Travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Houston: what you need to know
Planning your trip starts with working out where you'll leave from in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) is the city's main airport, so explore your options for booking a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Houston departing from here.
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH) and Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) are Houston's major entry points.
Around 10 hours 40 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Rio de Janeiro to Houston flight.
Houston is three hours behind Rio de Janeiro and is in the UTC-6 timezone.
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) to Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are seven weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Rio de Janeiro to Houston is with United Airlines at 21:55. Choose the first GIG to IAH departure operated by United Airlines at 20:55 to make the most of your arrival in Houston.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your Rio de Janeiro to Houston flight.
You'll likely experience longer lines during popular months such as December. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Rio de Janeiro to Houston
Booking in advance is often the key to securing a cheap Rio de Janeiro to Houston flight. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across each month when searching for your plane ticket from Rio de Janeiro to Houston.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Rio de Janeiro to Houston.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Rio de Janeiro to Houston flights.
Flying from Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG)
You can get a direct flight from Rio de Janeiro to Houston taking off from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG). Begin your trip at GIG and come in for landing at Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH).
Look out for promotions with United Airlines. This airline offers direct Rio de Janeiro to Houston plane tickets from GIG.
We make it easy to book a Rio de Janeiro to Houston flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
The journey from central Rio de Janeiro to GIG takes about 1 hour by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a taxi, you'll cover the 13 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a leisurely start to your break? Stay near Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Rio de Janeiro to Houston or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport, 79% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
Arriving in Houston
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH)
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH) to central Houston takes around 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes about 1 hour 10 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Rio de Janeiro to Houston, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these accommodation options near IAH:
Pick up a Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport rental car and explore Houston and beyond with your own set of wheels. Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt are leading providers to choose from here.
For the best deal, book your vehicle from Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport about three weeks in advance of your Rio de Janeiro to Houston flight.
IAH is located at 16930 JFK Boulevard.
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
Central Houston is approximately 16 kilometres from Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). After your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Houston has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 20 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take about 50 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places to call home for the night near HOU. Kick back after your Rio de Janeiro to Houston flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or long taxi queues. Pick up a Houston Hobby Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Compare availability and rates from Easirent, Dollar and Thrifty.
Score the best price by securing your ride from HOU four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
You can find Houston Hobby Airport at 7800 Airport Boulevard.
Best time to go to Houston
September is the quietest month for flights from Rio de Janeiro to Houston, while July is the most popular. Choose the best time to go to Houston based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Rio de Janeiro to Houston ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Houston to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 40ºC (104ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Rio de Janeiro to Houston in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 5ºC (41ºF) and 19ºC (66ºF) on average.
More about Houston
Once you've booked your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Houston, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Houston:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. Audrey Jones Beck Building at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science and The Menil Collection are must-visits when exploring Houston.
Explore more of the United States
San Antonio is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen Houston. Around 306 kilometres to the west, check out popular attractions including San Antonio River Walk, Selena Quintanilla Mural and Historic Market Square.
Dallas is another well-known destination in the United States and is around 370 kilometres north of Houston. No trip is complete without experiencing Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Meyerson Symphony Centre, Winspear Opera House and Dallas Museum of Art.