Surviving in Houston Without a Car

While Houston is often considered a “car city,” we have gathered a few resources below for those who prefer pedal and transit.

For added safety, Rice provides a Night Escort during the Fall and Spring semesters between 10pm-6am. Call 713-348-6000 for the escort service.

Owning a Car

First, if you are considering owning a car while attending Rice, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Review parking rates at Rice. It typically costs less to park farther away. Campus shuttles are available to pick you up, but depending on where they are en route, you should expect to wait up to 15 minutes. You can track campus shuttles on your phone using a Ridesystems Bus Tracker.
  • Car insurance rates vary and typically increase every year.
  • Although gas prices in Houston are typically lower than in other places in the country, they are unpredictable.
  • Car maintenance is another factor that can be both incredibly expensive and inconvenient.

Go here for information on driver’s licenses.
Go here for information regarding vehicle registration and inspection.
Some popular car insurance companies include: Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive.

Owning a Bike

Bicycles are becoming an increasingly affordable and accessible mode of transportation in Houston!

Admittedly, the conditions of some Houston roads are not the best. Still, they are a physically and environmentally healthier alternative, so long as you wear a helmet, use a bell and a flashing light, and pay close attention to your surroundings.

Some things to keep in mind:

  • Be courteous and careful!
  • Pedestrians generally have the right of way; please yield to them.
  • You may be liable if you hit or injure someone, so check your insurance policy to make sure you are covered.
  • You are only allowed to park your bicycle in designated racks provided throughout campus.
  • To protect your bike from theft, you should use a “U” lock, which you can purchase from RUPD.

You can register your bike with RUPD here.

We recommend the video on bicycle safety produced by the Graduate Student Association, Student Association and Cycling & Triathlon Club. To view the video, click here.

Houston METRO

Houston Metro is the city’s public bus and light rail transportation service.

Using the RideMETRO app (available on iPhone and Android), you can plan your route from start to finish, and capture real-time bus and rail arrival information.

Rice University sits directly on the Red Line of the metro. (Refer to rail map for more information.)

Please see https://bursar.rice.edu/metro-qcards for information on Metro cards for Rice students.

Houston METRORail Red Line MapHouston METRORail Green Line MapHouston METRORail Purple Line Map

Rideshare Services

Rideshare services are another convenient mode of local travel.

You can download the apps for these services from the following websites:

Zipcars

Zipcars are available for rental 24/7 at various locations on Rice campus. All drivers (including international drivers) must be 18 years old and have a good driving record to qualify for this service.

  • Qualifying students, faculty, and staff can get a Zipcar membership for $35/year ($55/year for alumni)
  • This cost includes gas and insurance
  • Rental prices vary depending on the timing of your trip (e.g., weekday or weekend) and the car you choose

Transit Options to Airport

Ground transportation for George Bush Intercontinental Airport: https://fly2houston.com/iah/ground-transportation.
Ground transportation for Hobby Airport: https://fly2houston.com/hou/ground-transportation.
Nonstop daily bus route between George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Downtown Houston: https://www.ridemetro.org/riding-metro/transit-services/park-and-ride-bus/route-details/500-iah-downtown-direct