Highlands Airport Shuttle
Welcome to Texas Shuttle — reliable, door-to-door airport transportation connecting Highlands, TX with our team Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU). Whether you have an early-morning departure or a late international arrival, our shuttle delivers a non-stop, professionally driven ride between east Harris County and either Houston airport, 24/7, every day of the year. Riding from the Trinity Bay shore in Beach City? See our Beach City shuttle service for direct Hobby and IAH rides.
Highlands sits in east Harris County along the I-10 / US-90 corridor, about 32 miles east of Bush Intercontinental and roughly 27 miles northeast of Hobby. We pick up at any address in 77562 and the surrounding neighborhoods — including East Wood Shores, San Jacinto River Park, and the I-10 frontage corridor near Crosby and Baytown — and route directly to your terminal with no shared stops and no transfers mid-trip.
Why Choose Texas Shuttle for Highlands?
- Local route expertise: Our drivers run this corridor daily — I-10 West to Beltway 8 North for IAH, I-10 West to Beltway 8 South for Hobby — and know how to dodge the typical bottlenecks at the 610 East Loop and the Lockwood / Mercury exits during peak hours.
- Direct to terminal: We drop you curbside at the departures level at both IAH (Terminals A, B, C, D, E) and Hobby. No park-and-ride, no airport-shuttle transfers, no detours through unrelated zip codes.
- Flight tracking included: Every reservation is matched to your flight number. If your incoming flight is delayed or rerouted, the pickup adjusts automatically — you don't pay change fees and you don't pay for wait time.
- Personalized service: From your front door in Highlands to the curbside at IAH or Hobby, a single professional driver in a clean, late-model SUV or sedan handles the entire trip.
Highlands to Houston Airport: Route & Drive Time
The fastest route from most of Highlands to our team Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is I-10 West to Beltway 8 North (Sam Houston Tollway East), exiting at JFK Boulevard for the IAH terminals. Typical drive time is 40-55 minutes in normal traffic, with morning rush (6–9 AM westbound) adding 10-20 minutes. The straight driving distance is about 32 miles.
For William P. Hobby (HOU), the fastest route is I-10 West to Beltway 8 South, exiting at Broadway / Airport Boulevard. Typical drive time is 35-50 minutes at about 27 miles. Hobby's smaller footprint and single-terminal layout means curbside drop-off is faster than IAH — we recommend allowing 90 minutes pre-flight for Hobby and 120 minutes for IAH (150 for international departures from Terminal D).
If you're traveling from the Highlands — Crosby corridor (north of I-10), the alternative is US-90 West to Beltway 8 North — comparable distance, slightly less reliable in afternoon traffic. Our drivers pick the live-traffic-optimal route at pickup time, not a fixed corridor.
Pricing & What You'll Pay
Flat one-way rates from Highlands start at $84 for 1–3 passengers in a sedan or SUV. Pricing is mileage-based and depends on (a) your exact pickup address in Highlands or east Harris County, (b) which Houston airport you're flying out of, and (c) the number of passengers and bags. Round-trip bookings save 10% with promo code ONLINE, and you can lock in non-stop (no shared ride) with promo code NONSTOP. There are no hidden fuel, tolls, or meet-and-greet surcharges — the quoted flat rate is the final price.
Compared to ride-share to Houston airports from Highlands, our service is typically priced within a few dollars of an UberX surge-priced fare but with a guaranteed driver, no surge-pricing risk on early-morning or holiday slots, professional flight tracking on returns, and a clean late-model vehicle every time. For groups of 4+ passengers, our SUVs are routinely cheaper than ride-share XL.
Travel Tips for Highlands Riders
- Book the night before for early flights. Highlands has limited 24/7 ride-share supply at 4–5 AM. Booking us in advance guarantees a driver is dispatched and en route before your pickup window opens.
- IAH international departures — allow 2.5 hours. Terminal D international security lines run long; the drive from Highlands plus airport buffer should add up to ~2.5 hours pre-flight.
- Hurricane-season returns: Houston airports occasionally divert during Gulf storms. Our flight-tracking system catches diversions and reschedules pickups automatically — just keep your phone on after landing.
- Group travel: Up to 4 adults with standard luggage fit comfortably in our SUVs. Larger groups (5–7) should request a van at booking.
- Returning to Highlands: Meet your driver at Ground Transportation, lower-level curbside outside baggage claim at IAH or Hobby. Your driver will text on arrival; no need to call the office to coordinate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical door-to-door drive time from Highlands to Houston airports?
From Highlands to our team Bush Intercontinental (IAH), expect 40-55 minutes via I-10 West and Beltway 8 North in normal traffic. To William P. Hobby (HOU), expect 35-50 minutes via I-10 West and Beltway 8 South. Morning rush (6–9 AM) and afternoon rush (4–7 PM) can add 15-25 minutes; our drivers pick the live-traffic-optimal route at pickup.
Can I request a pickup at any address in Highlands?
Yes. We pick up at any residential or commercial address in Highlands (ZIP 77562) and the surrounding east Harris County area — including Crosby, Baytown, Channelview, and Mont Belvieu. Just enter your full street address when booking to get an accurate quote.
How do you handle flight delays?
Every reservation is matched to your flight number, and our system tracks your flight automatically. If you're delayed inbound, the pickup time adjusts — no change fee, no wait-time charge. If you're departing and your flight pushes back, call our office at (817) 403-6196 and we'll re-coordinate your pickup window.
Ready to book your trip? Contact Texas Shuttle today at (817) 403-6196 or visit our website to reserve online. Use promo code ONLINE for a 10% discount on round trips.
What Is the Highlands Shuttle?
The Highlands Shuttle is a dedicated van service that connects the main entrance of UAB Hospital‑Highlands with the ramp at Spain Wallace Towers on 19th St South. Operated by UAB Transportation, the shuttle provides a fast, safe link for patients, visitors, staff, and students who need to move between the hospital’s high‑rise campus and the broader university precinct. The service runs early each morning, starting at 5:30 a.m., and continues throughout the day to accommodate shift workers, early classes, and midday appointments.
Unlike the larger fixed‑route buses of the Blazer Express fleet, the Highlands Shuttle uses smaller vans that can navigate tighter campus roads and provide more frequent stops near key medical buildings. The shuttle is a vital piece of the UAB multimodal transportation network, complementing the six fixed‑route bus lines and the two other van services that together move more than 6,000 riders per day across the campus.
Key Routes and Stops
Understanding the layout of the Highlands Shuttle network helps you choose the most efficient path. Below is a quick‑reference table that compares the shuttle van routes with the main Blazer Express bus routes, highlighting operating hours, primary coverage, and notable landmarks.
| Service Name | Vehicle Type | Operating Hours | Key Stops / Coverage | Typical Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAB Highlands Shuttle | Van | 5:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | UAB Hospital‑Highlands main entrance ↔ Spain Wallace Towers (19th St South) ↔ Campus Parking Lot C | ≈ 5–7 minutes |
| Highlands Express | Van | 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | UAB Highlands ↔ University Hall ↔ Medical Education Bldg | ≈ 8–10 minutes |
| Blazer Express – Blue Route | Bus | 5:20 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. | Zone C (608 8th St South) ↔ Student Union ↔ Research Building B ↔ Library | ≈ 10–12 minutes |
| Blazer Express – Green North | Bus | 5:20 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. | North Campus ↔ Engineering Complex ↔ North Pavilion | ≈ 12–15 minutes |
| Blazer Express – Green South | Bus | 5:20 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. | South Campus ↔ Business School ↔ Campus Green | ≈ 12–15 minutes |
| Blazer Express – North Pavilion | Bus | 5:20 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. | North Pavilion ↔ Student Health Center ↔ Parking Lot A | ≈ 10–12 minutes |
| Blazer Express – Purple | Bus | 5:20 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. | Purple Line ↔ Residence Halls ↔ Library | ≈ 10–12 minutes |
| Blazer Express – TKC | Bus | 5:20 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. | Thomas‑Kelley Complex ↔ Student Union ↔ Campus Rec Center | ≈ 10–12 minutes |
The UAB Highlands Shuttle is distinguished by its direct connection to the hospital’s main entrance, making it the preferred option for patients needing quick access to clinical departments, as well as for staff commuting from parking areas on the south side of campus. Meanwhile, the Highlands Express extends service to additional academic buildings, offering a more comprehensive coverage of the highland zone.
How to Use the Highlands Shuttle
Step 1 – Plan Your Trip
Before you head out, check the latest schedule on the UAB Highlands Shuttle page. The site provides a downloadable PDF of the route map, real‑time arrival estimates, and a mobile‑friendly trip planner. You can also view the Blazer Express route list to see if a bus might be faster for your origin or destination.
Step 2 – Boarding and Fare
All UAB shuttle services are free for students with a valid UAB ID and for UAB employees. Visitors and non‑affiliated riders may be asked to pay a small, estimated fare that covers operating costs; the exact amount can vary, so it’s best to check the contact page for the latest information. Payment can be made with a campus transit card, a credit/debit card at on‑board kiosks, or via the UAB Mobile Transit App.
Step 3 – Real‑Time Updates
The UAB Transit App (available on iOS and Android) pushes notifications for service changes, detours, or weather‑related delays. For example, if a special event blocks 19th St South, the shuttle may reroute temporarily; the app will display an alert and an updated ETA. You can also follow UAB Transit on Twitter for live updates.
Safety and Support Services
UAB prioritizes rider safety across all transportation modes. If you ever feel unsafe waiting for a shuttle, the university offers a Safety Escort Service that can accompany you to a nearby stop or your vehicle. To request an escort, call 205‑934‑8772 or visit the UAB Safety Escort page. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is staffed by trained security personnel.
All shuttle vans are equipped with GPS tracking, which allows dispatchers to monitor location in real time and adjust schedules if a vehicle experiences a mechanical issue. Additionally, each van contains an emergency contact button that directly links to UAB Police.
Advertising Opportunities on the Blazer Express
The Blazer Express fleet presents a unique marketing platform for campus departments, local businesses, and community organizations. With 300+ advertising opportunities spread across 14 buses and 10 bus shelters, you can target a captive audience of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Options include:
- Interior bus cards and digital screens
- Exterior bus wraps
- Shelter bench signage and digital kiosks
- Mobile billboard placements on van sides
For details on pricing and availability, contact the Blazer Express Ads page or call 205‑934‑3514.
Contact Information and Reservations
If you need to arrange special transportation for a group, schedule a charter, or ask about lost items, the UAB Transportation office is ready to help:
- General inquiries & reservations: 205‑934‑3514
- Safety Escort service: 205‑934‑8772
- Email: transportation@uab.edu
- Website: texasshuttle.com
When contacting the office, be prepared to provide your pick‑up location, desired drop‑off point, estimated number of passengers, and any special needs (e.g., wheelchair accessibility). Advance notice of at least 24 hours is recommended for charter requests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the operating hours of the UAB Highlands Shuttle?
The shuttle begins service at 5:30 a.m. and continues until approximately 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. During weekends and university holidays, the frequency may be reduced, so check the schedule for any adjustments.
2. Is the Highlands Shuttle wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts and securement areas to accommodate riders with mobility devices. If you require a specific type of assistance, you can call 205‑934‑3514 in advance to ensure a suitable vehicle is assigned.
3. Can I use my campus transit card on the Highlands Shuttle?
4. How do I track the shuttle’s real‑time location?
5. What should I do if I leave something on the shuttle?
6. Are pets allowed on the shuttle?
7. Does the shuttle run during severe weather?
Plan Your Journey Today
Whether you’re a patient heading to a morning appointment at UAB Hospital‑