Houston’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) operates one of the largest public transportation networks in the southern United States, serving the Greater Houston metropolitan area with extensive bus and rail services. Whether you’re a visitor exploring the city or a resident looking for affordable transportation options, understanding Houston’s metro transit system can help you navigate the region efficiently.
METRORail Light Rail System
The METRO rail system features 23 miles of light rail track with 39 stations across three color-coded lines. The system includes:
Red Line: The flagship line runs 12.8 miles from Northline Transit Center through downtown to the Texas Medical Center, eventually terminating at NRG Stadium. This line serves major destinations including Theater District stations, Midtown, Museum District, and provides crucial access to the world’s largest medical complex and Houston’s major sports and entertainment venue.
Green Line: Extending 6 miles from downtown’s Convention District to Magnolia Park Transit Center in East End, the Green Line provides connections to UH-Downtown and serves historically significant Houston neighborhoods.
Purple Line: Running 7.5 miles from downtown through Third Ward to the University of Houston, the Purple Line connects students and faculty to campus while serving residential communities along Wheeler Avenue.
Comprehensive Bus Network
METRO’s bus system serves as the primary transportation resource for hundreds of thousands of daily commuters. The bus network includes:
Local Bus Routes: Over 75 local bus routes connecting neighborhoods throughout Harris County. High-frequency routes like the 82 Westheimer and 40 Washington serve major corridors with buses arriving every 15 minutes during peak hours.
Park and Ride Services: METRO operates 30 park-and-ride facilities across the Houston region, offering more than 26,000 parking spaces. Express buses from these locations provide direct service to downtown, the Texas Medical Center, Uptown/Galleria, and Greenway Plaza employment centers, with limited stops for faster commutes.
METRORapid BRT: The Bus Rapid Transit system offers enhanced service on key corridors with features like off-board fare payment, dedicated lanes, and frequent service. The system includes routes serving major thoroughfares throughout the city.
Fares and Accessibility
Houston METRO maintains affordable transit options with standard local bus and rail fares at $1.25 per ride. All-day passes cost $3.00, providing unlimited rides on local services. Park and Ride express service costs $2.00 per ride, or $4.50 for an all-day pass.
The system accommodates various payment methods through the METRO Q Fare Card, available at rail stations, retail locations, and online. Reduced fares are available for seniors (65+), individuals with disabilities, students, and children aged 5-13. Children under 5 ride free.
System Coverage and Connectivity
METRO connects passengers to Houston’s major destinations including:
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (via bus route 102)
- William P. Hobby Airport (via bus route 40)
- Downtown Transit Center
- Texas Medical Center
- University of Houston
- Rice University
- Houston Zoo and Hermann Park
- NRG Stadium and NRG Park
- Minute Maid Park
- Toyota Center
- Theater District
Planning Your Trip
METRO provides multiple resources for trip planning, including the METRO TRIP mobile app with real-time vehicle tracking, service alerts, and interactive maps. The system’s website offers downloadable route schedules, system maps in PDF format, and a comprehensive trip planner tool. Digital displays at rail stations and major transit centers provide real-time arrival information, making it easy to plan connections and minimize wait times for both daily commuting and recreational travel throughout the Greater Houston region.
