Need the car rather than the guide? See economy car rental in Houston for the fleet, prices and free delivery. Call or text 813-921-6973.
Houston visitors with a car and a free day have four obvious options, all under two hours and all paved. Here they are with drive times from downtown, the parking situation and the car we would send.
1. Space Center Houston
Forty minutes down I-45 to NASA's visitor center and the tram tour of Johnson Space Center. Paid parking at the gate; a full day with kids. The Mazda CX-5 or similar or the Hyundai Santa Fe or similar for a family.
2. Galveston
Fifty minutes to the seawall, the Strand and the Pleasure Pier. Beach parking along Seawall Boulevard is paid in season. The Jeep Wrangler Sport or similar is the beach car; a Toyota Corolla or similar does the trip for a third of the fuel.
3. Kemah Boardwalk
Thirty-five minutes, on the way to Galveston: the boardwalk, the rides and the seafood on Clear Lake. Easy with the Honda Civic or similar and a short stop at Space Center on the way back.
4. Brenham and bluebonnet country
An hour and a half west on US-290 to the Blue Bell creamery, the antique shops in Round Top and, in April, the bluebonnets along the farm roads. The Honda Accord or similar for four people and a comfortable highway day.
What it costs
From $89 a day with delivery to your hotel or at IAH and Hobby included; three days or more cost less per day. Each of these trips fits inside the daily mileage allowance.
Pick a category and your dates on the Houston fleet page, or call or text 813-921-6973. We confirm by phone within the hour, deliver free, and the price you see is the price you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Space Center Houston from downtown?
About twenty-five miles southeast on I-45, forty minutes outside rush hour.
Is Galveston a day trip?
Yes: fifty minutes to the seawall, parking along the beach, and back for dinner.
When are the bluebonnets out around Brenham?
Late March to mid April. US-290 west is an hour and a half each way.
