For Houston travelers who are short on time but craving a change of scenery, a quick flight under 300 miles might be the perfect escape. Whether it’s a Texas weekend getaway or a last-minute Spring Break destination, flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) offer plenty of options that get you there in about an hour—or less.

Under an Hour: The Quickest Flights from IAH

The shortest commercial flight out of Bush Airport takes just 54 minutes and covers 123 miles to Victoria, Texas. The South Texas city may not be a household name for travelers, but its historic charm and access to the Guadalupe River make it a hidden gem worth visiting. 

Nearby, Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a 60-minute flight away and offers an entirely different kind of escape—one that includes casino resorts, live music and Creole cuisine.

For travelers looking to stay in Texas but get out of Houston, quick 60-minute flights to Austin or San Antonio make a weekend trip more convenient than ever. Skip the I-10 traffic and land in San Antonio’s River Walk district or hit the music scene in Austin with time to spare.

Beyond Texas: Louisiana & the Gulf Coast

If a weekend of Cajun food and Southern hospitality sounds appealing, Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana, are all within a 1.5-hour flight from IAH.

For a coastal escape, Corpus Christi is just a 60 flight away, offering easy access to Padre Island National Seashore—a prime spot for spring breakers or anyone seeking sun and sand.

From Hobby Airport: The Fast Track to Texas Destinations

The same quick access applies for travelers flying out of Hobby Airport. Flights to Austin, Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Dallas range from 55 to 103 minutes, giving travelers multiple options for a quick Texas getaway.

And for those eyeing the southern tip of Texas, Harlingen offers a gateway to the Rio Grande Valley, South Padre Island and the Gulf Coast. The flight from Houston is one hour. 

Why Fly? The Case for Skipping the Drive

The debate over whether to fly or drive is common for destinations like Austin and San Antonio. But a 55-minute flight can shave hours off a road trip, especially when contending with traffic in Houston and Austin. This allows more time for exploring, dining or just relaxing.

With flights to nine Texas cities and five Louisiana destinations--all under 300 miles--Houston’s airports provide a convenient launchpad for spontaneous weekend getaways and easy vacation escapes.

The only question left? Where to next?