$39 Cheap flight deals from Houston (HOU) to Dallas (DFW)

When you travel from Houston to Dallas, you will trade that laid-back lifestyle for exciting urban adventure. Although both cities are located in Texas and have a strong southwestern influence, Dallas is definitely the more cosmopolitan of the two. Use Orbitz.com to book your air tickets and make your travel arrangements, and you'll have access to some of the best bargain prices available.

The Houston Airport

The Houston airport, known as the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, is located just 22 miles north of Houston's city center. United and American Airlines offer daily nonstop flights from Houston to Dallas and a few flights with connections either through New Orleans or Killeen.

Travelers driving to the airport will find several choices in parking, ranging from $25 per day for valet parking to $4.62 per day for uncovered parking at the economy Ecopark. If you prefer not to drive, you will find several taxi companies that offer airport transportation. Depending on where you are coming from, cab prices can be hefty, and you should expect to pay more than $50 to get to the airport from downtown Houston. The SuperShuttle share-a-ride service is more economical, or you can pay just a little more than the cab fare and hire a private car service.

Whether you want a quick beverage or a sit-down meal, you'll find plenty of options at each of the terminals. You can grab a snack at Auntie Anne's Pretzels, nosh on oysters at Bubba's Bayou Grill or have a cocktail at the Center Bar. The airport's website has a handy directory of all of the eateries, as well as the terminal they are located in and the gates they are near.

Heading for Dallas

Although they are fairly close together geographically, the cultures of Houston and Dallas are miles apart. Dallas offers visitors a vibrant nightlife, plenty of cultural opportunities, historic landmarks, high-end shopping and authentic barbeque that is unique to Dallas. In fact, more than 27 million people visit Dallas each year, making it the top tourist destination in Texas.

Exploring the City

Once you land at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, you'll find several choices in ground transportation. Taxis are available right outside of baggage claim, and you can expect the fare to downtown Dallas to be approximately $40. You can take a free shuttle to the car rental facility, located at 2424 East 38th Street, to pick up a car from most of the major companies, including Hertz, Alamo, Budget, Avis and National. Private car and limousine service is also available with advance booking, or you can use the Airporter scheduled van service or Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) bus to get to your final destination.

With the exception of the summer months when temperatures can soar close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the Dallas climate is a bit milder than Houston's. Winter temperatures can dip into the high 30s but generally stay in the 40s and 50s. May and June usually receive the most precipitation, so be sure to pack an umbrella or rain slicker if you plan to visit during those months.

Once you get settled in, you'll find plenty of things to see and do in Dallas. Thrill seekers should make time to visit Six Flags Over Texas, the largest amusement park in the area, SpeedZone and the Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park. Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy a day at White Rock Lake Park, a bike trip down the Katy Trail or sailing on Lake Grapevine. Families might enjoy a day at the Dallas Zoo, a visit to the Dallas Heritage Village or a stroll through the Dallas World Aquarium and Rainforest.

From Cowboys to Urban Adventure

Whether you visit Dallas to enjoy the nightlife, indulge in Texas barbeque or simply tour the city, you will not be disappointed. Just be sure to plan your trip so that you have enough time to enjoy all that Dallas has to offer, and remember to use Orbitz.com to find the best bargain deals to get you from Houston to Dallas.