• ​Best Months: ​March–May & September–November – Mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower fares.
• ​Summer (June–August): Peak travel season—higher prices but lively events.
• ​Winter (December–February): Cheapest fares (except holidays), but cooler temps.

Where to Stay in Dallas – Top Things to Do Nearby

​1. Downtown Dallas

Attractions: Stroll through ​Klyde Warren Park (food trucks + free events), tour the ​Dallas Museum of Art, and snap pics at the iconic ​Pioneer Plaza cattle sculptures. Catch a show at the ​AT&T Performing Arts Center or sip cocktails at ​Reunion Tower’s rotating bar for skyline views!
Stay Here: 🏨 ​The Joule – Historic luxury with a rooftop pool, steps from Main Street.

​2. Deep Ellum

Attractions: Live music at ​Deep Ellum Art Co., murals galore, and BBQ at ​Pecan Lodge. By night, hit jazz bars or quirky speakeasies like ​Blackbird. Daytime? Browse indie shops and vintage stores.
Stay Here: 🏨 ​The Pittman Hotel – Stylish boutique vibe, 5 mins to the best bars (free bikes!).

​3. Uptown & Knox-Henderson

Attractions: Brunch at ​Henry’s Majestic, shop chic boutiques on ​McKinney Ave, and bar-hop via the ​free M-Line trolley. Walk the ​Katy Trail to burn off margaritas from ​Mi Cocina.
Stay Here: 🏨 ​Hotel ZaZa – Whimsical themed suites, pool scene, and walkable to nightlife.

Add Hotel Booking & Car Rental to Your Trip to Dallas

Planning a trip to Dallas? Make your visit even smoother by booking your hotel and car rental in advance.

Hotel Booking

Dallas offers a wide range of hotels to fit every budget and style. From sleek downtown high-rises to cozy boutique stays in Deep Ellum or budget-friendly options near DFW Airport, you’ll find the perfect place to rest.

Car Rental

While Dallas has public transit, having a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Renting a car is perfect for: ​Airport pickups – Skip the ride-share lines. ​Day trips – Visit Fort Worth, Grapevine, or nearby lakes. ​Family outings – Easy access to Six Flags, the Dallas Zoo, or shopping at Galleria.