Lucio Vasquez / Houston Public Media
A Houston-area resident boards a METRO bus on March 31, 2022.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is expanding its 500 Downtown Direct route to include service to Hobby Airport, along with additional stops in downtown Houston. The bus route already provides a link between downtown and Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The expanded service starts Sunday, according to METRO, which said the route will now feature six northbound and six southbound stops. The routes cost $4.50 for one-way fare, and METRO said the new stops are meant to create a direct link between Houston’s two major airports — Bush in the northern part of the city and Hobby in the southern portion.
“This is METRONow in action — making it easier for people to choose METRO,” METRO board chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said in a statement from the region’s public transit provider. “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. This is about lasting access that strengthens our region every day.”
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RELATED: Houston transit authority unveils ‘METRONow’ initiative focused on cleanliness, safety and ridership
Houston is hosting seven international soccer matches at NRG Stadium this summer as part of the 2026 World Cup. The city’s host committee estimates there could be an influx of 500,000 visitors for the event, which for Houston spans from mid-June to early July.
The updated stops for the 500 Downtown Direct are as follows:
Northbound
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
Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E
Southbound
Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E
George R. Brown Convention Center North Transit Center Garage
Fannin Street at Rusk Street
Milam Street at Dallas Street
Pierce Street at Main Street
Hobby Airport
More information regarding the 500 Downtown Direct service can be found on METRO’s website.