Livingston to Houston Airport Shuttle
The route from Livingston to Houston covers roughly 75 miles via US-59 South / I-69 South, with George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) about 70 miles away and William P. Hobby (HOU) about 90 miles. Expect a door-to-door drive time of about 75 to 115 minutes depending on which airport you are flying out of and Houston traffic on US-59, the Eastex Freeway, Beltway 8 and I-610.
Livingston is the seat of Polk County, home to Lake Livingston State Park, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and Naskila Casino, and a regular stop for travelers from Onalaska, Goodrich, and the broader East Texas piney woods. Our professional drivers will get you to your chosen Houston airport terminal on time, ready to embark on your journey.
At Houston's airports — Hobby Airport or George Bush Intercontinental — we serve every terminal so that no matter where you are flying from, we have you covered. Whether you are a business traveler or visiting family, our shuttle services are designed to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions: Livingston to Houston Shuttle
Here are the questions real Livingston travelers ask us most before they book:
How do I book a Livingston to Houston airport shuttle?
You can book a Livingston to Houston shuttle online 24/7 through the Texas Shuttle booking tool or by phone at (817) 403-6196. Enter your Livingston pickup address (Polk County, ZIP 77351 — town, Lake Livingston, Onalaska, Goodrich, or any nearby community) and your Houston destination — George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU), the Texas Medical Center, downtown, or any Houston-area address — for an instant door-to-door quote. No account required. Use promo code ONLINE for 10% off round trips.
How long does the Livingston to Houston shuttle take?
Livingston sits roughly 75 miles north of central Houston via US-59 South / I-69 South. A typical non-stop ride takes about 90 minutes to downtown Houston or the Texas Medical Center, about 75 to 90 minutes to George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) which is the closer of the two airports, and about 100 to 115 minutes to William P. Hobby (HOU) on the south side. Houston rush hour on US-59 / Eastex Freeway / I-610 can add 20 to 40 minutes — we monitor traffic and leave Livingston earlier when needed so you make your flight.
How far is Livingston from IAH and Hobby airports?
From downtown Livingston: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is about 70 miles south via US-59 South / I-69 South — the closer of the two major airports and our most common drop-off. William P. Hobby (HOU) is about 90 miles south, adding roughly 20 minutes on Beltway 8 East or I-610. Downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center are roughly 75 miles via US-59 South.
How much does a Livingston to Houston shuttle cost?
Fares for Livingston to Houston door-to-door private shuttle service start around $195 for a 1-3 passenger sedan to IAH, with the final price depending on your exact Livingston-area pickup address (town, Lake Livingston, Onalaska, Goodrich), your Houston drop-off (IAH, Hobby, downtown, Medical Center, or a residential address), group size, vehicle type and time of day. Use the booking tool for an instant, no-account-needed quote. Use promo code ONLINE for 10% off round trips.
Is the Livingston to Houston shuttle door-to-door?
Yes — every Livingston to Houston trip is fully door-to-door. We pick you up at your home, hotel or business address anywhere in the Livingston / Polk County area — in town, on Lake Livingston, around Onalaska, Goodrich, the Naskila Casino area, or any 77351 residential address — and drop you off at your exact Houston destination (IAH terminal curb, Hobby Airport, Texas Medical Center, downtown hotel, or any home address). No park-and-ride lots, no transfer points along US-59.
Is this a shared shuttle or a private ride?
All Texas Shuttle trips between Livingston and Houston are private — you are not pooled with strangers. Your vehicle (sedan, SUV, or Mercedes Sprinter depending on group size) carries only your party. That means we go non-stop from your Livingston pickup straight to your Houston destination on US-59 South / I-69 South, with no detours to drop off other passengers and no waiting at park-and-ride lots.
What route do you take from Livingston to Houston?
Our drivers run the direct US-59 South / I-69 South corridor through Goodrich, Cleveland, New Caney, and Humble straight into north Houston. For IAH we exit at Will Clayton Parkway or Beltway 8 East. For Hobby and downtown we continue south on US-59 / Eastex Freeway to I-610 or Beltway 8. We use live traffic to reroute around incidents on US-59 or I-610 so you still make your flight.
How much luggage can I bring on the Livingston to Houston shuttle?
For 1-3 passengers in a sedan, we comfortably handle 3 standard checked bags plus carry-ons — typical for a Livingston family flying out of IAH or Hobby. For 4+ passengers we send an SUV or Mercedes Sprinter shuttle that handles 7 to 14 checked bags depending on configuration. Tell us your bag count and group size at booking and we'll match you to the right vehicle — no surprise fees, no left-behind suitcases.
Do you offer car seats and child seats for the Livingston to Houston shuttle?
Yes. We can supply infant, toddler and booster seats on request — just add the seat type and child age in the notes when you book, or call (817) 403-6196. Texas law requires children under 8 (and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches tall) to ride in an appropriate seat, and our drivers will install and check it before pickup.
What if my flight to Houston is delayed before my shuttle back to Livingston?
Add your flight number at booking and we monitor it automatically. If your inbound flight to IAH or Hobby is delayed, your Houston airport pickup time shifts to match the new arrival — no need to call or rebook before heading to baggage claim. We meet you at the terminal arrivals curb (IAH Terminal A/B/C/D/E or HOU baggage claim). If plans change for any other reason, contact us at (817) 403-6196 and we'll coordinate a new pickup window.
How early should I leave Livingston for a flight at IAH or Hobby?
We recommend leaving Livingston about 4 hours before a domestic departure at IAH and about 4.5 hours before a Hobby departure: roughly 90 minutes of drive time on US-59 (a bit more for Hobby), a 30 to 45 minute traffic buffer for I-610 / Beltway 8, plus the airline's recommended 2 hours at the curb. For international flights at IAH, add another 30 to 60 minutes. We will suggest a pickup time when you book.
What is the cancellation and refund policy on the Livingston to Houston shuttle?
You can change the date and time of your Livingston to Houston reservation at no cost. Cancellations made more than 24 hours before pickup are fully refundable. Cancellations inside 24 hours may be subject to a fee depending on driver dispatch status. Call (817) 403-6196 to discuss any change — we work with you whenever we can.
On-route landmarks, pricing context, and Houston travel tips
How Far Is Livingston, TX from Houston, TX?
Livingston, Texas sits about 70 miles northeast of Houston as the crow flies, but the actual driving distance is longer. According to distance-cities.com, the trip covers 78 miles (126 kilometers) by car when you follow the US-59 corridor southwest into the city. Under normal traffic conditions, the drive takes roughly 1 hour and 38 minutes non-stop.
That makes Livingston one of the closer East Texas towns to the Houston metro area — close enough for a day trip, a commute, or a quick shuttle run to the airports, yet far enough that planning your departure time matters. Below, we break down the route, the costs, the bus option, and everything else you need to know before making the trip from Livingston to Houston.
The Best Driving Route: US-59 (Future I-69) All the Way
The simplest thing about this trip is the routing: you essentially stay on one highway the whole way. From Livingston, head south on US-59 (which is being upgraded as part of the future Interstate 69 corridor), passing through or near small East Texas communities like Goodrich, Cleveland, and Splendora before the road feeds into northeast Houston. Once you reach the city, US-59 — signed as I-69 in the urban section — carries you toward downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and connections to Loop 610 and Beltway 8.
Tips for the Drive
- Leave early or mid-morning. Inbound traffic on US-59/I-69 into Houston builds steadily from about 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays.
- Watch for speed trap towns. Small communities along US-59 between Livingston and Cleveland enforce posted limits closely.
- Fuel up in Cleveland or Splendora. Gas stations are plentiful there, and prices are often a few cents lower than at Livingston's in-town pumps.
- Check conditions after heavy rain. East Texas flash flooding occasionally closes low-lying stretches of the highway, especially near the San Jacinto River basin.
Gas Cost and Driving Expenses (Estimates)
Based on an average Texas regular-gas price of $3.94 per gallon (the figure distance-cities.com used in its calculation), the estimated cost of gas to drive from Livingston to Houston is about $12 one way in a typical passenger car. Carpooling or taking the bus cuts your personal share of that footprint considerably.
Driving vs. Taking the Bus from Livingston to Houston
If you'd rather not drive — or you don't have a car in Livingston — Greyhound operates service on this corridor. Here's how the two options stack up:
| Factor | Driving Your Own Car | Greyhound Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 78 miles via US-59 | About 73 miles on Greyhound's routing |
| Travel time | About 1 hour 38 minutes non-stop | As fast as 1 hour 35 minutes (per Greyhound) |
| Typical cost | Roughly $12 in gas each way (estimate) | Advertised fares start under twenty dollars; check Greyhound for current deals |
| Daily departures | Any time you like | 1 scheduled departure per day (per Greyhound) |
| First/last bus | — | First and last departure both leave at 3:30 p.m. |
| Baggage | No limits, bring what fits | 1 carry-on (16x12x7 in, up to 25 lbs) + 1 checked bag included free |
| Flexibility | Full control of stops and schedule | Fixed schedule; arrive early to check in |
What to Expect on the Greyhound Trip
Greyhound's fastest Livingston-to-Houston run takes around 1 hour 35 minutes and covers approximately 73 miles, per Greyhound's own schedule data. The key thing to know: there is only one departure per day, at 3:30 p.m. — and that 3:30 p.m. bus is both the first and the last bus of the day. Miss it, and you're waiting until the next afternoon or finding another way down.
Your bus arrives at one of two Houston stops, so check your ticket carefully:
- Houston Bus Station (Greyhound) — 7000 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011. The bus boards inside the Greyhound station. This is the east-side station, convenient for the Second Ward, EaDo, and connections onward.
- Downtown Houston (Gray St.) — 605 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002. Here, the bus boards in the parking lot at 605 Gray St. This stop puts you within walking distance of downtown hotels, restaurants, and the theater district.
How to Book Your Bus Ticket to Houston from Livingston
- Go to Greyhound.com or use the mobile app and search Livingston, TX to Houston, TX.
- Pick the single daily 3:30 p.m. departure — there's only one, so no schedule comparison needed.
- Choose your fare type; booking earlier generally gets you the lowest advertised price.
- Add any extras at checkout only if you need them (extra bags, seat selection, etc.).
- Arrive at the Livingston stop at least 30–45 minutes before departure with your ticket or confirmation ready to check.
Need to make a change after booking? Greyhound allows modifications to many tickets through its website or app — review the fare rules shown during checkout, since change policies vary by ticket type.
The Halfway Point: Splendora, TX
Planning a meetup or a rest stop? The midpoint of the journey works out to a spot about 39.16 miles from Livingston, which takes roughly 49 minutes to reach from either end. The closest town to that halfway point is Splendora, Texas — located about 38 miles from Livingston and 37 miles from Houston. Per distance-cities.com, it's about a 43-minute drive from Livingston to Splendora and about 41 minutes from Houston.
Splendora makes a practical rendezvous point: it sits right on the US-59 corridor, has gas stations and fast food near the highway, and is far enough from Houston's sprawl that parking is easy. Cleveland, a few miles further north, is the larger option with more restaurants, grocery stores, and lodging.
Things to See Along the Way
The drive from Livingston to Houston is classic East Texas: pine forest, rolling pastureland, and slow-moving lakeside scenery. A few worthwhile landmarks:
- Lake Livingston — one of the largest lakes in Texas sits right at Livingston's doorstep. If you're passing through on a weekend morning, the lakeside parks and marinas are worth a short detour before you head south.
- Sam Houston National Forest — the western edge of this 160,000-plus-acre forest flanks the US-59 corridor south of Livingston, offering hiking, camping, and picnicking options if you want to stretch your legs.
- Cleveland, TX — the biggest town between Livingston and Houston along the route, and the most convenient place for a real sit-down meal or a grocery stop.
- Big Sandy Creek and the San Jacinto River crossings — scenic bridge views as the highway winds through bottomland on the approach to the Houston suburbs.
Weather in Livingston and Houston
Livingston and Houston share a humid subtropical climate, but there are subtle differences worth knowing. Livingston, being further inland and north, typically runs a degree or two cooler in winter and sees slightly cooler summer nights. Houston's proximity to Galveston Bay means higher humidity, denser morning fog on the highways, and greater exposure to tropical systems during hurricane season (June through November).
For travelers, the practical takeaway: summer afternoons are hot and humid in both cities — run your errands early — while late fall through early spring offers the most pleasant driving weather. Always check the forecast before the drive in winter, because rare ice storms can shut down East Texas highways with little warning, and in late summer, watch for tropical weather systems that can dump heavy rain along the US-59 corridor.
Recommended Hotels in Houston, TX
If your trip ends with an overnight stay, Houston's hotel options cluster in a few areas that make sense depending on your plans:
- Downtown Houston — closest to the Gray St. bus stop. Expect walkable access to Minute Maid Park, the Toyota Center, Discovery Green, and major convention hotels.
- Greenway Plaza / Upper Kirby — a solid middle ground between downtown and the Texas Medical Center, with good highway access back to US-59/I-69.
- Texas Medical Center area — the right choice if your trip is medical-related; numerous extended-stay and patient-focused lodgings serve this district.
- Energy Corridor / West Houston — better if you're headed west after arrival and want to avoid downtown traffic entirely.
Book in advance during major events — Houston Grand Prix weekends, Rodeo season in early spring, and large convention dates can fill the downtown core quickly.
Lowest Price Rental Cars in Livingston, TX
Rental options in Livingston itself are limited compared to Houston — this is a small town of under 6,000 people. Your best bets are:
- Local agencies and independent dealers in Livingston — call ahead; availability in small East Texas towns can be scarce and walk-in rentals aren't guaranteed.
- Compare online first. Rental price comparison sites will show the lowest available rates for Livingston pickup, and often a Houston airport pickup is cheaper if you can get there another way.
- One-way strategy. Some travelers rent in Houston and drop in Livingston (or vice versa) — confirm one-way fees before booking, as they vary widely by company.
Rates fluctuate with demand, season, and vehicle class, so treat any advertised "lowest price" as a starting point and compare at least two providers before committing.
Planning Your Trip from Livingston to Houston?
Here's the quick checklist before you go:
- Check your vehicle — tires, coolant, and AC matter in Texas heat, especially in summer.
- Time your arrival — hit Houston before 6:30 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays to dodge rush hour on I-69/US-59.
- Book the bus early — with only one 3:30 p.m. departure daily, seats for the cheapest fare tiers go first.
- Know your destination stop — Harrisburg Blvd or Gray St. makes a big difference across Houston.
- Have a backup plan — a single daily bus and one main highway means weather or a breakdown can strand plans; know your alternatives.
If you're connecting from other East Texas towns, we also cover similar corridor trips including Lufkin to Houston, Huntsville to Houston, and Nacogdoches to Houston — all useful if you're coordinating group travel into the city.
Frequently Asked Questions: Livingston to Houston
How long does it take to drive from Livingston to Houston?
Non-stop, the drive takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes covering roughly 78 miles along the US-59 route, according to distance-cities.com. Add 15–30 minutes during Houston's morning or evening rush hours.
Is there a bus from Livingston to Houston?
Yes. Greyhound operates one daily departure from Livingston to Houston, leaving at 3:30 p.m. The fastest buses make the trip in about 1 hour 35 minutes and arrive at either the Harrisburg Blvd station or the downtown Gray St. stop. Fares are among the cheapest ways to make the trip — check Greyhound's site for current pricing and deals.
How much does gas cost for the Livingston to Houston drive?
Using Texas's average regular gas price of $3.94 per gallon as the baseline, the one-way fuel cost is estimated at roughly $12 for an average car. Your actual cost depends on your vehicle's mileage and current pump prices.
What is the halfway point between Livingston and Houston?
The closest town to the halfway point is Splendora, TX, about 38 miles from Livingston and 37 miles from Houston — around 40–45 minutes of driving from either end. Cleveland is the nearest larger town if you want more dining and fuel options.
What's the cheapest way to get from Livingston to Houston?
For a solo traveler without a car, the Greyhound bus is typically the cheapest option, with advertised fares starting under twenty dollars. If you're driving anyway, gas runs an estimated $12 one way, so carpooling with two or three passengers makes the car competitive or cheaper per person.
Where does the Greyhound bus arrive in Houston?
Depending on your ticket, the bus arrives at the Houston Bus Station at 7000 Harrisburg Blvd (77011), where boarding happens inside the station, or at the downtown stop at 605 Gray St (77002), where boarding takes place in the parking lot. Confirm your stop when booking.
How much baggage can I bring on the Greyhound from Livingston?
Per Greyhound's policy, you can bring one carry-on bag (16x12x7 inches, up to 25 lbs) and one checked bag at no extra cost. Additional bags incur fees, so pack accordingly if you're making a long stay in Houston.
Any Questions or Tips to Share?
Locals know this road best. If you've made the Livingston to Houston drive recently — or ride the 3:30 p.m. Greyhound regularly — we'd love to hear how it went. Did you find a better gas stop in Cleveland? A faster way around a 610 closure? A tip for first-time bus riders at the Gray St. stop? Share your experience so the next traveler heading down US-59 knows what to expect. Safe travels, and enjoy the drive through the piney woods.