HOUSTON — The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) will expand its 500 Downtown Direct bus route to include service to Hobby Airport starting Sunday, providing additional stops in downtown Houston and connecting the city’s two major airports.
The route already links downtown Houston with Bush Intercontinental Airport. The updated service will feature six northbound and six southbound stops, with one-way fares set at $4.50. METRO said the expansion aims to provide a direct transit connection between Hobby Airport in the southern part of the city and Bush Intercontinental Airport in the north.
METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock highlighted the importance of the expansion ahead of Houston’s hosting of seven international matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “As we prepare to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup, we’re building connectivity that will serve Houston long after the final match,” she said.
The updated northbound stops are Hobby Airport; St. Joseph Parkway at Main Street; Travis Street at Dallas Street; San Jacinto Street at Rusk Street; George R. Brown Convention Center North Transit Center Garage; and Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E. Southbound stops run in reverse order.
METRO said the route is part of its METRONow initiative, which focuses on improving accessibility, cleanliness, safety, and ridership. More information about the 500 Downtown Direct route is available on METRO’s website.