City Guide: Houston

AmericasUnited States
Written By Cat

Published: June 2026

Introduction

Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest city in the United States, with a metropolitan population of more than 7 million people. It is one of North America’s most important business centres, recognised globally for its strength in energy, healthcare, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology and life sciences. The city is home to the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex, while NASA’s Johnson Space Center underpins Houston’s reputation as a global aerospace hub.

For UK businesses, Houston serves as a gateway to the US Gulf Coast market and wider North American opportunities. The city attracts international firms seeking access to the energy sector, clean technology projects, engineering expertise, international trade networks and major infrastructure developments. Houston also maintains a strong international outlook, supported by extensive diplomatic representation and global business connections.

Recent investment in airport infrastructure, convention facilities and innovation districts continues to strengthen Houston’s appeal for international companies. Houston Airports handled more than 63 million passengers in 2024, while expansion projects at the George R. Brown Convention Center are enhancing the city’s capacity to host major global conferences and exhibitions.

Business Travel

The primary international gateway is George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), located approximately 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston. The airport offers extensive international connectivity and is a major hub for United Airlines. British Airways operates direct flights between London Heathrow and Houston, with a typical flight time of around 10 hours.

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) serves mainly domestic and regional routes and is located closer to central Houston.

Travel times from IAH to Downtown Houston are typically 25–40 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing service, depending on traffic. Houston’s public transport network is operated by METRO, which provides bus services and the METRORail light rail system connecting Downtown, Midtown, the Museum District, Texas Medical Center and NRG Park.

Major business districts include Downtown Houston, the Energy Corridor, Uptown/Galleria, the Texas Medical Center, and emerging innovation hubs around Midtown. Business travellers generally choose accommodation in Downtown, Uptown/Galleria or the Medical Center area due to convenient access to offices, conference facilities and transport links.

Business culture is professional but generally less formal than in some international financial centres. Punctuality is valued, meetings often begin with informal conversation, and relationship-building remains important. Houston is considered a relatively safe business destination, although visitors should exercise normal urban precautions, particularly when travelling late at night or in unfamiliar areas.

Key Business Districts and Commercial Areas

Downtown Houston is the city’s principal commercial centre, hosting corporate headquarters, financial services firms, law practices and major conference venues including the George R. Brown Convention Center. It offers excellent transport connectivity through METRO services and direct access to hotels and meeting facilities.

The Energy Corridor, located west of Downtown along Interstate 10, is one of the world’s leading concentrations of energy companies, engineering consultancies and technology providers serving the oil, gas and renewable energy sectors.

Uptown/Galleria combines corporate offices, professional services firms, luxury hotels and conference facilities. It is a popular location for international meetings and business accommodation.

Texas Medical Center is the focal point for healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical research organisations. It attracts international partnerships, investment and specialist conferences.

Midtown and Innovation Districts are increasingly important for technology start-ups, digital businesses and innovation-focused organisations seeking collaboration with universities, research institutions and corporate partners.

Events and Exhibitions

Houston hosts numerous internationally significant business events:

CERAWeek by S&P Global (March) – Energy, sustainability and climate technology. One of the world’s most influential energy conferences, attracting senior executives, policymakers and investors. Website: https://www.ceraweek.com

Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) (May) – Offshore energy, engineering and marine technology. A major event for UK companies operating across the global energy supply chain. Website: https://www.otcnet.org

Gastech (selected years, rotating venue) – Natural gas, LNG, hydrogen and energy transition sectors. Frequently attracts significant UK participation. Website: https://www.gastechevent.com

Houston Technology Rodeo (seasonal) – Innovation, venture capital and technology entrepreneurship. Important for technology partnerships and investment opportunities. Website: https://www.houstonexponential.org

International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA) Conference and Trade Show (typically spring) – Logistics, storage terminals and energy infrastructure. Relevant to UK industrial and supply-chain businesses. Website: https://www.ilta.org

Major Medical and Life Sciences Conferences held throughout the year at the Texas Medical Center and George R. Brown Convention Center attract healthcare, biotech and research organisations from around the world.

Useful Business Information

  • Time Zone: Central Time (CT), UTC-6; UTC-5 during daylight saving time

  • Currency: US Dollar (USD)

  • Business Hours: Typically 08:00–17:00 Monday–Friday

  • Public Holidays: Federal holidays such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas can affect scheduling

  • Mobile & Internet: Excellent 4G/5G coverage and widespread high-speed internet

  • Electrical Supply: Type A and B plugs, 120V

  • Payment Methods: Credit cards, debit cards, contactless payments and mobile wallets widely accepted

  • Business Language: English

Useful Links and Contacts for UK Businesses

Cat
Previous

City Guide: Hamburg
Next

City Guide: Johannesburg